I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato Summary by Lauren Child

Name: I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato
ISBN: 9780763621803

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Lola is a very fussy eater, which bothers her older brother Charlie. Every meal is a struggle, as Lola refuses carrots, peas, mashed potatoes, and fish fingers. Charlie, clever with words, changes these ordinary foods into exciting, imaginary items: carrots become 'orange twiglets from Jupiter,' peas are 'green drops from the South Pole,' mashed potatoes are 'cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji,' and fish fingers are 'ocean twigs from the bottom of the sea.' Lola, curious about these new names, tries and likes each one. The biggest problem is tomatoes, which Lola insists she will never eat. Charlie, not giving up, describes tomatoes as 'moon squirters, really rare and from Jupiter.' Lola's curiosity wins, and she tries a 'moon squirter,' finding she actually likes it. Charlie succeeds with his creative efforts, and Lola tries new foods.

Difficulty: Easy
Pacing: Moderate
Mood: Whimsical, Humorous, Heartwarming, Playful
Read it if: You want a charming story about overcoming fussy eating with imagination, or a delightful read-aloud for young children.
Skip it if: You are looking for a complex plot or adult themes.

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Lola's Fussy Eating
The story begins with Charlie describing his younger sister, Lola. He says Lola is a very picky eater, listing many foods she will not eat. These include carrots, peas, potatoes, mushrooms, eggs, sausages, cauliflower, and cabbage. Charlie often has to make sure Lola eats dinner, a difficult job because she is stubborn and always has excuses for disliking food. Lola's firm stance sets the stage for Charlie's imaginative attempts to get her to eat.
Carrots as Orange Twiglets
Charlie gives Lola her dinner, which includes carrots. Lola immediately says she dislikes carrots and will not eat them. Charlie, calm, starts to use his imagination. He tells Lola the carrots are not carrots, but 'orange twiglets from Jupiter.' Intrigued by this description, Lola carefully tries one of the 'twiglets' and finds she likes them. This is Charlie's first successful try at overcoming Lola's dislike for a food through creative storytelling.
Peas as Green Drops from the South Pole
Next on Lola's plate are peas, which she also says she hates. After his last success, Charlie quickly gives them a new identity. He tells Lola the peas are 'green drops from the South Pole,' and if she is careful, they might roll on her tongue. Lola, drawn in by the image, tries the 'green drops' and, to her surprise, enjoys them. Charlie's imaginative descriptions prove effective in getting Lola to eat her vegetables.
Mashed Potatoes as Cloud Fluff
Lola then sees her mashed potatoes, another food she usually avoids. Charlie meets the challenge by describing them as 'cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji.' He says they are light and fluffy and asks Lola to imagine eating clouds. This vivid description again sparks Lola's curiosity. She takes a bite of the 'cloud fluff' and, like with the other foods, discovers she actually likes the taste, despite her initial protests.
Fish Fingers as Ocean Twigs
The next food on Lola's plate is fish fingers. As expected, Lola says she dislikes them. Charlie, now fully engaged in his imaginative game, tells her they are 'ocean twigs from the bottom of the sea.' He might add details about mermaids or small fish gathering them. Lola, completely lost in the fantasy world Charlie creates, tries the 'ocean twigs' and finds them tasty, continuing her unexpected journey of trying and enjoying foods she once disliked.
The Ultimate Challenge: Tomatoes
Charlie then gives Lola a tomato. This is where Lola draws her firmest line. She states, 'I will never, not ever, eat a tomato.' She repeats her dislike with complete certainty, making it clear that tomatoes are the one food she finds completely unacceptable, no matter Charlie's imaginative efforts. This statement sets up the main conflict and Charlie's biggest test in convincing Lola to try something she so strongly rejects.
Tomatoes as Moon Squirters
Despite Lola's strong refusal, Charlie does not give up. He uses his most fantastical description yet for the tomato. He tells Lola it is not a tomato, but a 'moon squirter.' He explains that these 'moon squirters' are very rare, come from outer space, and burst with juice. He stresses their uniqueness and exotic origin, hoping to bypass Lola's ideas about tomatoes and appeal to her sense of wonder.
Lola Tries a Moon Squirter
Lola, at first doubtful, is eventually won over by Charlie's detailed description of the 'moon squirter.' The idea of something rare from outer space is too exciting to resist. She carefully picks up a piece of the 'moon squirter' and takes a small bite. This is the moment of truth as she tastes the food she previously hated, her face showing both worry and curiosity. This is the peak of Charlie's efforts, as Lola finally faces her biggest food aversion.
A Surprising Discovery
To Charlie's delight and Lola's own surprise, she finds she actually likes the taste of the 'moon squirter.' Her initial dislike disappears as she experiences the flavor without calling it a 'tomato.' She not only finishes the piece she tried but asks Charlie for more. This successful moment shows how imagination can overcome deep dislikes and how enjoyable it is to discover new things, even simple ones like food.
Charlie's Triumph
Charlie watches Lola happily eat her 'moon squirters.' He then tells the reader, with quiet satisfaction, that Lola ate all her carrots (orange twiglets), all her peas (green drops), all her mashed potatoes (cloud fluff), all her fish fingers (ocean twigs), and especially all her tomatoes (moon squirters). He ends by saying he knew Lola would like them, showing his understanding of his sister and his imaginative approach.

Principal Figures

Lola

Protagonist

A young, imaginative girl who is an extremely fussy eater.

Lola is a vibrant and strong-willed young girl who initially refuses to eat a wide variety of foods. She is particular and stubborn, often using dramatic declarations to express her dislikes. However, she possesses a vivid imagination and a curious nature, which Charlie skillfully taps into. Despite her initial resistance, she is open to new ideas when presented in an engaging way, ultimately leading her to try and enjoy foods she once detested. Her journey is one of overcoming preconceived notions through playful persuasion.

Relationships: Charlie (Younger sister to Charlie; she relies on his patience and creativity to navigate meal times.)

Charlie

Supporting

Lola's older brother, patient and highly imaginative.

Charlie is Lola's older brother and the primary narrator of the story. He is remarkably patient, understanding, and resourceful, especially when it comes to dealing with Lola's fussy eating habits. Instead of forcing her to eat, he uses his boundless imagination to transform mundane foods into exciting, fantastical items, making mealtime a game. He is a caring sibling who understands Lola's personality and knows how to gently guide her towards new experiences without coercion. His creativity is the driving force of the plot.

Relationships: Lola (Older brother to Lola; he is her caretaker and imaginative guide during meal times.)

Themes & Insights

The Power of Imagination

Imagination is the main theme, shown through Charlie's clever ways of renaming food. By changing carrots into 'orange twiglets from Jupiter' or tomatoes into 'moon squirters,' Charlie makes eating fun and helps Lola get past her strong dislikes. The story shows how imagination can change how we see things, turning something undesirable into an exciting adventure. This theme is clear in every scene where Charlie renames a food, leading to Lola trying and enjoying it.

“They are not carrots. These are orange twiglets from Jupiter.”
Charlie

Overcoming Picky Eating

The book addresses the common problem of picky eating in children. It offers a gentle and effective method for parents and caregivers, focusing on persuasion and creativity instead of conflict. Lola's journey from refusing foods to eagerly trying and liking them shows that with the right approach, even the most stubborn eaters can try new things. The story gives a hopeful and playful view of a potentially frustrating situation, showing that understanding and imaginative involvement can lead to good changes.

“I will never, not ever, eat a tomato.”
Lola

Sibling Relationships

The kind and patient relationship between Charlie and Lola is a core theme. Charlie's endless patience and creative problem-solving show how an older sibling can be supportive. He does not scold or force Lola; instead, he connects with her on her own terms, using her imaginative nature to his advantage. Their interaction shows a healthy and positive sibling bond where understanding and gentle guidance help both of them, reinforcing that empathy and playfulness can solve problems.

“I have a little sister, Lola. She is small and very funny.”
Charlie

Perception vs. Reality

The story subtly explores how our view of something can be more powerful than its actual reality. Lola's dislike for certain foods is mostly based on her ideas and labels. Once Charlie renames and redefines the food, her perception changes, allowing her to taste it without prejudice. This theme suggests that often, our dislike for things is psychological. By changing how we see them, we can change how we experience them. The tomato, once just a 'tomato,' becomes a 'moon squirter' and is suddenly delicious.

“They are not peas. These are green drops from the South Pole.”
Charlie

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Imaginary Renaming

Charlie renames foods with fantastical descriptions to make them appealing to Lola.

This is the primary plot device. Charlie consistently renames each food item Lola dislikes, transforming 'carrots' into 'orange twiglets from Jupiter,' 'peas' into 'green drops from the South Pole,' and 'tomatoes' into 'moon squirters.' This device bypasses Lola's initial aversion to the food's actual name and appearance, allowing her to approach it with curiosity and an open mind. It's a creative form of persuasion that leverages Lola's imaginative nature, making eating a game rather than a chore.

First-Person Narration (Charlie)

The story is told from Charlie's perspective, offering insight into his thoughts and strategies.

The story is narrated by Charlie, Lola's older brother. This narrative choice allows the reader to understand Charlie's patience, his creative thinking, and his genuine desire to help his sister. It also frames Lola's fussiness from an external, yet sympathetic, viewpoint. Charlie's narration provides a sense of warmth and humor, making his imaginative solutions feel like a natural extension of his personality and his loving relationship with Lola.

Repetitive Structure with Variation

A recurring pattern of Lola refusing food, Charlie renaming it, and Lola trying it, but with increasing imaginative variations.

The plot follows a clear, repetitive structure: Lola dislikes a food, Charlie renames it imaginatively, and Lola tries it and likes it. However, each instance introduces a new, more elaborate description and a different food, building towards the ultimate challenge of the tomato. This repetition creates a comforting rhythm for young readers while allowing for escalating creativity, culminating in the most fantastical renaming for the most disliked food, keeping the narrative engaging and predictable in a positive way.

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato Quotes

“I have a little brother called Charlie. He is a very fussy eater.”

The opening line, introducing the narrator and Charlie's eating habits.

“He will not eat carrots, and he will not eat peas, and he will not eat cabbage, or apples, or rice, or fish fingers. And he will NOT eat tomatoes.”

Listing Charlie's extensive list of disliked foods.

“Now, Charlie, I said, you HAVE to eat your carrots.”

Lola trying to convince Charlie to eat his vegetables.

“They're not carrots, Charlie, I said. They're orange twiglets from Jupiter.”

Lola's first imaginative re-framing of a disliked food.

“He ate all his orange twiglets from Jupiter.”

Charlie's positive reaction to Lola's imaginative description.

“Then I said, would you like some green garden dots?”

Lola re-framing peas for Charlie.

“He ate all his green garden dots.”

Charlie eating the peas after they were re-named.

“Would you like some mashed-up cloud?”

Lola re-framing mashed potatoes.

“He ate all his mashed-up cloud.”

Charlie eating the mashed potatoes.

“And then I said, how about some moon squirters?”

Lola re-framing grapes.

“He ate all his moon squirters.”

Charlie enjoying the grapes.

“But Charlie said, I will NOT eat tomatoes.”

Charlie's unwavering stance against tomatoes, despite Lola's success with other foods.

“Oh, they're not tomatoes, Charlie. They are red, round, warm, and shiny. They are called 'Splat' from Planet Floopy.”

Lola's ultimate imaginative re-framing for tomatoes.

“He ate all the Splat from Planet Floopy.”

Charlie finally eating the tomatoes due to Lola's imaginative description.

“I will never not ever eat a tomato.”

The book's title, spoken by Charlie after eating the 'Splat'.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

Question 1
What food does Lola absolutely refuse to eat at the beginning of the story, even more than other foods?
1. Carrots
2. Mashed Potatoes
3. Fish Fingers
4. Tomatoes
Show answer
D. Tomatoes Lola is a very fussy eater, but she is especially adamant about not eating tomatoes, stating she will never, not ever eat one.
Question 2
What does Charlie tell Lola the carrots are to encourage her to eat them?
1. Tiny orange rockets from Mars
2. Orange twiglets from Jupiter
3. Crunchy sunbeams from the sky
4. Baby tree branches from a magical forest
Show answer
B. Orange twiglets from Jupiter Charlie uses his imagination to transform the carrots into 'orange twiglets from Jupiter' to make them appealing to Lola.
Question 3
How does Charlie describe the mashed potatoes to Lola?
1. White snowdrifts from the North Pole
2. Fluffy clouds from a dreamland
3. Cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji
4. Misty fog from a secret island
Show answer
C. Cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji To get Lola to eat her mashed potatoes, Charlie tells her they are 'cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji'.
Question 4
What is Charlie's primary strategy for getting Lola to try new foods?
1. He bribes her with dessert.
2. He forces her to eat them.
3. He uses imaginative descriptions to make the food sound exciting and new.
4. He tells her stories about children who love those foods.
Show answer
C. He uses imaginative descriptions to make the food sound exciting and new. Charlie's genius method is to reframe the food using fantastical descriptions, turning ordinary meals into exciting adventures.
Question 5
What does Charlie claim the fish fingers are?
1. Orange twiglets from Jupiter
2. Ocean twigs from the bottom of the sea
3. Orange-colored ocean sticks from the deep, deep ocean
4. Golden bars of treasure from a sunken ship
Show answer
C. Orange-colored ocean sticks from the deep, deep ocean Charlie cleverly renames the fish fingers as 'orange-colored ocean sticks from the deep, deep ocean'.
Question 6
What does Charlie eventually call the tomatoes to convince Lola to eat them?
1. Red moons from outer space
2. Juicy red berries from a magical garden
3. Splatters from Jupiter
4. Moonsquirters
Show answer
D. Moonsquirters Charlie's final, most creative trick for the tomatoes is to call them 'moonsquirters', which finally piques Lola's interest.
Question 7
What is the main theme explored in 'I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato'?
1. The importance of eating vegetables.
2. The power of imagination and sibling ingenuity in overcoming challenges.
3. The difficulties of cooking for picky eaters.
4. The benefits of a balanced diet.
Show answer
B. The power of imagination and sibling ingenuity in overcoming challenges. The story highlights how Charlie's imaginative storytelling helps Lola overcome her fussiness, showing the power of imagination and sibling connection.
Question 8
What specific characteristic of the tomatoes does Charlie use to make them sound appealing as 'moonsquirters'?
1. Their red color and round shape.
2. Their juicy texture when squeezed.
3. Their small size and smooth skin.
4. Their ability to be sliced into different shapes.
Show answer
B. Their juicy texture when squeezed. The 'squirter' part of 'moonsquirters' directly refers to the juicy nature of tomatoes, making them sound fun and interactive.
Question 9
Why does Lola finally decide to try the 'moonsquirters'?
1. Charlie promises her a treat if she does.
2. She is genuinely curious about what a moonsquirter tastes like.
3. Her parents tell her she has to.
4. She sees Charlie eating them and wants to copy him.
Show answer
B. She is genuinely curious about what a moonsquirter tastes like. Charlie's imaginative description of 'moonsquirters' sparks Lola's curiosity, making her genuinely want to discover what they taste like, rather than being forced.
Question 10
What is the ultimate outcome of Lola trying the 'moonsquirters'?
1. She still dislikes them and refuses to eat any more.
2. She discovers she likes them and eats them all.
3. She spits them out and makes a fuss.
4. She eats one and then moves on to another food.
Show answer
B. She discovers she likes them and eats them all. After trying the 'moonsquirters', Lola discovers she loves them, proving that her initial aversion was based on perception rather than taste.

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato FAQ

What is the central conflict in 'I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato'?

The central conflict revolves around Lola's extreme picky eating habits, particularly her refusal to eat vegetables and certain other foods. Her brother Charlie tries various imaginative strategies to persuade her to try new things, especially tomatoes, which she vehemently dislikes.

Who are the main characters and what is their relationship?

The main characters are Lola, a young, very fussy eater, and her older brother Charlie, who is patient, clever, and imaginative. Charlie acts as a caregiver and persuader, using creative storytelling to encourage Lola to eat her food.

How does Charlie convince Lola to eat carrots and mashed potatoes?

Charlie convinces Lola to eat carrots by telling her they are 'orange twiglets from Jupiter' and mashed potatoes by describing them as 'cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji.' He uses fantastical descriptions to make the food appealing and mysterious.

What food does Lola initially refuse to eat, even more so than others?

Lola initially refuses to eat tomatoes more than any other food. She explicitly states, 'I will never not ever eat a tomato,' highlighting her strong aversion to them.

What is the ultimate resolution of Lola's picky eating, specifically regarding tomatoes?

The ultimate resolution is that Lola eventually tries and enjoys tomatoes, after Charlie describes them as 'moon-squirters' and 'red-whirly-snirly tomatoes.' Her imagination, sparked by Charlie, allows her to overcome her initial dislike.

Are there any subtle visual cues in the illustrations that hint at Charlie's imaginative solutions before he vocalizes them?

While the book primarily focuses on Charlie's verbal storytelling, the illustrations often depict the food in a way that allows for his descriptions. For instance, the mashed potatoes might look fluffy, lending themselves to the 'cloud fluff' idea, though the direct visual hints for the solutions are not explicitly shown beforehand.

Does Lola ever question Charlie's fantastical descriptions, or does she fully embrace them?

Lola fully embraces Charlie's fantastical descriptions without questioning their veracity. Her willingness to believe his stories is key to his success, as it allows her imagination to transform the food into something new and exciting.

Is there a recurring pattern in the types of foods Lola rejects versus the types she eventually accepts with Charlie's help?

Lola rejects common vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, and particularly tomatoes. With Charlie's help, she accepts all of these, transforming them into exotic or fantastical items, suggesting her rejection is more about perception than taste.

How does Charlie's approach contrast with a typical parental approach to picky eating?

Charlie's approach contrasts sharply with typical parental methods, which might involve coercion or bribery. He uses empathy, creativity, and understanding of a child's imagination, avoiding direct pressure and instead making the food appealing through stories.

What psychological principle is at play when Lola finally eats the tomato after Charlie's description?

The psychological principle at play is cognitive reframing or perceptual shift. By changing Lola's perception of the tomato from a disliked food to a 'moon-squirter,' Charlie alters her cognitive framework, making her more willing to try it.

How does Lola's initial stubbornness evolve throughout the story?

Lola's initial stubbornness is absolute, characterized by strong declarations like 'I will never not ever...' However, it gradually softens as Charlie's imaginative descriptions chip away at her resistance, eventually leading to curiosity and willingness to try.

What does Charlie's character reveal about effective communication with young children?

Charlie's character reveals that effective communication with young children often involves meeting them on their imaginative level. Instead of logical arguments, appealing to their sense of wonder and playfulness can be far more persuasive and build trust.

Could Lola's initial refusal to eat certain foods be interpreted as more than just pickiness, perhaps a need for control or novelty?

Lola's refusal could be interpreted as a need for control, as she dictates what she will and won't eat. Charlie's approach effectively gives her a different kind of control – the control to choose to engage with a new, exciting narrative around the food, fulfilling a need for novelty.

Is Charlie's storytelling truly manipulative, or is it a benevolent act of sibling care?

Charlie's storytelling is unequivocally a benevolent act of sibling care. His intention is not to trick Lola for his own gain, but to help her overcome her food aversions and ensure she eats, demonstrating a loving and patient concern for her well-being.

What broader message does the book convey about imagination's role in everyday challenges?

The book conveys a powerful message about imagination's role in overcoming everyday challenges. It demonstrates that creativity and a shift in perspective can transform difficult situations, like picky eating, into enjoyable and successful experiences.

Does the ending suggest a permanent change in Lola's eating habits, or just a temporary victory for Charlie?

The ending suggests a significant breakthrough, showing Lola's willingness to try and even like a previously hated food. While not guaranteeing she'll never be picky again, it indicates that Charlie's imaginative method has the potential for lasting positive impact on her willingness to experiment.

How does the book subtly address the concept of peer pressure or influence, even in a sibling context?

The book subtly addresses influence through Charlie's persistent, gentle persuasion. While not 'peer pressure' in a negative sense, Lola is influenced by her brother's captivating stories and his clear desire for her to try the food, showing the power of positive relational influence.

What is the significance of the phrase 'I will never not ever eat a tomato'?

The phrase 'I will never not ever eat a tomato' signifies Lola's absolute, unwavering refusal and her strong will. Its eventual reversal is crucial to the story's triumph, highlighting the power of imagination to overcome even the most entrenched aversions.

About the author

Lauren Child

Lauren Child is a British author and illustrator known for her children's books. She is recognized for her unique storytelling style and creative illustrations, particularly in "I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato," which features the character Charlie and his imaginative adventures. Child's work often explores themes of family and friendship, appealing to young readers.

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