1 / 5The Gigantic Turnip by Barefoot Books
The Gigantic Turnip is Barefoot Books’ retelling of a classic Russian tale, designed for shared read-alouds with young children. Its cumulative story invites children to join in, while simple vocabulary and Niamh Sharkey’s quirky illustrations give adults material to share and discuss.
At a glance
- A retelling of a classic Russian story about a farmer trying to pull an enormous turnip from the ground.
- Cumulative storytelling is intended to encourage children to join in during read-alouds.
- The listing describes simple vocabulary and illustrations by Irish artist Niamh Sharkey.
Reference price: £7.99
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionOften bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- The cumulative structure offers young listeners a repeated pattern to anticipate and join.
- The book combines a traditional tale with illustrations, making it suited to shared reading.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Publisher | Barefoot Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 1 Oct. 2005 |
| Edition | 2nd |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 40 pages |
| Reading age | 3 - 7 years |
| Grade level | Pre-school and up |
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 27.31 x 21.59 x 0.41 cm |
| ISBN-10 | 1905236581 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1905236589 |
Who is it for?
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
75% 75% - 4 stars
15% 15% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback highlights the illustrations and story, with comments describing the pictures as beautiful and interesting and the tale as enjoyable. The positive overall rating distribution is encouraging, though ratings cannot show which parts will appeal to a particular child. The reported interest in the story and illustrations aligns with the book’s illustrated, cumulative read-aloud format.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the illustrations as beautiful and interesting.
- Customers enjoy the story and its fresh take on an old tale.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Gigantic Turnip about?
It retells a classic Russian tale about a farmer who cannot pull a turnip from the ground. The story builds cumulatively as more help is needed.
Is it suited to reading aloud?
The listing describes simple vocabulary and a cumulative theme that encourages young readers to join in, making it intended for shared read-alouds.
What age is the book listed for?
The stated reading age is 3–7 years, and the grade level is preschool and up.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 40 pages.
Alternative options
The Secret Cooking Club: Confetti & Cake (The Secret Cooking Club - Discover the magic of food, fun, and friendship)
£10.99
How to Talk to Anybody: Learn the Secrets to Small Talk, Business, Management, Sales & Social Conversations & How to Make Real Friends (Communication Skills)
£15.11
The Polka Dot Shop
£10.99
The Secret Cooking Club: Blogs & Bakes (The Secret Cooking Club - Discover the magic of food, fun, and friendship Book 1)
£3.99
Mavis the Bravest
£6.64
The Runaway Pea
£6.99
The Little Red Hen: Ladybird First Favourite Tales
£5.69
Jack and the Beanstalk (Fairytale Classics)
£7.50
Jack and the Beanstalk: Ladybird First Favourite Tales
£6.64
The Enormous Turnip: Ladybird First Favourite Tales
£6.64
RRP: £7.99
£7.29
Handa's Surprise: A classic read-aloud picture book, loved by teachers and children alike
£5.44
