I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato: questions to ask and activities to try
Lola will not eat peas, carrots or mashed potato, and she will absolutely not ever never eat a tomato. This funny Charlie and Lola classic shows how a bit of imagination can make dinner time easier.
What age is it for? I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Fussy eating, and imagination at mealtimes.
I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato (Lauren Child)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Fussy eating, and imagination at mealtimes
Read it at a calm time, not at the dinner table. Afterwards, make up your own silly names for foods your child avoids. It works because it's playful, not pushy.
What it helps with
- Fussy eating, without battles
- Using imagination to try new things
- A kind big brother or sister
- Laughing together about food
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What wouldn’t Lola eat?”
- “What did Charlie call the carrots?”
- “What did he call the mashed potato?”
- “Why did Lola decide to try them?”
- “Which food would you give a silly name?”
- “What food did you not like that you like now?”
5-minute activities to try together
Silly food names
Give each food on tonight's plate a magical name, like “cloud fluff from Mount Fuji” for mashed potato.
Tasting game
Try a tiny taste of one new food with a silly name. Any look, sniff or lick counts as trying.
Free printables: I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss)
- Best for
- Trying new foods and new things before deciding you don't like them
- Age
- 3-7
I Won't Eat That (Christopher Silas Neal)
- Best for
- Fussy eating, and finding what you like
- Age
- 2-6
Avocado Baby (John Burningham)
- Best for
- Fussy eating, and the fun of being strong
- Age
- 3-6
Search all our books by what's happening →
By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.