The Giant Turnip

In early spring, Grandfather planted a turnip seed beside the house. He watered it, Grandmother loosened the soil, and their granddaughter pulled the weeds. Its green leaves grew each day. By harvest time, the purple-and-white root was so enormous that the earth rose in a mound around it.

Grandfather gripped the leaves and pulled—heave! The turnip did not move. Grandmother held Grandfather around the waist. They rocked left, rocked right, and pulled together—heave! A little crack appeared in the soil, but the giant root stayed put.

Their granddaughter hurried over and held Grandmother. Zhuchka the dog caught the edge of the girl's apron. Everyone counted, “One, two, three—heave!” Leaves trembled and dust puffed, but the turnip only tilted a tiny bit.

Mashka the cat joined the end, but that was still not enough. A tiny mouse peeped through the fence. “May I help?” No one laughed. The girl nodded, and the mouse held the cat's tail. Everyone took a breath and listened for the same beat.

“One, two, three—heave!” Pop! The turnip came free, and everyone tumbled laughing onto the grass. That evening they made a great pot of soup and shared it with their neighbors. Grandfather handed the smallest spoon to Mouse. “Your help was not small to our team.”

Big work becomes possible when everyone contributes, and the smallest help may be the piece a team still needs.