The Gigantic Turnip

This is a story about teamwork. In this classic Russian folktale, it takes many animals to help an old man and old woman pull up a stubborn turnip from the ground. The littlest animal, a mouse, is the one that tips the balance so that the turnip comes up. They all can enjoy a hearty supper together in the end. I really liked this book because the message is so simple (it takes everyone to help solve a big problem!) and the illustrations are so wonderful, drawing the readers in to the book. The earthy tones are appropriate to the story and the setting.

This hilarious retelling of the classic Russian tale about a farmer whose turnip is impossible to pull from the ground uses simple vocabulary and is ideal for reading aloud. Its cumulative theme will soon have young readers gleefully joining in, and Irish artist Niamh Sharkey s wonderfully quirky illustrations will delight and fascinate all ages.

Another cute cumulative tale to help children develop a love for stories and a foundation for literacy. The illustrations were a little odd but all in good fun.

Este libro está inspirado en una leyenda rusa y narra la historia de alguien que está en apuros y pide socorro. Como no es suficiente la ayuda, nuevos personajes van apareciendo en la historia de modo de poder resolver el conflicto. ¿Cuál será el gran problema que deben resolver?

There are many such stories--this is a nice Russian version!

Independent Reading Level: Grades K-3
Awards: Books for Children (1999)
Mother Goose Awards (1999)
The Blue Ribbon Book (1999)
The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books (1999)
Children's Book Council NOT Just for Children Anymore! (2000)
Book of the Year Award Finalist, Foreword Magazine (2000)

ECS