Ukrainian folk tale
The Giant Turnip
The Giant Turnip — a classic Ukrainian folk tale about an enormous turnip and a family that pulls it out together. Read the full text for free.
Grandpa planted a turnip. The turnip grew big, ever so big.
Grandpa went to pull up the turnip. He pulls and pulls, but he cannot pull it out.
Grandpa called Grandma. Grandma holds Grandpa, Grandpa holds the turnip — they pull and pull, but they cannot pull it out.
Grandma called the granddaughter. The granddaughter holds Grandma, Grandma holds Grandpa, Grandpa holds the turnip — they pull and pull, but they cannot pull it out.
The granddaughter called the dog. The dog holds the granddaughter, the granddaughter holds Grandma, Grandma holds Grandpa, Grandpa holds the turnip — they pull and pull, but they cannot pull it out.
The dog called the cat. The cat holds the dog, the dog holds the granddaughter, the granddaughter holds Grandma, Grandma holds Grandpa, Grandpa holds the turnip — they pull and pull, but they cannot pull it out.
The cat called the mouse. The mouse holds the cat, the cat holds the dog, the dog holds the granddaughter, the granddaughter holds Grandma, Grandma holds Grandpa, Grandpa holds the turnip — they pull and pull — and up came the turnip!
Listen to this tale narrated
Professional audio narration and many more tales for children aged 0–6 — in the Tale Tails app. Read or listen, even offline.
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What age is the tale “The Giant Turnip” for?
“The Giant Turnip” is best for children aged 2 to 5, though it is loved at any age.
Is there an audio narration of “The Giant Turnip”?
Yes. A professional audio narration of “The Giant Turnip” is available in the free Tale Tails app for Android.
Is “The Giant Turnip” free to read?
Yes, the full text of “The Giant Turnip” is free to read on this page, with no sign-up.
What is the moral of “The Giant Turnip”?
Together it is easier — even a little help gets a big job done.
