Reviews

Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi, Juana Martinez-Neal

missprint_'s review

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5.0

This was lovely. Not my favorite tomato sauce recipe because my family’s is my favorite but what a lovely story about cooking and tradition. Tomato sauce and chutney recipes at back. Tomato fun facts. About farm workers and authors note at end."

mlottermoser's review

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4.0

A lovely glimpse into a generational family kitchen. Neela loves making recipes with her mother, who learned them from her mother. The illustrations draw you into a colorful and vibrant life. A fun lesson on the history of tomatoes and some of the many varieties.

pib003's review

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4.0

Too long for storytime but very sweet!

bookgoodfeelgood's review

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5.0

I was on the hunt for the perfect book to gift to my 5 year old niece, and wasn’t expecting to actually find the perfect book. I am so happy she gets to live in a world where there are books that reflect her identity; our identity. I would have loved this book as a 5 year old, but I’m grateful I got to experience it as a thirtysomething.

Neela and her Amma go on countless culinary adventures in their kitchen, documenting their recipes (Amma in her recipe book, Neela in her journal), and the most special recipe is one for tomato sauce originally from Neela’s paati. Neela loves finding ways to make her feel closer to her paati, who lives far away in India, and looks forward to her next visit so they can cook together.

Padma Lakshmi’s story (coupled with Juana Martinez-Neal’s illustrations) is so beautiful and one that so many children in immigrant families will connect with: the joy of holding onto your native culture but also finding magical ways to weave it with the new cultures around you, and the sadness of being oceans away from your loved ones. The book ends with some delicious recipes for kids and their families to try.

madelinefmcguire's review

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5.0

A beautiful picture book about using seasonal tomatoes to make a family recipe.

This one is a longer picture book so better for an older child (or a middle grade human reading on their own) but would be great for an older class read aloud as well.

didnotfinish's review

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inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

chewdigestbooks's review

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5.0

Beautifully detailed illustrations make this stand out along with the message of family ties.

nicolioliolio's review

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hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

It’s a little flat. Beautiful illustrations. 

krismarley's review

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4.0

Very sweet!