I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato
Charlie & Lola Series
on Goodreads (8,185)
What’s inside...
Charlie's little sister Lola is a picky eater and refuses to eat many things, including tomatoes. Despite her strong aversion, Charlie cleverly manages to trick her into eating a tomato one day.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Lola's opinion about tomatoes change by the end of the story? What do you think made her change her mind?
If you could create a fantastical name for a food you don't like, what would it be?
Why do you think Charlie invented funny stories about the food?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new and ended up liking it?
What is your favorite part of the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to make the story more enjoyable; change your voice for different characters to keep your child engaged.
After reading, collaborate with your child to create fun, imaginative names for some of their least favorite foods, just like Charlie did.
Discuss the importance of trying new things and relate them to Lola’s experiences in the book.
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings towards different foods and discuss healthy eating habits.
Connect the story to your child's life by discussing any similar experiences they might have had with food or other new experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity overcomes challenges
Explanation: The character Lola is very picky about her food. Her brother Charlie uses his imagination to rename foods in ways that pique Lola’s interest, demonstrating the power of creativity in overcoming day-to-day challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their imagination to solve problems, whether it's trying new foods or dealing with other challenges in daily life.
Example Lesson: Trying new things can be fun
Explanation: As Lola explores foods she previously avoided, she discovers that they're not as bad as she thought. This shift happens through the playful and creative approach taken by her brother.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to approach new experiences with an open mind, which can include trying new activities or making new friends.
Example Lesson: The importance of sibling support and cooperation
Explanation: Charlie helps Lola to eat her food by making the experience fun and engaging. His supportive approach helps her overcome her fears.
Real-World Application: Highlights how siblings can positively influence each other’s behaviors and work together towards common goals. This can be applied in cooperative play or teamwork within the family.
Example Lesson: Healthy eating
Explanation: Though the book takes a whimsical approach, it ultimately encourages eating a variety of foods, which include fruits and vegetables, disguised under imaginative names.
Real-World Application: Helps parents introduce a variety of healthy foods to their children in a fun and engaging way, promoting better eating habits.