Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Tommy Tomato

Author : Obai Al-Alloush

Illustrator : Hussam Aldeen Al-Qleeni

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The original work of this book was made possible through the generous support of the All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development (ACR GCD) Partners (the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), World Vision, and the Australian Government). It was prepared by Asafeer Education Technologies FZ LLC and does not necessarily reflect the views of the ACR GCD Partners. Any adaptation or translation of this work should not be considered an official ACR GCD translation and ACR GCD shall not be liable for any content or error in this translation.

Tommy Tomato is always upset and grouchy

because of what was happening at Farmer Tumpie’s farm.

“Why are you always so upset?” asked the other tomatoes. He shouted, “I can’t believe that no one gets it! Look at us, can’t you see how small we are? And look how big the tomatoes are at the farm next door.”

“I even heard one of the tomatoes talking about us to another one, laughing at our size.”

Kozan, the wise tomato, looked at Tommy and said, “It’s not true, Tommy. Look at us! We’re healthy and round and red. We’re all so lucky to be at this farm. Everything here is so clean and pure.”

“Farmer Tumpie chose to invest in something called

‘sustainable agriculture,’ which is for the best.”

“He doesn’t use chemical fertilizers or pesticides, as you can see. He offers people plants with the best quality.”

“This method is better in the long run, keeping harmony between all creatures, each and every one.”

“Tomatoes at the farm next door are bigger, that’s true.

But they don’t taste as juicy and delicious as we do!”

Tommy wasn’t at all convinced by what Kozan said. He had a plan in mind.

He put his nose in the air and said, “I want to be a big tomato. I’ll see you later. I’m going to the farm next door.”

“Sorry everyone, but I’ll have to leave now!”

When he arrived next door, he could only say “Wow!”

Tommy the Tomato grew big like the others, with maximum speed.

Thanks to the chemicals and pesticides used by Farmer Greed.

His biggest concern was to make money fast,

The quality of his soil and groundwater came last.

His pesticides killed insects, both harmful and good.

And upset the environment as much as he could.

Finally, the tomatoes were ripe and ready for sale.

Mr. Greed waited for buyers, wholesale and retail.

But none of them wanted to buy tomatoes from his farm

Because his tomatoes caused the people such harm.

Of the danger and harm, people now were aware.

They all stopped buying tomatoes from there.

Tommy the Tomato knew he made a mistake.

And realized his life was surely at stake.

Instead they all went to buy from Tumpie’s clean land.

Too late for Tommy Tomato, who finally understands

That the decision he made was rather unwise.

And being healthy has nothing to do with size.

The End