The Blue Tomato

When Blu moves to a new store, he finds that he is the only tomato in blue. The other tomatoes are friendly and they don't mind the fact that he is different, but Blu really wants to fit in. So he sets off on a mission to change the way he looks. Nothing works and Blu is just ready to give up when he finds the perfect place where he belongs.

Like many children (and adults) starting somewhere new, Blu is desperate to fit in and The Blue Tomato offers a lovely starting point for discussions about feeling like an outsider and the importance of just being yourself.

Although no one is unkind to Blu or comments on his difference, he tries and tries to be like the other red tomatoes - but only ends up making himself unhappy. The illustrations are lovely, perfectly capturing Blu's feelings along the way, but particularly his utter joy at realising that it is 'cool to be blue' and that everyone is different, which is something to be celebrated!

There is plenty to notice on each page and children are sure to quickly spot that, although all the red tomatoes look the same at first glance, they aren't really. A lovely, gentle story focusing on the importance of being who you are and valuing yourself, The Blue Tomato is perfect for fans of Odd Dog Out!

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

The title of this book will definitely makes the reader want to read this book because tomatoes are usually red! The front cover show lots of familiar red tomatoes and a small, strange blue tomato peering at each other and will encourage children to question what might happen.

Blu is an excited tomato on his way to the farm shop but he is different because he is blue! The other tomatoes are red and don't really mind his difference, but Blu does and is determined to become red! He comes up with a plan to become red after lots of research, work and some help from Spider and Ladybird, but each of his plans fails.

Blu is so sad and stumbles on a group of friends having fun. They are all unique - pointy, round, big, small and different colours, however, they are all happy and embrace their differences. Blu feels so happy and welcomed by his new group of friends!

The Blue Tomatoe explores the themes of being different but finding a place of belonging. We are all different and unique, but Blu will help children understand that being different is good and we should celebrate our differences and welcome each other.

The simple but effective illustrations have much to explore and children will love reading the names of the books Blu uses to research turning red. A lovely book to use in PSHE learning.

Picture book / Reviewed by Maria, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+