The Gigantic Turnip

An old man plants a turnip and cares for it until it grows to an enormous size—so large that he cannot pull it up alone. One by one, his wife, granddaughter, dog, cat, and mouse join in, each pulling on the one before, until together their combined effort finally frees the giant turnip from the ground.

This beloved retelling of the classic Russian folktale celebrates the power of teamwork and community, showing young readers that even the smallest helper can make the difference between success and failure.

With warm, expressive illustrations, this cumulative tale is a delightful read-aloud that builds anticipation with every page turn.

Publishing Details

Author : Aleksei Tolstoy

Illustrator : Niamh Sharkey

Author Nationality : Russia

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture Book

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 40

Size: 10.6 x 8.7 inches

Year Published: 1998

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: Pre-K/TK

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Traditional Literature

Theme: Fables & Folktales, Community, Animals, Humor