The Gigantic Turnip: questions to ask and activities to try
The turnip is gigantic, and it won't budge! The Gigantic Turnip is a funny retelling of the classic Russian tale about teamwork and how even the smallest helper counts.
What age is it for? The Gigantic Turnip is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Teamwork, and how everyone can help.
The Gigantic Turnip (Aleksei Tolstoy and Niamh Sharkey)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Teamwork, and how everyone can help
Let your child join in with “they pulled and pulled” each time. Notice that it's the smallest helper who makes the difference.
What it helps with
- Teamwork and helping each other
- Every helper matters, even the smallest
- Joining in with repeated lines
- Traditional tales
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did the old man grow?”
- “Why couldn’t he pull it up?”
- “Who came to help?”
- “Who was the smallest helper?”
- “How did they feel when it came out?”
- “When have you worked as a team?”
5-minute activities to try together
Tug of war
Play a gentle tug of war with a scarf, adding family members one by one.
Team job
Choose a job, like tidying up, that's quicker when everyone helps, and time it.
Free printables: The Gigantic Turnip worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Dinosaur Dig! (Penny Dale)
- Best for
- Dinosaurs, diggers and counting
- Age
- 2-5
Pumpkin Soup (Helen Cooper)
- Best for
- Sharing jobs, falling out and making up with friends
- Age
- 3-7
Errol's Garden (Gillian Hibbs)
- Best for
- Gardening, community, and asking for help with a big idea
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.