THE TURNIP: An Old Russian Folktale

This version of a popular cumulative story was collected by Katherine Milhous in Once on a Time (1938); like Jacobs' version of ""The Old Woman and Her Pig,"" its language is almost austerely simple, making it perfect for the youngest listeners--who respond to its rhythmic repetitions with delight. Milhous' version has a marvelous, ear-tickling embellishment: the characters' names, which pour out in a grand, tongue-twisting finale--""Dedoushka pulled at the turnip, Baboushka pulled at Dedouskha, Mashenka pulled at Baboushka. . ."" Although the story stands beautifully on its own, Morgan--in her first picture book--contributes outstanding illustrations. Drawn in bold black and richly colored with gouache, her sturdy peasants overflow their borders as they strain against the recalcitrant vegetable. An excellent edition of an old favorite.