Type of bind: Hardcover
EAN num: 9780375821806
ISBN number: 0375821805
Label: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 40
Printing Date: June 10, 2003
Publishing house: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Age index: Ages 4-8
Release Date: June 10, 2003
Sale Popularity Level: 938851
Studio: Knopf Books for Young Readers
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
One day at her dad’s house, a young girl finds two old potatoes in the cupboard. “Gross.” But 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. Carolyn Fisher’s artwork will be instantly recognizable from her recent picture book debut, A Twisted Tale, and her trademark high-energy art and design infuse joy and humour into this heartwarming story.
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Rated by buyers 
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Father and daughter plant potatoes and wait patiently for them to grow. The artwork in this book is engaging and unique, so it actually can reach an older age group than most picture books. Discusses divorce tangentially, since it is clear the girl lives with her mother most of the time, so it is useful for helping children feel more normal about their parents' divorce and spending good time with a good father. Handles the race of the characters in the same way-the characters are African-American, but this is not something that needs to be explained or made into an issue-it's just a normal thing. Characters are very positive. Great for read aloud, up through about 3rd grade. Includes potato recipes and good instructions for actually growing potatoes.
Rated by buyers -
I read this book to my K-2s when I was a media specialist, and have thought of it occasionally and fondly. By chance I saw it yesterday and renewed my appreciation for it. The simple story touches on many near'n dear topics - I like the thrifty side of getting some good out of old potatoes that would otherwise be wasted. Most modern style books featuring various fonts of differing size irk me, but I forgive that nuisance in this book because the story is strong and elemental.
Rated by buyers -
A book about potatoes sprouting may seem dull compared to some of the other subject matter selling like hotcakes. How can a couple of spuds compete with magicians, aliens, and dragons? Start with a large helping of brilliant illustrations, complete with text blending in so artfully you feel you are on a treasure hunt, making sure you haven't missed any important words. Toss in a generous dollop of fun facts about raising potatoes (shriveled 'eyes'; executing beetles in a tub of soapy water; the amazing bounty yielded by two little bits of tater). Sprinkle with the slightest hint of quality time spent with loved ones. Voila! You will be rewarded with informative non-fiction masquerading as a heart-tugging, visually satisfying work of art. Enjoy!
Rated by buyers 
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There is such satisfaction and delight in John Coy's tale. Daughter and "part-time" dad decide to plant 2 old ("G.R.O.S.S.") potatoes with eyes sprouting like Halloween weirdos. Yet even rotting potatoes help illustrate what Life is all about: work, waiting,wisdom.
During the aftermath of her parents' divorce the girl finds encouragement from nature's growth cycle, the advice of a wise grandpa, a caring father. Her personality is cultivated through lessons from the natural world. Then, following the menace of Potato Bugs, there comes the ultimate reward: that crowning comfort, mashed potatoes!
For a time life's problems take a back seat for the reader, too. We see signs that many parents are working harder than ever to achieve strong relationships with their children, even in today's throwaway society. The story Minnesotan John Coy shares is enhanced by the graphic illustrations of Carolyn Fisher, delightfully crowded on page after page. This book is definitely one to keep . . . we need its optimism.
There are reviews that also rate FIVE STARS: read what Grace Oliff writes for SLJ; also, Bill McAuliffe's "The Eyes Have It."
REVIEWER mcHAIKU claims "ALL LIFE SHOULD HAVE A SPRINKLING OF NUTMEG!"
Rated by buyers -
"Two Old Potatoes and Me" is by John Coy, with pictures by Carolyn Fisher. The story is narrated by a young girl who finds two old potatoes with sprouts growing from them. With advice from her grandpa, she and her dad try to grow new potatoes from the old ones.
The rich, colorful pictures have a surreal flavor and an appealing energetic quality. This is a good story about intergenerational cooperation and bonding, and also about hard work and conservation of resources. And as a bonus the book includes a recipe for mashed potatoes.
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