#89 - Two Old Potatoes and Me by John Coy

Summary: One day at her dad’s house, a young girl finds two old potatoes in the cupboard. Before she can throw them away, her dad suggests they try to grow new potatoes from the old ones, which have sprouted eyes. Told from May to September, the potato-growing season, the story includes all the basic steps for growing potatoes while subtly dealing with the parents’ recent divorce. Just like the new potatoes that emerged from ugly old potatoes, this dad and daughter move on and make a new life together in the face of unavoidable and unpleasant change.

Suggested Activity:  Grow a Potato

 

Cut off the top third of a sweet potato and put it part way in water; allow sprouts to vine at the top.

Curriculum Area: Learning and Problem Solving (observes objects and events with curiosity, explores cause and effect)

Appropriate Age Group: 4 and up