The Blue Tomato: a picture book about feeling different and learning to belong

The Blue Tomato is a 40-page hardback by debut author Amber Aü, published by Little Tiger Press Group, for children from 3 years. It follows Blu, a blue tomato who moves into a new town full of red tomatoes and, desperate to fit in, sets off on a frustrating project to turn red like everyone else. It suits both home and school settings, including children with SEND or other learning differences.

At 266 x 266 mm, it is a large-format hardback well suited to shared reading, with a warm, pared-back illustration style that was highly commended at the World Illustration Awards 2024. The story balances the ache of feeling like an outsider with the joy of embracing the very things that set us apart.

For parents and home use

• Gives families a gentle, funny way to open conversations about feeling different or not fitting in.
• Its message of self-acceptance can reassure children who feel like the odd one out among their peers.
• Large-format illustrations make it easy to share and enjoy during quiet time or at bedtime.
• Appeals to fans of Elmer, The Day the Crayons Quit and Odd Dog Out.

For schools

• Works well as a whole-class or small-group read-aloud to open discussions about difference and belonging.
• Its story of self-acceptance supports pastoral and PSHE work around individuality and inclusion.
• Low-cost, consumable format makes it practical for a school library, book corner or SEND resource base.
• Simple, story-led structure suits pupils who benefit from a warm, low-pressure way into difficult feelings.

For children with SEND or other learning differences, who may often feel like they are the only one who is "different" in a classroom or friendship group, Blu's story offers a gentle, non-clinical way to see difference as something to embrace rather than hide. Its warm humour and reassuring ending can help build confidence without directly referencing any diagnosis or label.

Picture books that explore feeling different and self-acceptance are widely used by parents, teachers and SENCOs as an accessible way to open conversations about individuality, belonging and confidence.

The Blue Tomato is available now from The Dyslexia Shop, ready for home reading time, school libraries, or as a gentle conversation-starter about feeling different.

• Follows Blu, a blue tomato who feels like the odd one out in a town of red tomatoes.
• Warm, pared-back illustration style, highly commended at the World Illustration Awards 2024.
• 40-page hardback, large format, dimensions 266 x 266 mm.
• Suitable for children from 3 years.
• Written and illustrated by debut author Amber Aü, published by Little Tiger Press Group.

• A story about belonging. Blu's journey from feeling like an outsider to embracing what makes him different offers a gentle way into a big topic.
• Reassuring for children who feel different. Its self-acceptance message can support children with SEND or other learning differences who feel like the odd one out.
• Award-recognised illustration. Highly commended at the World Illustration Awards 2024, with a warm, pared-back style that appeals to readers young and old.
• A trusted specialist retailer. Supplied by The Dyslexia Shop, a UK retailer focused entirely on dyslexia and other learning differences.

Safety and Age Suitability

Suitable for children from 3 years, in line with the publisher's recommended interest age.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

• What is The Blue Tomato by Amber Aü?
  It is a 40-page hardback picture book following Blu, a blue tomato who feels like the odd one out in a town of red tomatoes and tries to turn red to fit in. It is suitable for children from 3 years.
• Is this book suitable for children with SEND or other learning differences?
  Yes, its gentle story about feeling different and learning self-acceptance can reassure children with SEND or other learning differences who feel like the odd one out among their peers. It addresses this without directly referencing any diagnosis or label.
• Is this book suitable for use in the classroom?
  Yes, it works well as a whole-class or small-group read-aloud to open discussions about difference and belonging, supporting pastoral and PSHE work. Its low cost also makes it suitable for a school library or SEND resource base.
• Is this a good book for a child who feels different from their friends?
  Yes, Blu's journey from wanting to fit in to embracing what makes him different offers a gentle, reassuring way to talk about these feelings with a child.
• What age range is The Blue Tomato suitable for?
  It is suitable for children from 3 years, according to the publisher's recommended interest age. Its warm humour and illustrations also appeal to older children and adults sharing the story.
• What is this book about?
  It follows Blu, a blue tomato who moves to a new town full of red tomatoes and, desperate to fit in, tries to turn red like everyone else, before learning to embrace what makes him different.