The Carrot Seed 60th Anniversary Edition [Paperback]

Ruth Krauss (Author), Crockett Johnson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 28, 2004 | Age Level: 2 and up | Grade Level: P and up

When a little boy plants a carrot seed, everyone tells him it won't grow. But when you are very young, there are some things that you just know, and the little boy knows that one day a carrot will come up. So he waters his seed, and pulls the weeds, and he waits ...

First published in 1945 and never out of print, this timeless combination of Ruth Krauss's simple text and Crockett Johnson's eloquent illustrations creates a triumphant and deeply satisfying story for readers of all ages.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Ruth Krauss, author of A Hole Is to Dig, has crafted a story almost Zen-like in its simplicity. A little boy plants a carrot seed and waits patiently, tending to it carefully, while everyone around him insists that "it won't come up." His conviction is steadfast, however, and sure enough, a carrot worthy of first prize at any state fair springs forth from the earth. Krauss's husband, Crockett Johnson (creator of Harold and the Purple Crayon), illustrated The Carrot Seed, and while the little boy is rendered with uncomplicated lines, all of his hope, confidence, and serenity shine through. The image that resonates most strongly in this minimalist tale is the unfaltering faith of the mild-mannered little boy. Young readers learn that standing your ground in the face of opposition and doubt can often result in twice the reward expected (even thrice the reward, if judging by the girth of this carrot). (Ages 4 to 8) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"It won't come up," everyone warns the young boy in this story, who has great expectations for a carrot seed that he plants and tends carefully. The boy's conviction remains strong in the face of strong doubt and opposition. And to everyone's surprise except his, the carrot he eventually harvests grows as large as his faith, earning him first prize at the state fair. Young readers will learn the values of conviction and faith in this warm children's tale. (Beliefnet, July 2000) -- From Beliefnet --This text refers to the Board book edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (December 28, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064432106
• ISBN-13: 978-0064432108
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Situations > Self-Esteem & Self-Respect

More About the Author

This outstanding American illustrator and author was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1928, the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland. Sendak's career as an illustrator began after a stint as a window dresser. He illustrated more than 40 books between 1951 and 1962. Where the Wild Things Are--the book that made Sendak's name internationally, appeared in 1964, and its popularity has never waned.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The granddaddy of all picture books in America, January 19, 2000

By 

Steven M. Stedman (Ferndale WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Carrot Seed Board Book (Board book)

In his essay "Ruth Krauss and Me," author Maurice Sendak says "that perfect picture book, The Carrot Seed, the granddaddy of all picture books in America, a small revolution of a book that permanently transformed the face of children's book publishing. The Carrot Seed, with not a word or a picture out of place, is dramatic, vivid, precise, concise in every detail. It springs fresh from the real world of children."

This is a timeless classic that has been known and loved by children and parents for years.

A young boy is told by his parents, competition and his big brother that his carrot will not grow. After a long time of pulling weeds, watering and patience the carrot finally grows, and it is huge.

The author Ruth Krauss was born in 1901 is also the author of A Hole Is To Dig; I'll Be You and You Be Me; Charlotte and the White Horse; and many other childrens classics.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true classic, October 3, 2001

By 

apoem "apoem" (Bosque Farms, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: The Carrot Seed 60th Anniversary Edition (Paperback)

My little boy loves this story.
The simple pictures and the simple story line makes this a sure winner for little kids. The repetitive nature in the beginning leads to prereading skills. The moral is lovely.

I like books that you can use as a jump start to other activities. We planted beans the other day to see if they would grow. Very nice book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lesson in persistence paying off, November 29, 2001

By 

Neal Stublen (Leawood, KS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Carrot Seed Board Book (Board book)

Though the story is simple, the message is grand. If you want to teach your children the value of persistence, this would be a very nice book to add to your children's library.

As the little boy is repeatedly told his efforts are in vain, he quietly goes about his business and, in the end, he is rewarded for his labor. You can use this story to help your children overcome the naysayers they are sure to encounter in life. (Of course, they will also need to learn the value of listening to and heeding wise advice - but that can always be taught from another story.)