First Tomato: Voyage to the Bunny Planet Book

Of the three Bunny Planet books, this one is definitely the hands-down favorite for both me and my daughter, who is not yet 2-1/2. I love the way the text changes from normal speech to lilting rhythms after Queen Janet shows Claire "the day that should have been." The phrase "because I love you so" quickly became a part of my toddler's speech as well as my own.I'd like to add that the 4-8 age range suggestion is too restrictive--this is a picture book that toddlers AND their parents will thoroughly appreciate. Let's face it, we ALL deserve a visit to the Bunny Planet!!

We have the three-pack set of Voyage to the Bunny Planet. First Tomato is my 3 year old daughter's favorite story. We read it last night, and she had to have tomato soup for lunch today. But after she had looked at the bowl for a minute she said, "But mom, you forgot to say you love me so!" So I had to say, "I've made you first tomato soup because I love you so." That made it perfect. Every parent and child will love the cozy, comforting stories that rescue the characters from their realistic, very ordinary bad days. They are a joy.

In our family, First Tomato is a favorite. For my daughter, who is named Claire, the book was a thrill as a 3-year-old. She was sure it was written about her! For my son, the book captured the frustrations of a kid in school who has everything go bad. For my husband and myself, "bunny planet" is our secret phrase for where we want to go when life with the business gets tough. Wells is a wonderful and magical author. You must read everyone of her books!

I love reading First Tomato to my kids during the long cold days of winter. Rosemary Wells does a beautiful job of describing the sensations experienced in a summer garden and gives us hope that summer isn't too far away. She inspired me to plant beans and tomatoes in my garden last summer and I plan on doing so again this year! But, most of all, I love the theme of motherly love played out when mama bunny uses the first tomato of the season to make a special soup for her beloved daughter.

As a second grader, I know what long math classes and gross lunches are like. I like to day dream just like Claire. I also enjoy my mother's first tomato soup. I recommend this book to anyone, young or old.