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Parents' Guide to

Digger Pig and the Turnip

By Mary LeCompte, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Warmly illustrated early-reader book.

Book Caron Lee Cohen For Beginning Readers 2000
Digger Pig and the Turnip Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Digger Pig is preparing turnip pie. Who will help her? "Not I," say Chirper Chick, Quacker Duck, and Bow-Wow Dog, so Digger Pig is left to make the pie all by herself. But guess who shows up for a slice at dinnertime? Readers will easily identify the inspiration for this familiar and warmly illustrated early-reader book.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

DIGGER PIG AND THE TURNIP is not very surprising, funny, or original, but it does help kids hone early-reading skills. In addition to employing abundant dialogue, the book uses repetition of phrases and one or two challenging or unfamiliar words that may require sounding out, like the names Chirper and Quacker.

One six-year-old got as far as page five before she realized the story's inspiration. "Hey, this is just like 'Little Red Hen'!" Rather than being confused or discouraged, she was interested enough in the new slant on an old favorite to be willing to read the book again. This young critic liked how the pictures were "painted softly" (an effect illustrator Christopher Denise accomplished using colored pencils). The images, with faded edges, blend into their white backgrounds.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about helping. Why don't the animals get to share in enjoying the turnips?

Book Details

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