Tomatoes in My Lunchbox
The first feature of February 2026 is here with Tomatoes in My Lunchbox by Costantia Manoli and Magdalena Mora.
During a time when so many are feeling unwelcomed in the U.S., I wanted to highlight a picture book that shows the importance of kindness, friendship/community, and understanding for those who come from different places and search for belonging in their new home. With the heartbreaking events happening across the U.S.—families being broken apart and displaced—this book captures how it may feel to someone who had to leave their home country (for whatever reason). When I came across this picture book, the title immediately stood out to me, and the story itself is full of heart and hope.
When a child has her first day of school in a new country, she feels lonely, scared, and like her classmates don’t really understand her. They can’t quite pronounce her name, and as she eats a whole tomato at lunch, she feels eyes watching her. But after a connection with another child, two worlds are brought together, and the girl and her tomatoes begin to feel at home.
After reading this story, I hope your kiddos enjoy these printables below.
Children can rate this story by using this 5-star rating system.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
To access the printables below, please visit my Teacher’s Pay Teachers store.
Children can fill their lunchbox with food that reminds them of home by drawing and/or cutting and pasting different foods.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Children can find and color the foods that they love AND would like to try.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Children can complete this story retell by drawing or writing under the correct heading each part of the story.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Children can complete this journal page by finishing the sentence: "I can help a new friend feel welcome by..." and drawing a picture.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
As with every picture book, I also like to offer a fun hands-on activity as an extension of the book.
Here is an opportunity to get the kids up and moving around and working on their social skills. In this activity, kids will walk around their classroom with this printable, a pencil, and something to write on. They will ask each classmate (or family member), which food reminds them most of their home and then write it down on this sheet. This could be a timed activity, or as soon as they fill up their paper.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
If you would like access to all 6 worksheets, please CLICK HERE!
Stay tuned for the next picture book feature for Picture Books, Printables, and Play—OH MY!
