carrots make me suspicious, written and illustrated by Robin Mitchell Cranfield. Greystone Kids, 2026. $24.95 ages 3 and up

"My father likes to eat carrots sliced into
thick rings with a sprinkle of salt. He pops
them into his mouth: pop pop pop. 

My mother prefers carrots sliced 
into sticks. She dips them in dips:
dip dab dip. 

But I don't and I won't dip dab
dip or pop pop pop. 

That is just not my style."

I am indebted to Sydney at Greystone Kids for sending along a box of books that I am very excited to share with you. First up in this one about a rabbit who does not eat carrots for a mix of valid (to him) reasons. 

His parents encourage him to eat them because they are good for him, and they are sweet and crunchy. Rabbit likes quiet foods, and cannot be convinced to give them a try. He would rather eat the yummy dip than the carrots for dipping. When a party has nothing but carrots for food, he would rather be at home. While he may, at times, be curious about them, he keeps those feelings inside. He would rather know what they are like before ever trying them. His mother suggests an investigation. A notebook is provided for careful observation. Carrots are orange; do they taste like an orange? No, and not all carrots are orange. They are triangles; but not all carrots are triangular. 

It's time for further research. Rabbit learns something about gardening (and rosemary) from a neighbor. He discovers they are a root, but do not taste like root beer. Needing more data, he checks out a library book about carrots and learns a great deal concerning preparation, shape, and even finds some appealing recipes. One is for cinnamon carrot soup which is a big hit. Just don't suggest lettuce for dessert. 

"Lettuce makes me suspicious." 

Brilliant! 

The text captures a child's feelings about trying something new. The artwork is childlike, and perfectly matches the rabbit's narration. The color palette is dominated by orange images, in keeping with the rabbit's full attention to this unfamiliar taste. The parents show great respect and understanding for their child's reticence, encouraging without pushing, and offering ways to explore learning more.