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Viking Easy-to-Read
The Turnip
Offers a colorful retelling of the classic tale of a princess who comes in from the rain and is given shelter by the queen who then, unbeknownst to the princess, gives her guest a test to determine if the stranger is truly who she claims to be.
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
About the author
Harriet Ziefert
691 books56 followersHarriet Ziefert grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University.
For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.
"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.
For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.
"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 14, 2021
I've been looking for the perfect version of this wonderful folk tale, and this one comes close. It has the simple storyline, chorus-like text, and charming illustrations I have been looking for. This retelling is designed for early readers, and therefore the book is physically small in size. I would love it in a blown-up version to make it more suitable to read to groups of younger children. We may try it anyway.
February 10, 2012
The kids love this as a read aloud. It's so simple---but, they giggle like crazy!
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April 11, 2011The Turnip is another easy read. It is definitly for younger ages, grades k-1st would be most appropriate.
August 9, 2012
Kids loved this easy to read classic about the old man who planted a little turnip! For K-1st graders. Lots of repeating and chanting and causes lots of giggles.
February 5, 2013
Used for Letter T. Cute read aloud, and a great easy reader.
July 17, 2019
There are a surprising number of books about turnips. Specifically large, giant, and/or enormous turnips.
November 13, 2024
A basic beginning reader telling the timeless folk story of pulling the enormous turnip from the ground.
Illustrations by Laura Rader make this an enjoyable title.
Illustrations by Laura Rader make this an enjoyable title.
November 4, 2023
Maddie read us this classic.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews