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Tomatoes for Neela

Part informational, part family story, this attractive book will speak to young kitchen helpers and those with loved ones in far-off places. This is a true celebration of the ways food binds families, and not just in the eating of it. The preparation is everything. Working together, Neela and her mother create a family sauce, with one jar squirreled away for her paati’s winter visit. Joyful illustrations and quiet cooperation show that by helping others, we help ourselves.
Age Groups: Big Kids, Little Kids
Skills: family, Helping
Author: Written by Padma Lakshmi and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

Discussion Questions

  • One way to help others is by cooking food for them! What do Neela and her mother cook together?
  • By helping others, we can help ourselves, too! What does that mean to you and how do you think the story is related to this idea?
  • What do you want to cook together? Why?