The Carrot Seed

By: Crockett Johnson illustrations: Crockett Johnson

A young boy plants a carrot seed. Everyone tells him the carrot will not grow. And yet… it does! "The Carrot Seed" invites readers to share in the child's anticipation, care, and ultimate wonder surrounding the growth of the carrot.

"You worked hard and you found it – Believe!" (Yaga’ta U’matzata – Ta’amin)

The boy in the story has faith that a carrot will grow from the tiny seed, without any visible proof and in spite of the skepticism expressed by those around him. He cares for his seed with enormous patience and persistence, waters the soil, removes weeds and waits in anticipation… until the time is ripe and the carrot shoots out of the soil.

"The Carrot Seed" is much more than the story of a growing carrot. It is also a tale of patience, faith and tenacity. In Jewish tradition, planting symbolizes belief in the future, optimism and commitment. One can imagine the boy's great joy upon eating the carrot whose growth he fostered, as reflected in the verse "How happy you shall be, when you eat the fruit of your labors" (Psalms 128,2).

Age Group: PRESCHOOL

Language:

110,000

קלאסיקלטת

2013 2012-2013

שְׁמִירָה

The adults in the story are doubtful that the carrot will grow. You can discuss this with your children and share your own experiences. You may ask: Why do the adults had trouble believing that the carrot would grow? When you read the story, did your children think the carrot would grow? Did you ever have someone not believe you? How do you feel when others doubt things of which you are certain?

The boy in the story does not speak, and we can only imagine what he is thinking and feeling as the others express their skepticism. If the boy could talk, how do you think he would respond? Together with your child you can select dolls to represent the boy, his parents and his brother. As you re-read the story, use the dolls to create a dialogue between the boy and his

At the end of the story, the boy transports the carrot in a wheelbarrow. What do you think happens next? Where is he taking the carrot? How do the others respond when they see the giant carrot, and what does the boy do with it?

The carrot grows under the ground, and not on the shelves of the grocery store! You can visit the supermarket or neighborhood grocery and take note of the various fruits and vegetables. What grows from a seed, like the carrot? What grows under the soil, and what blossoms on a tree? Which foods can be prepared from each fruit and vegetable, and what do we like in particular?

Crockett Johnson’s illustrations depict the story that occurs above ground. You can suggest to your children that they draw a parallel story of the carrot, page after page, reflecting the process under the soil. In the end you will have two booklets illustrating the story “The Carrot Seed”: one of the boy and his family, and the other – the story of the

There are many delicious foods that can be prepared with carrots: carrot juice, carrot soup, carrot salad, carrot bread and more! Here is an easy recipe for sweet and delicious carrot salad: Ask your children to help peel and grate a few carrots into a bowl. Add a bit of lemon juice, sugar and a handful of raisins and mix together. You can serve your carrot salad to the whole family. Bon Appetite!
“The Carrot Seed” demonstrates the great amount of patience and perseverance needed to grow vegetables. These traits are necessary to achieve many goals in life. You can share a personal story with your child of something you achieved with great effort and after a long wait, and tell them about the sense of satisfaction this

The Carrot Seed