• View ecochildsplay’s profile on Facebook
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Twitter
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Instagram
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Pinterest
  • View Jennifer Lance’s profile on LinkedIn
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on YouTube
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Google+

Eco Child's Play

Live a greener, healthier life!

  • Environment
  • Pregnancy
  • Food & Recipes
  • Health News
  • Parenting
  • Green Toys
  • Beauty & Beauty Products
  • Green Home & Cleaning
  • Contact

Great Children's Literature: The Carrot Seed

The Carrot Seed has just celebrated its 60th anniversary! This simple, almost Zen-like story tells of a young boy’s determination to grow a carrot, despite his family’s doubts and opposition. The little boy tends the seed, ever patient, keeping his expectations high. In the end, he is rewarded with a carrot so large, it has to be hauled with a wheelbarrow. Not only does this book teach the basics of growing a plant from seed to harvest, but also children learn how to persist in the face of opposition. It is unfortunate that the boy’s parents are not supportive of his efforts, but the boy triumphs in the end. Crockett Johnson’s simple illustrations, reminiscent of his other famous work Harold and the Purple Crayon, match this minimalist tale of gardening and positive attitude. Planting carrot seeds, especially in a root viewer, is a great extension of the story in the classroom.

For more great children’s literature reviews on gardening books, please visit Green Family Values: Children’s Literature on Gardening/Green Options.

Only 6 days left to leave a comment and enter our monthly drawing for a hemp Eco Child’s Play bag.

  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • More
  • WhatsApp
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Subscribe!

« Green Family Values: Children's Literature on Gardening
Daily Tip: Efficient Watering With a Garden Timer »

Comments

  1. Jeremiah McNichols says

    July 26, 2007 at 1:22 pm

    I did not grow up with this book but discovered it when Z was born, and have had mixed feelings about it. I share your discomfort with a scenario that pits a young child against his parents and sibling to achieve his goals. Perhaps if the story had a reconciliation or apology from his family afterwards, this lack of support would feel less inappropriate for the age level.

    Reply
  2. Ami Scott says

    July 26, 2007 at 4:46 pm

    It is unfortunate that his family won’t stand behind him. It’s even sadder that this happens in real life everyday. However, I like the “perseverance in the face of adversity” kind of moral to it. I got this to use as part of my son’s winter curriculum. I also love the Purple Crayon.

    Reply
  3. Leila says

    July 27, 2007 at 4:12 pm

    This is one of my favorite books. I enjoy the simplicity of the message (like ami) and the drawings are definitely to my taste. Jeremiah- I hadn’t considered what you brought up regarding the age appropriateness of the lack of family support. I’m going to give it a good think.

    Reply
  4. nicholsphotos says

    August 4, 2007 at 5:41 pm

    I’ve used this book in preschool classrooms for years, and thought it is unfortunate that the boy had no support, it always seemed like many children could relate to the feeling the boy had. It is a realility that children aren’t always supported in their endeavros, and as such I think it reflects an important experience, as well as teaching self-support.

    Another part, how the carrot sprang up overnight, used to bother me, because it seemed to teach an unrealistic view of growing things, and we used the book in the context of a unit on planting and growing. However, I have my own garden this year, and it’s interesting how it almost DOES seem like vegetable spring up overnight. I’ve written about my experience of this here:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholsphotos/1009253230/

    Reply
  5. Ashley says

    August 9, 2007 at 4:56 pm

    Thanks for reminding me about “The Carrot Seed!” It’s not only a great resource for teaching basic ecology principles, but also brings up important, sometimes tough-to-talk-about issues concerning spirituality and conviction.

    There’s even a great animation of the story, as well as an audio recording, which I talk about here, if you’re interested.

    Reply
  6. Mark Montgomery says

    March 13, 2008 at 5:01 pm

    I love everything about gardening, growing plants and learning all I can about organic gardening and all the garden accessories that are out there. Keep up the great work on this blog and I look forward to visiting again. By the way, you might really enjoy what you find at http://gardeninglunatic.com Have a great day

    Reply
  7. Titus Permadi says

    July 15, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    Children story, but very useful for everyone

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search Content

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter


About Eco Child’s Play

Our ethos is to provide news, information, and opinions on natural, green parenting to help your family live a greener, healthier life! Additionally, we offer personal consulting services to help you achieve your green living goals.

Jennifer is a vegetarian, yoga teacher, gardener, hiker, teacher, and mother that has been living off-the-grid for over 20 years.

Contact Eco Child’s Play

Plants Over Plastics! Repurpose Compostable Home Products

Convenient Plastic Container Free Dropps Laundry & Dishwashing Pods

More from the archives!

Is watching TV shortening your life?

Breaking news: Toxic silver nanoparticles may be entering our food supply

Phthalates Used in Plastics and Beauty Products Can Weaken Bones

Simple, Vegan Kid-Friendly Soup

A Review of Sneaky Green Uses for Everyday Things by Cy Tymony

cbd salve joy organics

CBD Products that Actually Deliver: Joy Organics

wama hemp underwear

The Most Comfortable Underwear is Made of Hemp: WAMA Review

Information

  • About & Contact
  • Archive
  • Blog
  • Consulting Services
  • Disclaimer, Disclosure, & Sponsored Posts
  • Privacy Policy

Pitocin during labor may increase postpartum depression

Celebrate the Earth: Five Ideas to Celebrate Arbor Day with Children

Loft Living: Green and Glorious

Organic Banana Bread with Flax Seeds

Top Ten Eco-Friendly Toys

Popular Categories

  • Breastfeeding
  • Health News
  • Natural Childbirth
  • Parenting
  • Education
  • Product Review
  • Green Toys

Get our posts via email

Please stay in touch!

You might also like to read…

Patagonia Books: Closer to the Ground

Hush Little Baby

Happy Mother’s Day! I am so blessed to be a mother!

Are iPads & iPhones Good Gifts For Kids?

Something In The Water (Does Not Compute)

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.