Jared's Last Carrot is a children’s animal picture book written by Sara Devine and illustrated by Talitha Shipman. Jared woke up from a dream that he could only describe as yummy. As he yawned and stretched, he couldn’t help but notice that his tummy was rumbling. He definitely needed something to eat. His dream came back into his mind, and he instantly thought of making a large, fluffy and delicious stack of carrot pancakes. He’d smother them in maple syrup and top them off with whipped cream. Jared could almost taste those pancakes as he gathered up the ingredients he’d need for them. Then he made an awful discovery -- he was out of carrots. He had already harvested all the carrots in his garden too, but maybe there was one he had missed. Could there be? He dug around his garden and asked the universe to give him one last carrot. And then he found it! But this carrot was different than any carrot he had ever seen. Would he ever get those pancakes?

While I’m not really a big fan of carrots, Jared's Last Carrot had me wondering just how good Jared’s carrot pancakes might actually be. The ingredients seemed designed to produce a delicious fluffy pancake, and the addition of whipped cream and maple syrup sealed the deal. After thinking about those pancakes, I couldn’t help but empathize with Jared as he realized he would be going hungry and couldn’t expect his neighbors to be willing to help. Devine’s story showcases the importance of sharing with others even if you never expect to need help yourself. Talitha Shipman’s charming retro illustrations bring Jared, his friends and those marvelous carrot pancakes to life. Each panel is brightly colored and the expressions on Jared’s face as he hunts for carrots in his vegetable patch are priceless. An excellent choice for storytime, this book is also written with the new reader in mind. Jared's Last Carrot is most highly recommended.

Jared loves his carrots. He eats them raw and he uses them in all kinds of creative dishes from stews to pancakes. He woke up from a dream of carrot pancakes and now he’s determined to make some for breakfast. The only problem is, he doesn’t have any more carrots. It’s the end of the growing season, but, spade in hand, he’s determined to find one last carrot in his garden patch. He finally digs up what looks like a carrot, only it’s yellow and it’s too hard to cut. Frustrated, he visits his neighbors in the hopes someone might have a spare carrot for him. Since Jared was never good at sharing, none of the neighbors is willing to share with him. Except for Jared’s best friend, Buddy. He’s just made some carrot pancakes and shares them with Jared. He also shares some advice about the mysterious carrot that is too big and too hard to cut.

Sara Devine’s picture book story, Jared’s Last Carrot, is all about sharing. This charming story traces Jared’s wish to find one last carrot to make some much-desired carrot pancakes. In the process, Jared learns some painful truths about himself: that he’s not a very sharing, caring bunny. When his neighbors need carrots, he doesn’t share, so why should they share with him. And they don’t. The plot develops with care and precision, leading the young reader to the conclusion that sharing really is a good thing to do. Talitha Shipman’s colorful illustrations help carry this story along. The message is clear and well presented, with a little bit of humor. A great story about sharing and caring for young readers.

Jared’s Last Carrot is a children’s picture book by Sara Devine. Jared the bunny woke up feeling very hungry. He had a craving for carrot pancakes covered with lots of maple syrup and whipped cream. Jared had all the ingredients except the most important one... carrots. He went into the garden but did not see any, so he dug for hours until he pulled out a large, shiny carrot. Maybe he could make carrot stew and pot pies too. He was excited and tried slicing it but didn’t succeed because it was very hard. Then the bunny decided to ask his neighbors on Sunny Lane if they would give him a few carrots instead. He was so hungry but wondered if they would share their carrots because he had been mean to them.

Jared’s Last Carrot is a lovely children’s novella by Sara Devine. It has beautiful, impressive illustrations done by Talitha Shipman that show the many expressions Jared has when he thinks of carrots, his favorite food. Although this picture storybook is an enjoyable read, Sara Devine subtly emphasizes the importance of sharing, and children can learn why from Jared’s selfishness to his neighbors. The Carrot Pancake recipe included in the story is worth trying, especially with the maple syrup and whipped cream. Bunnylicious! It should be fun for children to help their parents or guardians prepare carrot pancakes. It’s also a clever way to get kids to eat vegetables by letting them get involved in the preparation.

Jared’s Last Carrot is a wonderful story about sharing and determination. When Jared the rabbit can’t find a carrot to make carrot pancakes, he digs in the garden hoping to find a carrot. Then he wishes for one more carrot. To his surprise, he finds an odd, carrot-shaped solid object. But, he still wants carrot pancakes. Jared asks his neighbors for one. But, they don’t have any carrots to spare and Jared realizes he has never shared carrots or food with any of his neighbors. Author Sara Devine has written a fun story with a subtle amount of determination. Jared desperately wants carrot pancakes and tries several methods to find carrots. The book also contains a subtle lesson on sharing. Jared uses the advice supplied by his friend Buddy and makes a dinner of carrot casserole for everyone on Sunny Lane.

Children will enjoy reading the book Jared’s Last Carrot and looking at the beautiful illustrations by Talitha Shipman. The warm tones of Jared the rabbit and his home will invite children into the book and the story will bring them back again and again. Author Sara Devine has written an enjoyable story of a rabbit in search of carrots with a subtle sprinkling of determination. Jared doesn’t stop looking for carrots even though he has none. Teachers and parents will admire Jared for remembering with his neighbors when he does get an abundance of carrots and good fortune.