What do You think about Stone Soup (1986)?
I have actually heard this story before countless times. I have heard it recited orally, performed in a play and even made stone soup but surprisingly enough this is the first time I have actually READ "Stone Soup". McGovern does an excellent job putting the tale in pictures. I loved the how she kept the old European style setting in pictures and wardrobe for the characters. The story is about a poor young boy with a few tricks up his sleeve. He meets an older woman who does not want to feed him. He then tells her that he can make a meal with only a stone. The gullible woman falls for it and then ends up adding more and more edible ingredients due to the persistence of the boy. In the end, the boy gets a good, warm meal and the woman gains a new recipe.This book is great for the classroom! I could have my students act it out. I would also love to recreate the lesson I did when I was younger where we actually made stone soup. It really brought the story to life for me. This text would work for preschool through 3rd grade. Themes: trickery, teamwork, and working with little resources.
—Harley Stine
A poor man goes to a house to find food. The lady who answers the door tells him that there is no food in the house or in the garden. So then the man asks the lady if there is stone and she tells him how to make the stone soup. When the water boils he asks the lady to add some onion,carrots, butter,barley, beef bones, salt, and pepper. Finally the soup is done and the man takes out the stones and tells her the soup is done and he gets to fill his stomach and away he goes. The lady realizes at the end what had happened.Extention- ask the children what can they eat and what they cannot eat. Or pass around soup for everyone in the class to taste.
—Reema
Personal reaction: Such a cute story that people of all ages can enjoy. The themes of the story can speak to most all people. The illustrations are a wonderful depiction of the old French culture that it comes from included in the characters and their clothing. Story of simplicity and appreciation. Purpose(s): This would be an excellent story to read aloud. Depending on the age of the students you could do a variety of activities, including those focused on taste and art activities. You could "make" stone soup with your students as well.
—Megan McKenny
