The Turnip

This charming retelling of a classic folktale brings new life to the timeless story of community cooperation, featuring Jan Brett's signature intricate illustrations that transport readers to a cozy woodland world. When Badger Girl discovers an enormous turnip growing in her garden, she quickly learns that some tasks require more than individual effort to accomplish. The narrative builds beautifully as she enlists help from various animal friends, each addition to the chain creating mounting anticipation. Brett's detailed borders and visual storytelling provide delightful foreshadowing and additional layers to discover with each reading.

What makes this version particularly engaging is how Brett populates the story with her trademark anthropomorphic animal characters, each rendered with exquisite detail and personality that will captivate both children and adults. The gradual accumulation of helpers creates a wonderful rhythm that teaches young readers about teamwork and persistence in the most gentle, organic way possible. Families will appreciate how the story demonstrates that even the smallest creatures can contribute to solving big problems when they work together. This beautifully illustrated take on a traditional tale reminds us that community strength often grows from the simplest of roots.