A Phase 1/Lilac book for children learning to read. A retelling of a traditional Russian fable in a book without words. An old man plants a seed which grows into a giant turnip. He tries to pull up the turnip, but isn't able to. An old woman helps him, also without success. They are joined by a girl, a dog and a cat, but together they still cannot pull up the turnip. Only when a mouse joins in and helps them do they manage to pull up the turnip. Sometimes even the smallest and seemingly the least important can make all the difference!This book is designed for the first stage of teaching children to read, before they begin learning their letters.

It is ideal for use at Phase 1 of a phonics programme. It is a wordless book that tells a story through pictures alone. All of Ransom's Phase 1/Lilac Band books are designed to help children develop their speaking and listening skills and improve their vocabulary through creating and telling stories, exploring topics and stimulating discussion.