Spuds

Written by Karen Hesse · Illustrated by Wendy Watson

Children's nighttime potato rescue leads to unexpected consequences.

3.4 Goodreads · 265 ratings

32 pages· 984 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud· AD810L

$16.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

In the Maine backwoods, three siblings hatch a plan to surprise their hardworking mother by gathering leftover potatoes from a neighbor's field. Under the cover of night, they dig through frosty soil, dreaming of a delicious feast. But their sack holds a shocking secret, and Ma's reaction isn't what they expected. As they strive to make amends, a surprising twist reveals their unintended impact on the farmer. Can they turn their mistake into a blessing? This heartwarming tale of family and integrity unfolds with moonlit adventures and unexpected lessons.

From the publisher

Newbery medalist Karen Hesse has crafted a heartwarming story set in the backwoods of Maine that glows with integrity, love, and true family values. Ma’s been working so hard, she doesn’t have much left over. So her three kids decide to do some work on their own. In the dark of night, they steal into their rich neighbor’s potato fields in hopes of collecting the strays that have been left to rot. They dig flat-bellied in the dirt, hiding from passing cars, and drag a sack of spuds through the frost back home. But in the light, the sad truth is revealed: their bag is full of stones! Ma is upset when she sees what they’ve done, and makes them set things right. But in a surprise twist, they learned they have helped the farmer (contd.)

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