| Title | : | The Turnip |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0399170707 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780399170706 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 32 |
| Publication | : | First published November 3, 2015 |
Once again Jan Brett brings an original twist to a favorite folktale. Snow covers the farm in rural Russia as badgers and friends in old-fashioned clothes, and bears marching through bright-colored borders, send young readers laughing from page to page.
The Turnip Reviews
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i just read the synopsis of this book posted above and oh my god - why are you so spoilertown? that's just crazy and it is NOT what is printed on the cover flap of the book i own. so ignore that, unless you want the mystery of the giant turnip ROONED for you.
this is the first jan brett book i have read, but i'm already kind of charmed. i love the folksy quality of her artwork, which is appropriate as this is an adaptation of a russian folktale, but it seems to be her style in her other works as well.
the story is pretty simple and it has a familiar shape even if you've never heard this particular tale before: a seemingly impossible task is presented (in this case, the removal of a gigantic turnip from underground), one by one, animals arrive bristling with confidence that they know how to solve the problem until one tiny creature manages what the strongest and bossiest in the land could not.
but in this one, there's a little twist.
which can be spoiled for you in the above synopsis, if you like.
or you could just follow along in the text, where on each page, in these cute turnip-shaped panels in the margins, the action leading up to the twist is playing out as a neat little side-story.
and as an aside, but an aside that is way more important than anything i have heretofore said about this book, how have i never had turnip pancakes before? even as illustrations they look delicious!
i hate it when picture books make me hungry.
but it's better than when they make me want impossible things, like a pet unicorn or a tail or something.
i kind of loved jan brett's little author note on the inside-back flap, so i'm going to type it out here. it is less spoilery than the synopsis above, but i'm hiding it because it does give away a little. what i love about this note is just the thoughtfulness and attention to detail she brought into the writing of this book, her inspiration for adapting it, and her sweet little worry about how it would be received.
if you do not want to read any of that, please enjoy how adorable the endpapers are:
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sean of the house bought this for me as a "let's not be mad at each other anymore" present.
which is the stupidest thing ever because if i know i get a book every time we fight, i'm gonna go full-on harridan every single day until he catches on and leaves me but then guess what?? more room for books! I ALWAYS WIN!
although right now, it looks like maggie wins this book...
review to come.
come to my blog! -
This book is beautiful like you expect from Jan Brett. Her art work has so many details and such beauty. I felt the story in this one wasn't all that much too it. A community spends the story trying to pull a giant turnip out of the ground. It wasn't bad, there just wasn't much to it. It was still fun and cute and I guess I expect a little more from her. It's also looking like this is a Russian Fairy Tale.
The kids enjoyed this, with all the artwork and the animals. It was fun to read together. -
Although I actually tend to enjoy those tellings of the originally Russian folktale of The Turnip more which either only feature humans or present a combination of human and animal participants (and I do have very fond memories of using a German version of The Turnip, titled Das Rübenziehen with my first year language students to practice short and long umlauts, and yes, said variant does indeed consist a farming family and their domestic animals), I certainly do think that Jan Brett's all animal cast (a family of badgers, a hedgehog, a goat, a horse, a rooster and unbeknownst to everyone, a family of bears) is a fun and engaging variant, in particular with children and certainly if The Turnip is to be read aloud. Accompanied as usual by absolutely outstanding artwork (with very much detail for children to delight in and to probably pore over repeatedly), Jan Brett's version of The Turnip is while not my personal favourite still very warmly and highly recommended (and with my only mild criticism being that I do wish the author's note regarding the genesis of Brett's version of The Turnip were included within the text proper and not on the side flaps of the dust jacket, as especially with picture books, dust jackets often get discarded or become ripped and torn through repeated and sometimes rough usage, and with my library book of The Turnip the side flap with the author's note is also a bit obscured by adhesive tape).
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In a twist on this traditional Russian tale, Neo and I were able to end the day by reading this funny story about a giant turnip turning up in a vegetable garden. When it is time to harvest, a young badger is unable to remove it, no matter how hard she tries. Other family members, friends, and eventually passing folk try, unsuccessfully to uproot this giant vegetable. It is only when a rooster tries that things seem to take a turn, but was there a bit of magic in his beak? Read the book to find out for yourself, as Neo was highly surprised towards the end of the story. Neo laughed, pointed at the wonderful pictures, and asked why anyone would want turnip pancakes. I nodded right alongside him... I’ll stick with plain ones, thank you very much!
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I'm still finishing up a few of the picture books I checked out at Christmas time. This put a great big smile in my soul. The artwork is bright and beautiful, and the animals are delightful in their old world costumes. I loved the simultaneous story in the side panels. I loved the sly, unstated moral. Nephew will be getting a copy of this when he's big enough not to destroy it. In the meantime, I may have to buy it for me.
(But, yeah. Don't read the blurb on Goodreads or Amazon; it is totally spoilerific. Whose idea was that?) -
On the way to the library, Veronica and I were talking about those fabulous Freymanm/Elffers books, and the conversation morphed into foods we don't like, and "turnip" was raised. So, yeah, when I saw a book on display that was actually named Turnip I had to check it out. I was not disappointed. It is a story about one big-ass turnip. And there are badgers, which are always pleasing.
library copy -
Badger Girl is excited to find a giant turnip in her garden, but when it comes time to harvest it, she discovers that she is unable to pull it up from the ground. Badger Boy attempts to help her, and then Mother and Father Badger get involved, but all to no avail. A series of other animals also attempt to assist, but it is only when Rooster shows up that the turnip, which is at that moment being pushed up from below by some hibernating bears, is dislodged.
Based upon a Russian folktale, Jan Brett's The Turnip features an engaging animal cast in the classic progression story, in which a series of individuals attempt a task, only for the smallest and humblest amongst them to succeed at it in the end. I enjoyed both story and artwork here, and particularly liked the way that the parallel story of the bears is told in the border artwork, until they enter the main narrative. The Badger family is beautifully realized as well, and the entire cast clothes in lovely Russian folk costumes. Recommended to all Jan Brett fans, as well as to anyone who enjoys folktales and/or animal stories. -
Classic Brett. I think she might even be getting better. Stunningly beautiful illustrations. Perfect story.
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Ukrainian folktale.
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I know I am supposed to LOOOVE everything Jan Brett does, but while I find her art beautiful, I've always found it too fussy for children. But we don't have many versions of this classic story, so I was glad she'd decided to do it.
Unfortunately, she's changed it from the classic story where a family works together to pick the giant turnip, to a cutesy thing where different animals try different methods. The punchline, so to speak, where a tiny mouse (or ant in some versions) is the final creature that helps harvest the turnip disappears here. The cumulative--cat holds on to dog who holds on to brother, etc, up to Papa/Grandpa pulling the turnip is lost, and the replacement tale isn't very good.
Grandmas and other gushing types will buy this for the art. In fact, I bet I'll get copies in the donations, pristine from lack of use! But I'll keep hoping for a really good version of this as a picture book. Meanwhile I'll keep telling this with the kids , doing my rendition of Heather Forrest's splendid musical version, which you can here at
http://www.storyarts.org/theatre/inde... -
Too cute!
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Story: 5 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars
Picture book re-telling of the Russian folktale, with a couple additional layers added. This is my favorite adaptation in terms of the text. The enhancements serve to flesh out and invigorate this old tale.
The illustrations are beautiful, but are embellished to the point of distraction. The bears get lost in the side panels, and the rooster isn't prominent enough either, considering the importance of his role in the story. The art is classic Jan Brett style, but I'm not sure it is the best choice for this particular story. -
Jan Brett is back with her classically beautiful illustrations with the retelling of the classic Russian folktale, The Turnip. When a young badger finds an enormous turnip in her garden and cannot pull it up on her own, she enlists her family for help, plus other furry friends. Fun for a one-on-one read aloud. Recommended for: preschool thru Kindergarten. Reviewed by: Alyson D., Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
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A retelling of the Russian folktale in which readers are introduced to what is occurring both above and below the surface and how each uniquely impacts the outcome of the story.
Watercolor and gouache artwork. The write up on the inside back flap of the book is well worth the read and informs readers about how the author/illustrator approached her retelling of this classic story.
Recommended for PreK-2+, especially for classroom use. -
Another trivial pretty. I want to read an edition more true to the traditional. Oh, and I want there to be a recipe to make turnip pancakes. (Pahrump)
Reread. Gotta love the twist ending.. Interesting though that most of the animals were pretty useless in the chain, though... they really needed a rope as in Tug of War. -
The story is pretty cute, with a clever ending, but the illustrations are what really set it apart. It is not just the illustrations of the actions, but there are borders and side pictures with amazing details paying homage to Russian art.
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I have to say that even with all the lovely color illustrations, I still prefer the original tale.
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I think this is finally the last Brett book!!
This is just like the one with the bear musicians... except now a family needs help to get a turnip out of the ground. This is about finding help in unexpected places? Getting credit when you didn't actually do the work? Not getting credit when you do? How sometimes when we help ourselves we also help others? I don't know. It's weird. -
gygyg
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The attempts by many to remove the large turnip from out of the ground proves to be quite a problem. The solution is quite a surprise. Jan Brett's art is so stunning that I often forget to read the words on the page. The story is familiar with the author's own take and it came together for me with a smile.
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I liked the hedgehog. I liked that they thought the rooster pulled it up but really the bears pushed it up.
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About working together!
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Terrific book, with Brett’s wonderful illustrations, a nice animal retelling of a traditional Russian tale. I need to find a recipe for turnip pancakes!
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Badger girl was weeding the garden when she noticed something odd. It was a huge turnip! She tried to pull it out, but it would not budge. Soon their whole family of badgers were trying to pull the turnip out with no success. Hedgie tried to use his prickles to get it out, Mr. Ram tried using his horns, and Vanya the horse hitched up and pulled too. Nothing worked. Then Rooster strutted up and insisted that he try all by himself. Meanwhile, down in the cave below a family of bears had also discovered the turnip and pushed hard to get it out of their bedroom. The turnip sailed into the air with a triumphant Rooster flying along too. Then it was turnip pancakes for everyone!
Brett excels at retelling folktales, enlivening them with her animal characters. This is a traditional cumulative tale that sticks very close to the original. The family of bears living under the turnip is a great addition that allows strutting Rooster to claim victory over the stubborn turnip. The pacing of the tale works well, each new attempt has a longer and longer line of animals trying to help and also dreaming of what delicious things could be made out of the turnip.
As always, Brett’s illustrations are filled with fine details. She again uses her framing on each double-page spread, showing the next animal to arrive before they come in. Readers will notice the bear family on these panels too, a subtle introduction prior to them taking center stage. The illustrations show that this is Russia where the badgers and bears live. They wear traditional Russian clothing and the frames on the illustrations show a similar influence.
Another winner from Brett, this picture book will make a crowd pleaser of a read aloud, but with Brett’s detailed illustrations it’s also a winner of a lap read. Appropriate for ages 2-4. -
A badger family tries and tries to pull up a large turnip that they find in their vegetable patch, but even pulling to gather doesn't get it up. One by one their friends and neighbors stop by and add their strength to the efforts, but the turnip still won't budge. When rooster comes along and takes a turn, there is quite a surprise.
For those of you familiar with Jan Brett's style, you know that the small side illustrations on either side of the two-page spread give readers hints of what is to come or something that may be happening at the same time as the main action. These panels show us a parallel plot of a mother bear and her cubs preparing for their winter hibernation. We may puzzle about where they fit in, but when the story lines merge it all makes sense.
With her typical attention to detail, Brett has incorporated many visual references to Russian culture. The buildings reflect the features of the Izbas found in Novgorod with trim that is nicknamed "wooden lace." You may also notice the typical onion domes in the architecture. The Badger family's clothing also shows Russian design even in their shoes, which are woven birch bark. Another area of the illustrations that reflects the Eastern European setting are the characters. Each of the animals shown in the story is a species found in Europe.
A great story for teaching folktales, cooperation, sequencing, or comparing different versions of a story(since The Turnip has been written and illustrated by other authors and illustrators). I highly recommend it. -
The Turnip is one of my favorite folktales. The summer we had an underground theme for summer reading I had so much fun retelling this story to groups of kids and getting audience participation. I was really excited to read Jan Brett's version of the story.
The illustrations were delightfully classic Jan Brett. I loved the details and the borders and the animals in clothing. It was everything you hope a new Jan Brett book will be. The twist at the end was fun and surprising.
My only complaint is that I wished she had kept in a repeating refrain each time the animals try and fail to pull the turnip out. The repeated refrain, something along the lines of "They tugged and they pulled. They pulled and they tugged. But the turnip wouldn't come out." And it gets more exaggerated and dramatic as the story goes along. I always find kids really like that kind of stuff, and it is my favorite part of telling the folktale out loud. I understand Brett wanted to give the story her own take, which is still very good, but it was just missing that certain something without the repetition throughout. -
We love
Jan Brett's illustrations, so I was excited to discover a new book by her at our local library. It's a retelling of the classic Russian children's story by
Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy and has a fun ending.
We are always looking for hedgehogs in her pictures, and this story certainly does not disappoint. While the story is quite different from the story I remember, it was very fun to read aloud and we really enjoyed reading it together. I also enjoyed reading her author's note on the book jacket flap, that tells a bit about her inspiration for the tale.
This book was featured as one of the selections for the
December 2019: Celebrating Jan Brett discussion at the
Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books group here at Goodreads. -
Brett, Jan The Turnip G.P. Putnam and Sons, 2015. $17.99 PICTURE BOOK Content: G.
Badger Girl has a ginormous turnip growing in her garden, but she can’t get it out. Many animals stop to help her, but until the rooster stops by no one is able to make it budge. Rooster gets the credit for removing the turnip, but what all the other animals don’t realize is that in a den underneath the garden a mother bear has pushed the turnip out from below so her bear cubs can go to bed.
In typical Jan Brett fashion, the illustrations in this book are magical. There is a side bar that shows a secondary story of the mama bear putting her cubs to bed. My son found it humorous that the rooster got credit for pulling out the turnip and was enchanted with all of the details in the pictures.
EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
