The Talking Vegetables

by Won-Ldy Paye, Margaret H. Lippert, Julie Paschkis (Illustrator)

A wonderful folktale from the award-winning authors of Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile  The villagers are planting a garden, but Spider refuses to help. He has plenty of rice to eat, so why should he do all that hard work? Then one day Spider gets tired of plain rice and decides to pick some of the delicious produce. Imagine his surprise when the vegetables start talking!
The talented team that created the award-winning titles Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile and Head, Body, Legs join together once again for a laugh-out-loud funny Liberian story.  The Talking Vegetables is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Africa, Childrens, Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2006

Reviews

[Casey Elekes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was entertaining but did not stand out to me as something I would like to read again. It has very vivid illustrations which kids would love. The story line could be a good teaching tool as to being greedy and/or working for what you want. The spider does not help plant the vegetables in the town, but later tries to pick some to eat. The vegetables end up talking and do not let the spider pick them since he did not help with the planting process.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminds me of the Little Red Hen, except this spider didn't want to help the village animals tend to their village garden. And then when it was time to eat the food, the spider attempting to serve himself, with getting a couple words from the vegetables themselves.

Would gladly use this with a PreK Story Class. Great length, solid plot, and bright bold illustrations.

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I brought home a load of books from the library - fairies, ballerinas, ducks, favorite characters, etc. But when my daughter (6) saw this, she gasped and went right in for a snuggle. She remembers it from a year ago when we first read it. We've read it every day for 4 days. It's a very classic "Little Red Hen" type tale.

[Samantha Penrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations...lots of bright colors and patterns..simple animal shapes--good to keep a young eye entertained. I also enjoyed the message...it is one that any child could benefit from....You have to give a little if you want to get a little.

[Cesar Marte]

best book ever

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Spider refuses to help the villagers plant the vegetables, he is in for a surprise when he goes to pick some for himself.

[Jude]

This reminded me almost of The Little Red Hen but a bit different. Everyone works except one.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the school I work for currently we follow the 7 habits. This book is a great book to discuss synergizing, or working with oneanother.

[Tracie Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent enough read, but honestly, I didn't get the point of the story,