The Carrot Seed

By Ruth Krauss (1945), 32 pages

Illustrated by Crockett Jonhson

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Continuously in print since 1945, this classic tale is one both children and parents will love. Who knew a simple act of planting a seed could be so courageous … well, one little boy proves just that! Even though everyone kept insisting “it won’t come up; it won’t come up.” The little boy never gives up and patiently tends to his carrot seed with conviction and confidence. Is he rewarded in the end? Why, yes! He manages to produce a carrot worthy of any state prize and even though others doubted him – our brave boy proves that it was possible all along. Krauss and Johnson use simple words and pictures to convey poise and self-assurance. This timeless story has wonderful morals threefold for children –to trust in themselves, practice patience and care, and reap the rewards of hard work!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Ant and the Grasshopper by Amy Lowry Poole, Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert, Jack’s Garden by Henry Cole, or Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Other books by this author: A Hole is to Dig, A Very Special House, Bears, The Backwards Day, The Bundle Book, I Can Fly, The Growing Story, and The Happy Day

Other books by this illustrator: Harold and the Purple Crayon