Debbie Herman

Lunchtime foods are an adventure for Carla -- she has such delights as banana and cottage cheese on a baguette. Every day is something different and every day the kids tease her about her food choices. Carla is confident and doesn't mind their teasing, even as they pass her by for lunch seating. Then one day, Buster forgets his lunch and it's only Carla that offers him one of her extras. Buster refuses and slowly as his hunger grows his refusal shrinks until he reluctantly asks for the sandwich. And he likes it! Slowly all the kids try a little of her sandwich and they all agree it's delicious. They decide they are going to up their lunchtime game and be a creative sandwich artist too. This is a great story to introduce discussions of trying new things, accepting others and being different. It has simple, colorful, and detailed illustrations that capture Carla's food and the kids' disgust! It's appropriate for K-3.… (more)

Carla was different than all of the other students in school. She ate some crazy foods that none of the kids liked; they all made fun of her for it. Until one boy left his food at home for the picnic, he eventually ate Carla's sandwich. He then found out her food was so good. Everyone started to accept Carla's food after buster ate the sandwich. The book portrays a great message for young students everyone should get along and accept everyone. It shouldn't have to take a kid trying a sandwich to have kids be nice to other kids.… (more)

My favorite thing about this book is how relatable it is. I have countless stories of students judging other students' lunches. Carla teaches a great lesson which is everyone is different and likes different things. From reading this book, students can learn not to judge others, to try new things, and even admire Carla's courage in being comfortable with her eating choices. I was worried about listening to this book but the reader did a great job reading it and I enjoyed the different voices she used. I think this book would be great for younger audiences because it is short, simple, and this is around the time that children are exposed to people eating different things. This could teach them early not to judge.… (more)