I am a fussy eater and I was delighted to find this book about the emotions that children can experience when they are introduced to new foods. All bunnies love carrots – or do they? This one doesn’t. No matter what his parents tell him he prefers “quiet foods like yoghurt, bananas and cinnamon cake,” Carrots make him suspicious. Various different ways of eating carrots are preferred but none are “his style”. Even if he is curious, he keeps his feelings to himself. He can feel left out at parties and sometimes is a little curious about carrots, but he keeps his feelings to himself. I love the sentence “If only there were a way to know what carrots are like before trying them.” He investigates carrots and starts a notebook of carrot facts. He does not accept the offer of taking one from Valentino’s cabbage patch “But I accept a sprig of rosemary because it is interesting.” He asks his mother, researches in the Library and comes across a recipe that “looks okay.” The family make the soup and add some of their favourite ingredients. The rabbit blows, sniffs and looks at the soup. “What will it taste like?” The ending is superb and I will not spoil it by revealing it here.
The illustrations enhance the text, and the pace and simplicity of the story reflects the progress of the child’s feelings. Entertaining, funny and sensitive this book is highly recommended for adults and children who are exploring new foods.
Brenda Marshall
Carrots Make Me Suspicious by Robin Mitchell Cranfield
Greystone Kids Books
ISBN 9781778403187
£12.99
Published 2026
