I Would Love You Even If You Were A Tomato

Sequel to the award-winning book, I Would Love You Even If You Were A Pickle, a little girl is concerned her daddy is upset with her because she misbehaved. Daddy assures her that he loves her no matter what she does and the humor kicks in to make this a fun read for the family. Beautiful illustrations by Ashley Teets bring the book to life, providing many hours of reading, laughing, and discussion for everyone!

I Would

“Endless laughter, accompanied by a critically important truth, that we are loved no matter what we do. Tomato provides an engaging avenue for a special literary experience between a child and their parent to uncover the unconditional love God has for His children.”

—Abigail Dye, 2nd grade teacher

“Tomato belongs on every family’s bookshelf! This is a poignant story which depicts God’s enduring love in terms that will resonate with both parents and children alike. Tomato is precious and heartfelt - a ‘Daddy-Daughter’ must have!”

—Erin Hall, librarian “A wonderful story of a father’s unconditional love for his child. Tomato is full of funny sayings and precious illustrations that will appeal to young children, while still sending this important message. A must-have for your child’s library!”

—Vicki Hankins, former kindergarten teacher, mother, grandmother

I Would Love You Even If You Were A Tomato

“What a fun, lighthearted way to explore a deep and important truth—that a father's love, just like God’s, is permanent and unconditional.”

—Brandon Henderson, lower school vice principal

About the Author Award-winning author Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a Charlotte native and has always had a passion for creative writing. Inspired by her ninth-grade teacher to spread her wings and sparked to push her limit at Elon University by her communications professors, and her editors at the Charlotte Business Journal, all culminated into a desire to write children’s books. Her first book, I Would Love You Even If You Were A Pickle, is a Gold Mom’s Choice Award Winner. Her faith in God is where she finds her direction. She cherishes being a wife, mother, and daughter to her loving family, and they have never stopped believing in her.

You Even If

Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

About the Illustrator Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Teets is a 2012 summa cum laude graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College where she earned a B.F.A focusing on visual art with a minor in creative writing. After completing two semesters of graduate work at West Virginia University Ashley continued her graduate study through the Simmons College satellite graduate program at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. She holds a Masters in Arts Administration through the University of Kentucky. Ashley is also a portrait artist, muralist and art instructor.

For more information visit www.AshleyTeetsIllustration.com.

Love

You Were A Tomato Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

illustrated by Ashley Teets

I Would Love You Even If You Were A Tomato Bucleigh Newton Kernodle illustrated by Ashley Teets

I Would Love You Even If You Were A Tomato

by Bucleigh Newton Kernodle illustrated by Ashley Teets copyright ©2020 Bucleigh Newton Kernodle All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents, except where noted otherwise, are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any other resemblance to actual people, places or events is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books.

To order additional copies of this book, or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Kids P. O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 Email: mybook@headlinebooks.com www.headlinebooks.com Ashley Teets—Art Director Lucas Kelly—Design/Layout Published by Headline Books Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN-13: 9781946664952 Library of Congress Control Number: 2019950846

P R I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D STAT E S OF A M E R IC A

To my husband and daughter This book is for you two. She’s your princess and you’re her hero. She wants to do it all and you’re her biggest fan. She can’t reach and you raise her up. You will always raise her up because you are that Daddy. Whenever I doubt myself, you raise me up too. I thank God daily that you are my loving husband, father and role model to our children. You exceed my dreams every day.

To my son If you hadn’t said, “Mommy, I would love you even if you were a pickle,” I would not have been inspired to write this Tomato book. Your imagination, loving heart and God-fearing spirit motivate me to be a better person every day. Thank you for being you.

To my mom You were the first one to teach me what unconditional love is all about. You have given your whole heart to me every day of my life. Words are not worthy to thank you enough for all the time you have been there for me and supported me.

To my mentor, Mike Thank you for your solid encouragement. Three years ago you believed in my idea and told me it could be a series. Now it is. You have quite the vision.

To the children of the world I just want you to know that everyone makes mistakes. Everyone. Yes, even grownups! But the good news is: God will love you no matter what!

And to the Lord our God I give Him the glory.

4

It was bedtime so Daddy tucked Myah into her bed, but she couldn’t lay down her worried head.

5

“Daddy,” she said, “I was wrong when I didn’t listen to you today. But will you still love me, anyway?

6

“Of course, Myah,” Daddy explained. “There is nothing you could do that would keep me from loving you.”

7

“Really?” asked Myah.

“Well, I would love you even if you were a tomato!”

8

9

10

“Okay,” said Daddy. “I would love you even if you were a rotten potato covered in mayo!”

11

“I would love you even if you were a screaming goat stranded on a pool float,” giggled Myah.

12

13

“I would love you even if you were a rude ferret who never shares his tasty carrot,� said Daddy.

14

15

16

“I would love you even if you were a Sloppy Joe dripping from my head to my toe,” said Myah, laughing.

17

18

“I would love you even if you were an itchy flea in my goatee,” joked Daddy.

19

20

“I would love you even if you were a yapping pup who won’t ever hush up!”

Myah exclaimed.

21

22

“I would love you even if you were a confused cow who purrs and meows,” said Daddy.

23

24

“I would love you even if you were a soggy diaper that got stuck on a windshield wiper,� giggled Myah.

25

“I would love you even if you were a rotten egg that broke open on my leg!� said Daddy.

26

“So,” Myah questioned, “even if I were stinky socks in your birthday box, you would still love me?

Really and truly?”

“Absolutely,” Daddy replied.

27

28

“Know there is nothing you can do that will keep me from loving you. And God loves us like this, too.

“Whether you spit, drool, nip, or sting, His love for us is everlasting. He loves us even if we are rusty like nickels or bitter like popsicle pickles,” said Daddy.

29

30

“Did I hear someone say pickles?” Myah’s mommy chimed.

31

32

Sequel to the award-winning book, I Would Love You Even If You Were A Pickle, a little girl is concerned her daddy is upset with her because she misbehaved. Daddy assures her that he loves her no matter what she does and the humor kicks in to make this a fun read for the family. Beautiful illustrations by Ashley Teets bring the book to life, providing many hours of reading, laughing, and discussion for everyone!

I Would

“Endless laughter, accompanied by a critically important truth, that we are loved no matter what we do. Tomato provides an engaging avenue for a special literary experience between a child and their parent to uncover the unconditional love God has for His children.”

—Abigail Dye, 2nd grade teacher

“Tomato belongs on every family’s bookshelf! This is a poignant story which depicts God’s enduring love in terms that will resonate with both parents and children alike. Tomato is precious and heartfelt - a ‘Daddy-Daughter’ must have!”

—Erin Hall, librarian “A wonderful story of a father’s unconditional love for his child. Tomato is full of funny sayings and precious illustrations that will appeal to young children, while still sending this important message. A must-have for your child’s library!”

—Vicki Hankins, former kindergarten teacher, mother, grandmother

I Would Love You Even If You Were A Tomato

“What a fun, lighthearted way to explore a deep and important truth—that a father's love, just like God’s, is permanent and unconditional.”

—Brandon Henderson, lower school vice principal

About the Author Award-winning author Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a Charlotte native and has always had a passion for creative writing. Inspired by her ninth-grade teacher to spread her wings and sparked to push her limit at Elon University by her communications professors, and her editors at the Charlotte Business Journal, all culminated into a desire to write children’s books. Her first book, I Would Love You Even If You Were A Pickle, is a Gold Mom’s Choice Award Winner. Her faith in God is where she finds her direction. She cherishes being a wife, mother, and daughter to her loving family, and they have never stopped believing in her.

You Even If

Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

About the Illustrator Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Teets is a 2012 summa cum laude graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College where she earned a B.F.A focusing on visual art with a minor in creative writing. After completing two semesters of graduate work at West Virginia University Ashley continued her graduate study through the Simmons College satellite graduate program at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. She holds a Masters in Arts Administration through the University of Kentucky. Ashley is also a portrait artist, muralist and art instructor.

For more information visit www.AshleyTeetsIllustration.com.

Love

You Were A Tomato Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

illustrated by Ashley Teets