Backyard Stew

by Heather C. Morris, Deborah Schreiber (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2026

About the author

Heather C. Morris is the grateful author of multiple stories for kids – fiction, nonfiction, picture books, and middle grade – including Trunk Goes Thunk! (Gnome Road Publishing, 2024), a ghost story in the Haunted States of America Anthology (Godwin Books/Macmillan, 2024), and the upcoming Backyard Stew (Gnome Road, 2026). She is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has written six titles for the educational market. When Heather’s not reading, typing, or doodling, you’ll find her hiking the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with
her family.

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully written and illustrated picture book that turns a boring day inside out.

Heather C. Morris’ female main character is bored but when she goes into her backyard and begins to fill a pot with her discoveries and has friends join in, they all discover what entertainment is readily available right in their own backyards! Definitely a read aloud book perfect for getting kids involved in discussion of what they see in their own yards and neighborhoods, but also great for using dramatic voices and encouraging littles to get their bodies moving, especially when the whole book must be turned upside down!

Excellent choice for teachers of preschool-grade 2 during read aloud/circle time and for those same ages to read or browse independently. Combine with Marcia Brown’s Stone Soup or adaptations such as dePaela’s Strega Nona or the more contemporary Bone Soup, books on battling boredom such as I’m (Almost) Never Bored by Anna Millbourne, or those focused on communities and friends coming together to reach a common goal such as In Our Garden (Pat Z Miller), The Giant Jam Sandwich (John Lord), or The Last Stop on Market Place (Matt de la Peña).

Thanks, Sylvia Liu and KidLit411 for partner with author Heather C. Morris to host a giveaway of this terrific choice for littles.

[K.A. Ramstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have a child that says, “I’m bored,” but you don’t want him or her to spend mindless hours with a device? Heather C. Morris’ book Backyard Stew is a story that introduces kids to explore nature in a fresh way.

You can read more from my review on Story Warren.

https://storywarren.com/review-backya...

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the picture book of my childhood.

Bored? Nope. Not with a wide world waiting for you! My sister and I would LOVE making our own backyard stews. We'd stay out all day (well, it. felt. like all day) and fill our plant saucer pot full of bamboo shoots and wild onions, blackberries and honeysuckle. While we would eat it, because we only put in plants we knew were safe, as a mom, I appreciate how in the story, Morris covers the bases by encouraging the children to dump it out at the end to start over and make a new concoction.

The text is interactive with wiggling or turning the book upside down which adds to the engagement, as well as the glee apparent in every illustration. I'm a huge fan of alliteration and appreciated the read-aloudability of the text.

Highly recommend for both grown-ups and kiddos!

[Jessica Iwanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book! Heather Morris does it again! My kids and I adore her “Trunk Goes Thunk! A Woodland Tale of Opposites” and this is another easy win.

“Backyard Stew” is just the right mix of old and new — classic childhood fun with a fresh and engaging twist. Bright and beautiful illustrations and tons of interactive elements make it a stellar read aloud for a wide range of ages. Wiggle and jiggle, tap a berry, make wish on a dandelion! By the end of the story, you’ve made your very own delicious creation right alongside the adorable characters.

I highly recommend this book for homes, schools, libraries, everyone!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredible book, beautifully told by author Heather Morris, takes readers on a journey of discovery in their backyards to create their very own backyard stew. Told in delightful lyrical prose, this book will spark imaginations for young readers on every page while also conjuring up warm memories of nostalgia for adult readers who may have made their own “backyard stew”. Illustrator Deborah Schreiber’s gorgeous illustrations perfectly compliment the story. I loved the surprise instruction at the end which adds a fun and unique interactivity to the book. I have no doubt readers will be reading and re-reading this story for years to come!

[Mariana Ríos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This colorful book is very creative, engaging, fun, and perfect for a read aloud.

I love how the author, Heather Morris, takes the readers on a trip to the backyard to hunt for just the right ingredients to create a stew, and how afterwards she invites them to come up with their very own recipes.

The unique elements of interaction, as well as the adorable illustrations by Deborah Schreiber, will have children giggling and turning the pages. This story will also inspire kids to explore the outdoors and have fun creating stews by themselves or with friends.

I recommend this book for homes, libraries, and schools.

[Tina Shepardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backyard Stew is a delight from start to finish. Through rich, lyrical language and Deborah Schreiber's most colorful and animated illustrations, children are invited to see their backyards—and even moments of boredom—in an entirely new way. As the story unfolds, young readers will be inspired to gather, imagine, and create all kinds of "stews" of their own using their ideas and possibilities around them. This sweet and heartfelt story celebrates creativity, imaginative play, and the joy of sharing experiences with others, making the fun even greater. This picture book is highly recommended for classrooms, libraries, and gift-giving.

[Laura Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backyard Stew is a beautiful, (stew-pendous!) book that celebrates creativity, nature, friendship and how boredom can be turned into bright ideas. This story tugged at my heart strings as my sister, and I used to make many a backyard stew! Backyard Stew is a fun read-a-loud and is ideal for classrooms, libraries and homes as there are counting elements, clever word play and fun interactive prompts like “so wiggle the page to jiggle the onions.” Heather Morris’s words and Deborah Schreiber’s illustrations make the perfect picture book recipe!

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book offers a perfect recipe to beat any boredom that sometimes creeps in - create a “full-to-the-brim pot of stew!” Using lyrical language, the author encourages young readers to get outside, explore, and soak up adventures. Loads of interactive language and vibrant illustrations will encourage readers to come back to this story again and again. And the clever ending is filled with heart. I recommend this book for homes, schools, and libraries.

[Chantelle And · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much to love about this book - I love the bright and fresh colors, the clever page designs, and the way the story unfolds. It's beautiful and so original - a perfect picture book, where text and art work seamlessly together. Gorgeous!!