20 Fiction and Non-Fiction Books about Fruits & Veggies
How can we inspire kids to see fruits and vegetables as more than just food? Picture books are a wonderful gateway. They turn everyday produce into delightful adventures, nurturing both imagination and an understanding of healthy eating. In this list, we've gathered stories that blend vibrant illustrations with playful narratives, encouraging little ones to explore, taste, and enjoy the colors and flavors of nature. Ready to dive into these juicy tales? Let's explore the bounty of the garden together.

10 Fruit & Veggie Books - Fiction
Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens
A clever hare outsmarts a lazy bear in a tale about hard work and resourcefulness, teaching a lesson on how to share and reap what you sow.
Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jen Corace
Little Pea dislikes eating candy, which is considered a staple in his family, but learns to appreciate his favorite food, spinach, in this charming story.
Rah, Rah, Radishes!: A Vegetable Chant by April Pulley Sayre
A lively celebration of vegetables through rhythmic rhymes and vibrant photos, encouraging children to appreciate and enjoy healthy foods.
Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert
A bright and colorful exploration of planting, growing, and cooking vegetables, offering a simple recipe for making soup.
Topsy-Turvy Town by Keren B. Smith
In a town where everything is backwards, the residents learn to embrace their unique way of life and find joy in their differences.
The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
A young boy remains confident and patient as he waits for his carrot seed to grow, despite skepticism from those around him.
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don Wood
A mouse tries to protect his prized strawberry from the mysterious and cunning Big Hungry Bear in a playful tale of strategy and sharing.
I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child
A picky eater, Lola, is creatively convinced by her brother Charlie to try foods she claims to dislike, leading to surprising discoveries.
What If There Were No Vegetables? by Suzanne Slade
This informative book explores the importance of vegetables in our diet and the impact they have on the environment and our health.
Oliver's Vegetables by Vivian French
Oliver visits his grandfather's garden, insisting on eating only French fries, but learns to enjoy a variety of vegetables through a daily taste test.
10 Fruit and Veggie Books - Non-Fiction
Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres
This book takes young readers on a journey through a garden, illustrating how plants grow in different directions—up, down, and around. It’s a lively exploration of the natural world with engaging illustrations.
The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons
An informative guide that introduces children to a wide variety of vegetables, explaining their origins, how they are grown, and their nutritional benefits. The book is rich with detailed illustrations and easy-to-understand information.
Why Do We Eat Fruit? by Patricia J. Murphy
This educational book explores the importance of fruit in our diet, discussing the nutrients fruits provide and their role in maintaining a healthy body. It encourages children to appreciate the taste and benefits of eating fruit.
A Fruit Is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards
This book presents the concept that fruits are the carriers for seeds, explaining the purpose of fruits in the plant life cycle. It offers a simple yet profound look at how fruits function in nature.
In the Garden by Hélène Druvert
A visually stunning book that takes readers on a journey through a garden, exploring the beauty and complexity of plants and flowers. It’s filled with intricate illustrations and fascinating details about the natural world.
A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston
This poetic book provides an overview of the life of a seed, from its formation to its growth into a plant. It combines scientific facts with beautiful illustrations, making it both educational and enchanting.
What's in the Garden? by Marianne Berkes
An engaging book that introduces children to the various fruits and vegetables commonly found in a garden. It includes simple recipes and fun facts, encouraging kids to explore and enjoy gardening.
Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z by Lois Ehlert
A vibrant alphabet book that introduces young readers to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from around the world. The colorful illustrations and simple text make it a delightful learning experience.
The Edible Garden by A. Brown
This book serves as a practical guide for young gardeners, teaching them how to grow their own fruits and vegetables. It covers the basics of gardening, from planting seeds to harvesting crops, in an accessible manner.
Pick, Pull, Snap! by Lola Schaefer
An interactive book that takes children through the process of growing and harvesting food. It illustrates how different plants are cultivated and encourages kids to participate in gardening activities.