The Carrot Seed 60th Anniversary Edition (Paperback)

by Ruth Krauss (Author), Crockett Johnson (Illustrator) "A little boy planted a carrot seed..." (more)

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
"In this cunningly paced fable about patience and standing one's ground, a little boy plants a carrot seed, weeds and waters the spot, and waits for something to happen. A parade of nay-sayers drop by to tell the boy, 'I'm afraid it won't come up.' The big moment is a stupendous surprise...the little hero's homegrown triumph." -- "Parenting"

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (December 28, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064432106
• ISBN-13: 978-0064432108
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,880 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( K ) > Krauss, Ruth
  #2 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Gardening > Fiction
  #4 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( J ) > Johnson, Crockett

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 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)

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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lesson in persistence paying off, November 30, 2001

By	Neal Stublen (Newark, DE 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.)