The Giant Turnip

Grandpa planted a little turnip seed and said, "Grow, little turnip, sweet and strong!" And grow it did, into the biggest turnip anyone had ever seen.

When it was ready, Grandpa took hold and pulled. He pulled and pulled, but the turnip would not come up. So he called Grandma. Grandma held on to Grandpa, Grandpa held the turnip, and they pulled together, but still it would not budge.

Grandma called their granddaughter. The granddaughter called the dog. The dog called the cat. They all held on in a long row and pulled and pulled, huffing and giggling, but the giant turnip stayed snug in the ground.

At last the cat called a tiny little mouse. "Can such a small mouse help?" everyone wondered. But the mouse grabbed hold of the cat, and everyone pulled together, all at once, heave-ho!

And out popped the turnip! Everyone tumbled back in a happy, laughing heap. The turnip was so big it made soup enough for all of them, even the little mouse.

They learned that no one is too small to help, and that everything is easier when we help each other.

That evening they shared a warm bowl of turnip soup, snuggled close, and one by one grew sleepy and cozy, ready for happy dreams.