When a little boy plants a carrot seed, everyone tells him it won't grow. But when you are very young, there are some things that you just know, and the little boy knows that one day a carrot will come up. So he waters his seed, and pulls the weeds, and he waits ...

First published in 1945 and never out of print, this timeless combination of Ruth Krauss's simple text and Crockett Johnson's eloquent illustrations creates a triumphant and deeply satisfying story for readers of all ages.

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This is a timeless classic that has been known and loved by children and parents for years.

A young boy is told by his parents, competition and his big brother that his carrot will not grow. After a long time of pulling weeds, watering and patience the carrot finally grows, and it is huge.

The author Ruth Krauss was born in 1901 is also the author of A Hole Is To Dig; I'll Be You and You Be Me; Charlotte and the White Horse; and many other childrens classics.

18 of 19 found the following review helpful:

A true classicOct 04, 2001
By apoem "apoem"
My little boy loves this story.
The simple pictures and the simple story line makes this a sure winner for little kids. The repetitive nature in the beginning leads to prereading skills. The moral is lovely.

I like books that you can use as a jump start to other activities. We planted beans the other day to see if they would grow. Very nice book.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

A lesson in persistence paying offNov 30, 2001
By Neal Stublen
Though the story is simple, the message is grand. If you want to teach your children the value of persistence, this would be a very nice book to add to your children's library.

As the little boy is repeatedly told his efforts are in vain, he quietly goes about his business and, in the end, he is rewarded for his labor. You can use this story to help your children overcome the naysayers they are sure to encounter in life. (Of course, they will also need to learn the value of listening to and heeding wise advice - but that can always be taught from another story.)

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:

Good, moral story for beginning readersSep 27, 2001
By T. W. Fuller
"The Carrot Seed" tells the story of a little boy who plants a carrot seed, then waits patiently for it to grow. Everyday he cares and tends to it; and every day the adults around him shake their head and tell him it will not grow, until one day, to the adults amazement - it does.

"The Carrot Seed" is perfect for beginning readers around the age of three. It is as short as the words used to write the story, and will help children learn to read. It will also provide a moral lesson for the reader, the adult included, which teaches that patience is indeed a virtue; and that hard work and determination can make a world of difference. It also teaches us that just because an adult tells a child something cannot be accomplished, does not always make it so.

I recommend this story not only for children, but for adults; for adults can still learn this moral lesson, along with their children.

5 of 5 found the following review helpful:

The Carrot SeedSep 08, 2001

I am a 7 year old boy, and I liked this book! We wrote a story of our own at school like this book. The story I wrote was about a moonflower. In The Carrot Seed, the boy is very likable and his carrot ends up growing humongous.

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