Rabbits nibble on shiny apples, a bear chomps into a red one, while a parrot perches on a branch above, pecking at a yellow apple. A pig and a squirrel grin as they reach for a basket of treats. The sky is bright blue, and butterflies flit among dandelions, giving the whole scene a warm, inviting glow. The title "Just Like You" arches overhead in cheerful letters, with animals from every corner of the meadow looking out, as if inviting the reader to join the fun.
All over the world, kids are told to eat their fruits and vegetables. Sometimes they look funny. Sometimes they smell funny. Sometimes you don’t want to try them. But what if I told you...Animals eat fruits and vegetables too. Big animals, small animals, furry ones, feathery ones—they all have favorite foods. Let’s take a look together. You might be surprised at what you see! Red, green, or yellow—apples are sweet and crunchy. Rabbits nibble. Bears chomp. Parrots peck. Even pigs love them! Which apple would you pick?
Tiny, juicy, and blue—blueberries are a hit! Chipmunks snack on them. Mice munch them. Dogs, cats, and turkeys gobble them up too! Want to try one?
Carrots can be orange, yellow, white—even purple! Rabbits love them. Deer and horses do too. Even squirrels take crunchy bites. What color carrot would you try?
It’s pink, spiky, and super cool looking—meet dragon fruit! Birds, guinea pigs, raccoons, rats, and squirrels think it’s tasty. Have you ever tried a dragon fruit?
Figs are squishy, sweet, and sticky. Birds, squirrels, possums—and even some reptiles and bugs—love them! Raise your hand if you’d like to try a fig!
Long and green—these beans are crunchy and fun. Cats? Yes! Chickens? Yup! Groundhogs? You bet! How would you eat green beans—plain or with dip?
Cool, juicy, and green—this melon helps animals stay hydrated! Bears, dogs, guinea pigs, and even elephants snack on honeydew. Want a bite?
It’s big, bumpy, and full of fruit inside! Monkeys love jackfruit. So do elephants and squirrels! You can eat it raw or cook it with spices. Will you give it a try?
Crunchy, curly, and super green—kale is full of goodness. Snails, birds, porcupines, mice, and rabbits love it too! Would you try kale in a salad… or maybe as a chip?
Lemons are bright yellow and super sour! Birds, possums, raccoons, and mice sneak little bites. Try squeezing lemon juice on vegetables or into desserts! Pucker up!
Mushrooms grow in the ground. They’re not veggies or fruit—they’re fungi! Bears, wild boars, deer, and chipmunks gobble them down. Which mushroom would you like to eat?
Nectarines are juicy and sweet, with smooth skin. Possums, deer, raccoons, blue jays, and mice snack on them. Take a big bite (and have a napkin ready)!
Salty, squishy, and a little slippery—olives are a special treat. Birds, deer, porcupines, and cats eat them. Though in moderation. Try them on pizza or in pasta!
Peas are tiny, green, and packed with flavor. Deer, chipmunks, rabbits, and even snails like to nibble them. Do you like peas? Or do you push them to the side of the plate?
Raspberries are red, soft, and a little fuzzy. Bears, turkeys, chipmunks, rabbits, foxes, and squirrels love them. Would you eat one plain?
Spinach is a dark green leaf that’s super healthy! Guinea pigs, caterpillars, rats, and dogs eat it too! Toss it in a salad or blend it in a smoothie. It might surprise you!
Juicy and red—tomatoes are in pizza, pasta, and salsa! Birds, mice, rabbits, and raccoons all love them. Have you eaten tomatoes today?
Zucchini is long, green, and super versatile. Squirrels, rabbits, bugs, raccoons—even woodchucks—munch on it. You can slice it, bake it, or eat it raw!
So why are you learning all this? Because when someone says, “Try your fruits and veggies!” you can remember: All kinds of animals eat them too. Because they are just like you. Just like you!
