
Reading Age: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 31, 2021
Neela likes cooking with her mother who learned to cook from Neela’s grandmother. Neela’s mother taught Neela about different types of tomatoes at the farmer’s market. They create tomato sauce, save jars of it to eat during winter and to share with her grandmother when she visits from India. At times a lot of information is shown pictorially with labels attached that will appeal to older and younger readers. The illustrator weaves facts into this children’s book in a visually pleasing way. For example, information about heirloom tomatoes show Neela’s happy face peeking through the vines. History about the origins of tomatoes is also within the story. At the end of this picture book are fun facts about tomatoes, information about farm workers, an author’s note and two recipes.
I love this cover! The interaction between the mother and daughter is wonderful!
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The illustrator has a lovely style. I have also admired it in her other picture books.
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