The Nine Lives of Pinrut the Turnip Boy

This book began as a lark but kept on growing. Then teachers and parents contacted me to say their kids loved this slightly zany, fast-paced tale. His fans have been of mixed ages, too: grade 3, 4, 5, 6 - also the kids in a grade 8 were highly amused by him and inspired to write similar tales of their own as part of their writing block.

There was once a turnip. He was an ordinary turnip, one you’d pass by without noticing. He grew in a row of turnips, one of many rows of turnips in a field that was one of many fields of turnips. That’s how ordinary this turnip was. Neither bigger, nor smaller, nor fatter, nor skinnier, nor longer, nor sweeter, nor more peppery: that’s how he was. And he had company, as you can imagine, for there were lots like him—thousands in fact. One summer’s evening this turnip up and left. He’d had enough. He pulled himself from the ground, turned upside down, and took off on his leafy stalks. He ambled along the row and out of the field.

“Hey, you can’t do that!” cried the other turnips.

“Watch me,” said the turnip.

And watch him we will, through all nine lives: in America, Canada, China, New Zealand, New Guinea, Mars and Wobbles. Naturally he has a few adventures on the way, but his skills and savvy, indeed, his sheer existence, also come to the attention of the devilish boss of a nefarious GMO seed corporation called Nonsanto!

Soft cover, 132 pages, illustrated. Suitable for grade 3 to grade6. Purchase Book

Sample Lives: First Life, Second Life.

Reviews

"With The Nine Lives of Pinrut the Turnip Boy author Reg Down again demonstrates a lively imagination combined with superbly crafted storytelling skills that will engage and entertain young readers ranging from grade 3 to grade 6. Very highly recommended for school and community library collection ..." The Midwest Book Review

"Lovely book! My 6 yr old loves this book and hasn't put it down since she received it as a gift! She is an advanced reader (1st grader reading at a 3rd grade level) and it can be hard to find books that are age appropriate but advanced enough to challenge her and keep her interested in reading. She loves all of Reg Down's books and this is no exception. Great story that is entertaining to children and adults!" Amazon Review

"My six year old twins love this book. Especially when Pinrut came to our city-Portland! I especially enjoy reading for the parts that keep the adults engaged." Amazon Review