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Stone Soup
Three strangers, hungry and tired, pass through a war-torn village. Embittered and suspicious from the war, the people hide their food and close their windows tight. That is, until the clever strangers suggest making a soup from stones. Intrigued by the idea, everyone brings what they have until—together, they have made a feast fit for a king!
In this inspiring story about the strength people possess when they work together, Muth takes a simple, beloved tale and adds his own fresh twist.
In this inspiring story about the strength people possess when they work together, Muth takes a simple, beloved tale and adds his own fresh twist.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2003
65 people are currently reading
3443 people want to read
About the author
Jon J. Muth
141 books348 followersJon J. Muth is an American comic artist. His works include J. M. DeMatteis' graphic novel Moonshadow, Neil Gaiman's The Sandman: The Wake (along with Michael Zulli, Charles Vess), Mike Carey's Lucifer: Nirvana and Swamp Thing: Roots. Muth has gone on to an award-winning career as a children's book writer and illustrator. He received a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators for his illustrations in Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse.
He has also created a version of the Stone soup fable set in China.
He has also created a version of the Stone soup fable set in China.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 613 reviews
February 28, 2020
This is a version of Stone Soup that Jon set in ancient china and 3 Zen monks are coming into a town. If feels authentic and like a story made for a Zen lesson. The story is universal. I do love the story and I don’t tire of hearing it. I might need to put it into my little story (I’m starting to think that my little story is for me. At one point I thought I might try and publish it, but creating something that might appeal to others, I don’t know I have the gift for that, but I love my story. I’m not good with an antagonist, so it’s just about a life. Anyway)
We know this story. It’s a great story and famous. It’s about opening our hearts to each other.
The nephew thought this story was good. He has read it several times so he knows it. He thought the pot to cook in was huge. They could use it as a hot tub he said. He gave this 3 stars, for familiarity, I think.
We know this story. It’s a great story and famous. It’s about opening our hearts to each other.
The nephew thought this story was good. He has read it several times so he knows it. He thought the pot to cook in was huge. They could use it as a hot tub he said. He gave this 3 stars, for familiarity, I think.
April 30, 2014
After experiencing Muth's Stone Soup as a read-aloud, kindergarten students had the following conversation:
Student 1: "I noticed, this book didn't win an award."
Student 2: "It should have."
Student 3: "Let's give it an award."
Student carefully cut out his own version of the Caldecott award and taped it to the cover.
Student 4: "Now everyone who reads it will know that it won an award."
Student 1: "I noticed, this book didn't win an award."
Student 2: "It should have."
Student 3: "Let's give it an award."
Student carefully cut out his own version of the Caldecott award and taped it to the cover.
Student 4: "Now everyone who reads it will know that it won an award."
January 10, 2009
Of all the books I read my kids Jon J. Muth's Stone Soup is far and away my favourite.
Not only is it a beautiful retelling of a classic tale, it is the finest telling of the tale I have ever seen. Muth's watercolours are exquisite: sparing, richly detailed, perfectly moody and expressive.
And his choice of setting is sublime. Muth sets his version in a small walled village at the base of a mountain in China. Three monks come to the town one morning and start making stone soup, drawing the villagers -- suspicious from many hardships -- out of the their homes and into each others hearts.
Muth's telling is simple and lovely, and it generates the spirit of community better than any other telling of Stone Soup I've seen.
Not only is it a beautiful retelling of a classic tale, it is the finest telling of the tale I have ever seen. Muth's watercolours are exquisite: sparing, richly detailed, perfectly moody and expressive.
And his choice of setting is sublime. Muth sets his version in a small walled village at the base of a mountain in China. Three monks come to the town one morning and start making stone soup, drawing the villagers -- suspicious from many hardships -- out of the their homes and into each others hearts.
Muth's telling is simple and lovely, and it generates the spirit of community better than any other telling of Stone Soup I've seen.
February 14, 2021
An important story; I'm glad a popular modern author/illustrator brought it to China and gave us in the West a bit of a cultural lesson. This is a pretty good version, imo, especially because it keeps going after everyone has a full tummy. Author's note has further information. Recommended.
(I do want to add, however, that Muth's Zen books are even better. And there are a few versions of Stone Soup that are even better, too, though I don't recall which atm.)
(I do want to add, however, that Muth's Zen books are even better. And there are a few versions of Stone Soup that are even better, too, though I don't recall which atm.)
January 24, 2020
The classic European folktale - best known by its French variant, as seen in Marcia Brown's
Stone Soup
- is transplanted to China in this lovely picture-book from Jon J. Muth, whose popular
Zen Shorts
(and sequels) also explore Zen Buddhist beliefs. Following the wandering of three monks - Hok, Lok and Siew - who question what happiness is as they walk, the story sees a hostile village transformed, as the wise Siew sets out to teach its residents how to make stone soup...
I'm not always thrilled with titles that seek to transplant the stories of one culture into another - as if all cultures were interchangeable, and context were meaningless - but sometimes, when it is done with respect, and I feel that there is some reason for it (some reason that doesn't involve discomfort at the idea of a story coming from a specific culture, or the mistaken belief that multiculturalism requires stories to be racially "remade"), I am very pleased indeed. This is one of those cases, and I thought Muth's narrative, and his gorgeous watercolor illustrations, worked flawlessly together, producing a picture-book experience that was simply delightful!
I really appreciated the author/artist's afterword, in which he talked about the Chinese tradition involving these three wandering monks, who often bestow wealth and prosperity, and teach wisdom - it's easy to see how Muth might have thought of them, when reading the original! - and I loved the artwork, which had that luminous quality I have come to associate with Muth's paintings. The scene in which all the villagers are peering into the pot was particularly charming! All in all, this Stone Soup is one I would recommend to those readers who enjoy transplanted folktales (or even those who, like me, are normally leery of them), and to fans of the artist.
I'm not always thrilled with titles that seek to transplant the stories of one culture into another - as if all cultures were interchangeable, and context were meaningless - but sometimes, when it is done with respect, and I feel that there is some reason for it (some reason that doesn't involve discomfort at the idea of a story coming from a specific culture, or the mistaken belief that multiculturalism requires stories to be racially "remade"), I am very pleased indeed. This is one of those cases, and I thought Muth's narrative, and his gorgeous watercolor illustrations, worked flawlessly together, producing a picture-book experience that was simply delightful!
I really appreciated the author/artist's afterword, in which he talked about the Chinese tradition involving these three wandering monks, who often bestow wealth and prosperity, and teach wisdom - it's easy to see how Muth might have thought of them, when reading the original! - and I loved the artwork, which had that luminous quality I have come to associate with Muth's paintings. The scene in which all the villagers are peering into the pot was particularly charming! All in all, this Stone Soup is one I would recommend to those readers who enjoy transplanted folktales (or even those who, like me, are normally leery of them), and to fans of the artist.
May 4, 2017
What's all this socialist mumbo jumbo?
May 22, 2019
This might be my favourite retelling of the stone soup story. It makes it clear that happiness is found in sharing what we have with others.
June 4, 2015
“Stone Soup” is a very old folktale with variations and retellings set in countries around the world, in various historical periods, and featuring different characters. Most versions feature hungry strangers who persuade locals to share their resources, and often there is a lesson of cooperation and generosity, even in times of hardship and scarcity.
In my preschool classroom (of 3 to 5 year olds), we spent several weeks investigating a series of illustrated children's books based on this folktale about making soup from stones (or cactus needles or nails). Through focused engagement with geographically-, culturally-, and historically-specific retellings of the folktale, we have been able to integrate literacy, geography, cultural studies, cooking, dramatic and constructive play, and scientific inquiry into our classroom life.
Jon Muth's Stone Soup was my favorite version in our series, as it had richly nuanced illustrations and kindhearted characters. In addition, it focused more on lessons of compassion, empathy, and caring than the other versions.
In my preschool classroom (of 3 to 5 year olds), we spent several weeks investigating a series of illustrated children's books based on this folktale about making soup from stones (or cactus needles or nails). Through focused engagement with geographically-, culturally-, and historically-specific retellings of the folktale, we have been able to integrate literacy, geography, cultural studies, cooking, dramatic and constructive play, and scientific inquiry into our classroom life.
Jon Muth's Stone Soup was my favorite version in our series, as it had richly nuanced illustrations and kindhearted characters. In addition, it focused more on lessons of compassion, empathy, and caring than the other versions.
February 2, 2011
I enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure that my niece did. She struggled a lot with figuring out why anyone would want to eat soup made with stones, so I'd have to say that the larger point presented in this great story was lost on her. We may try this one again when she's a little older.
March 21, 2008
The best retelling of this classic story that we've seen. Reading the insights on the back page really bring what the author is doing to life.
August 2, 2012
Precious illustrations coupled with a classic story.
February 15, 2018
A touching book based on a folk tale common in many cultures (with different variations) about how working together and sharing can create happiness and a bond within a community.
Read
October 26, 2016The opening of the story introduces the main characters- the monks Hok, Lok, & Siew. The introduction of the characters as an opening for a story has global roots, and sets up the folktale so that details are not wasted. The end of the story states the moral of the tale, that is the importance of sharing what you have to make a more plentiful whole. Though the moral was obvious, it was not stated in "the moral of the story..." style of Aesop's fables.
The primary setting is a village full of distrustful people who isolated themselves. The monks started their journey on the road before they came upon the village. The village represents the familiar, lending a universal theme that this isolation can happen anywhere.
The main characters are Hok, Lok, & Siew. They are monks and are considered to be wise. They are joined by a little girl. Slowly, the rest of the villagers come an join, such as the scholar.
The monks travel and come upon a village that was distrustful and isolated. The monks see this and decide that they are going to teach the village how to make stone soup. Slowly, the villagers make their way out to the center of the town to see the monks make stone soup. The collaborative effort of the soup, where each member of the village contributed, was started by a curious little girl. As everyone contributes, they come together as a village to eat and share stories. They learn how to share and how to care for one another again, and the wonderful things they can gain by doing so.
Motifs of the story include strangers coming into a distrustful town, and tricking the villagers, though the treachery is for the sake of a moral outcome. The concept of inedible objects in soup bringing together a community can be found in other cultures.
The primary setting is a village full of distrustful people who isolated themselves. The monks started their journey on the road before they came upon the village. The village represents the familiar, lending a universal theme that this isolation can happen anywhere.
The main characters are Hok, Lok, & Siew. They are monks and are considered to be wise. They are joined by a little girl. Slowly, the rest of the villagers come an join, such as the scholar.
The monks travel and come upon a village that was distrustful and isolated. The monks see this and decide that they are going to teach the village how to make stone soup. Slowly, the villagers make their way out to the center of the town to see the monks make stone soup. The collaborative effort of the soup, where each member of the village contributed, was started by a curious little girl. As everyone contributes, they come together as a village to eat and share stories. They learn how to share and how to care for one another again, and the wonderful things they can gain by doing so.
Motifs of the story include strangers coming into a distrustful town, and tricking the villagers, though the treachery is for the sake of a moral outcome. The concept of inedible objects in soup bringing together a community can be found in other cultures.
October 24, 2016
Summary: A classic fable is wonderfully retold in Jon Muth’s “Stone Soup”. This beautiful watercolor rendition follows three monks as they travel through a mountain landscape and stumble upon a small village. As the monks enter the village, no one is to be found. Doors are locked and windows shut tight as the monks decided that the villagers need to learn how to make “stone soup”. A brave girl approaches and questions the monks. After she retrieves a bigger pot for the soup, the curious villagers begin to appear and what follows is an important lesson about generosity, sharing, and the importance of community.
The plot and motifs present in this version of stone soup include travelers coming into a town, the making of stone soup, and the villagers learning an important lesson. This version takes place in a Chinese mountain village with three monks as the travelers. The watercolor illustrations compliment the setting of this story quiet wonderfully as it reminds one of the tradition of Chinese watercolor. The airiness of the watercolor also adds to the mountain landscape as you feel you are among the clouds in the first few pages of the book. As the villagers begin to gather around their curiosity and playfulness can be seen in the illustration. The warmth can be felt from the red glow of Chinese lanterns as everyone gathers around for the feast. The themes of this story can be clearly interpreted. As the monk states at the closing of the story “To be happy is as simple as making stone soup” one might surmise that generosity, sharing, and coming together as a community can make us all a lot happier
April 2, 2014
In this version of the story travelers convince skeptical town of people into providing the ingredients for a wonderful soup by telling them it is made from stones. While individuals may have only contributed one ingredient, when the soup is complete it is a wonderful combination of many ingredients.
This folk tale has been told from many cultural perspectives, set in a time of despair or famine, yet a wonderful soup is created in each version as ingredients are added one by one. The message shines through each version of this tale - when we all work together amazing things can happen.
Although this book, a 2-3 grade reading level, it makes a great project for younger aspiring readers as well. If a teacher is ambitious and has the help of other adults, students could bring in the various ingredients from the story and make the soup. A friend and I did this at a library event and it was a big success. Due to health regulations, food allergies, etc. this could also be acted out with foods from a play kitchen. Allowing all students to contribute as the story is read to the group creates relevance and meaning for the message within the story.
This folk tale has been told from many cultural perspectives, set in a time of despair or famine, yet a wonderful soup is created in each version as ingredients are added one by one. The message shines through each version of this tale - when we all work together amazing things can happen.
Although this book, a 2-3 grade reading level, it makes a great project for younger aspiring readers as well. If a teacher is ambitious and has the help of other adults, students could bring in the various ingredients from the story and make the soup. A friend and I did this at a library event and it was a big success. Due to health regulations, food allergies, etc. this could also be acted out with foods from a play kitchen. Allowing all students to contribute as the story is read to the group creates relevance and meaning for the message within the story.
October 14, 2013
Title / Author / Publication Date:
Stone Soup. / Jon Muth. / 2003.
Genre: Fiction - Folktales.
Format: Picturebook - print.
Plot summary:
"Three wise monks trick a poor, frightened community into finding happiness by teaching them the magic of generosity" (NoveList).
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory:
generosity, selfishness
Review citation:
"Muth has taken this old tale and transplanted it from its traditional European setting to China. The tricksters are no longer hungry travelers or soldiers but Buddhist monks. Their goal in fooling the villagers is not to fill their own stomachs but rather to enlighten them about the happiness that comes from sharing. Muth's characteristic watercolor illustrations, with their striking use of misty hues contrasted with bright primaries, are expertly done and convey a distinct sense of place" (Grace Oliff in School Library Journal).
Section source used to find the material:
Best Books for Children Preschool through Grade 6 (9th ed.)
Recommended age: Ages 4 - 8.
Stone Soup. / Jon Muth. / 2003.
Genre: Fiction - Folktales.
Format: Picturebook - print.
Plot summary:
"Three wise monks trick a poor, frightened community into finding happiness by teaching them the magic of generosity" (NoveList).
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory:
generosity, selfishness
Review citation:
"Muth has taken this old tale and transplanted it from its traditional European setting to China. The tricksters are no longer hungry travelers or soldiers but Buddhist monks. Their goal in fooling the villagers is not to fill their own stomachs but rather to enlighten them about the happiness that comes from sharing. Muth's characteristic watercolor illustrations, with their striking use of misty hues contrasted with bright primaries, are expertly done and convey a distinct sense of place" (Grace Oliff in School Library Journal).
Section source used to find the material:
Best Books for Children Preschool through Grade 6 (9th ed.)
Recommended age: Ages 4 - 8.
September 13, 2020
I absolutely love this book & have loved it for years. I've read this story about Stone Soup many times. The beautiful story of creating a wonderful soup, starting with stones and having the village add all the delicious ingredients, shows how coming together can make not just a feast but a close community. I couldn't help but think that now is a good time to make Stone Soup in our communities, families, and world.
June 30, 2024
Relyn Rating: 3.5
This is always a good story, but I don't like it as much as the original. Great art, though.
This is always a good story, but I don't like it as much as the original. Great art, though.
March 28, 2016
The book Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth is about three monks who come across a village. The village has grown accustomed to not being comfortable with strangers or new people to the village ever since the war. The village is protected by a wall and a gate . When these three monks cross by the village they noticed the gate was open, but when they walked through the village, no one was to be seen. All of the doors were shut and all of the windows were closed. Then the monks came across a little girl within the village. A girl so young she was not acting like the other villagers hiding and avoiding the monks. She instead began to talk to them; she even became to help them.
The story takes place in what looks to be an ancient china. They live in a village with many similarities to the Chinese culture. There were also no cars and an emperor to help provide us with a time. The main characters are the three monks and the little girl with the rest of the villagers playing a minor role. Towards the end of the book they discuss what they have learned from the monks, which appears to be some of the theme. They thanked the monks for teaching them to share with each other as it benefits everyone. The monks shared with the their recipe to make the soup while the villagers shared their ingredients. It also should be noted that if it wasn't for the little girl being so welcoming they would have never known about the soup. The other villagers treated new faces with a negative point of view because of the recent war, but that is not how you should treat any new face that you see; the little girl showed us this.
The story takes place in what looks to be an ancient china. They live in a village with many similarities to the Chinese culture. There were also no cars and an emperor to help provide us with a time. The main characters are the three monks and the little girl with the rest of the villagers playing a minor role. Towards the end of the book they discuss what they have learned from the monks, which appears to be some of the theme. They thanked the monks for teaching them to share with each other as it benefits everyone. The monks shared with the their recipe to make the soup while the villagers shared their ingredients. It also should be noted that if it wasn't for the little girl being so welcoming they would have never known about the soup. The other villagers treated new faces with a negative point of view because of the recent war, but that is not how you should treat any new face that you see; the little girl showed us this.
March 25, 2016
3 monks; Hok, Lok, and Slowe travel through the mountains of China, finding a distraught village and make themselves known. Hok, Lok and Slowe work together to make their favorite delicious stone soup and in the process the village comes together to enhance the soup. At first the monks come into the village alone with no help and no acknowledgment from the villagers. But it only takes the curiosity of a young girl for the other villagers to realize the kindness of these monks and the enlightenment that they would bring to the village. Learning that sharing and coming together will always make everyone happier. The 3 monks leave the village a changed place with their message learned.
John Muth the author of this book does a terrific job in creating a masterpiece of culture, moral and a light storyline. In the book John is able to illustrate such a great message in a light upbeat way. John use of watercolors and simple illustrations of the characters and the environment around them, his descriptive words of the characters only help to enhance the storyline and the simplistic illustrations let the words stand out more. The illustrations throughout the book also help to tell the story by showing light glances into the culture of the village and the descriptions of the characters. This book is captive in its words, light with its illustrations but tells the reader a grand story; overall it is a terrific book for any age.
John Muth the author of this book does a terrific job in creating a masterpiece of culture, moral and a light storyline. In the book John is able to illustrate such a great message in a light upbeat way. John use of watercolors and simple illustrations of the characters and the environment around them, his descriptive words of the characters only help to enhance the storyline and the simplistic illustrations let the words stand out more. The illustrations throughout the book also help to tell the story by showing light glances into the culture of the village and the descriptions of the characters. This book is captive in its words, light with its illustrations but tells the reader a grand story; overall it is a terrific book for any age.
March 27, 2016
I thought this book was great! The illustrations had a spiritual feel throughout the book. The story line flowed beautifully with a clear message that most children could understand on their own.
The story tell a tale about three monks who are in search of what makes people happy. They come across a town where no one seems friendly because they turn off their lights and lock the doors. The monks talked with each other about making stone soup and little girl walks by and is interested about making stone soup. The monks were pleased to hear someone was talking with them. They sent her to go find ingredients and eventually people started to notice what she was doing and wanted to help the monks too. The towns people had no idea what this soup was going to taste like but the monks knew and had a secret about the soup.
This is a great folktale and fable that can teach kids what it means to work together and be rewarded with hard work. There is a little bit of conflict in the village without the villagers really seeing it. The three monks are there to hopefully save the village with stone soup.
The story tell a tale about three monks who are in search of what makes people happy. They come across a town where no one seems friendly because they turn off their lights and lock the doors. The monks talked with each other about making stone soup and little girl walks by and is interested about making stone soup. The monks were pleased to hear someone was talking with them. They sent her to go find ingredients and eventually people started to notice what she was doing and wanted to help the monks too. The towns people had no idea what this soup was going to taste like but the monks knew and had a secret about the soup.
This is a great folktale and fable that can teach kids what it means to work together and be rewarded with hard work. There is a little bit of conflict in the village without the villagers really seeing it. The three monks are there to hopefully save the village with stone soup.
March 25, 2016
This retelling version of Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth was very good. I enjoyed the story so much I read another version but still liked this one better. The illustrations were soft, soothing, and magical. A delightful story with real meaning. The story is told in many cultures and this particular one is retold in Asian culture. Starts with three monks walking the road from the mountains and see a village below. They come to the village but the villagers are unfriendly and will not offer food or bed for the monks. The monks go to the courtyard and start a soup while a young girl looks on and soon asks what they are doing. She offers a bigger pot for their soup and helps gather three stones to put in the soup. One by one each of the villagers grow curious and come out from hiding. Each villager eventually gives the soup other ingredients. The story continues and ends on a good vibe.
February 5, 2018
Stone Soup, version by Jon J. Muth, is a folktale that has been adapted through many generations and cultures. Each version teaches a village of people the importance of sharing even their littlest of possessions to help each other and in turn make something even greater. Stone Soup qualifies as a folktale because it is human story passed down through generations of oral and written tradition. Stone Soup can be sub-categorized as almost a trickster tale because, in this version, the monks trick the selfish towns people to pull all the materials together to make a excellent stew they can all enjoy together. I believe that this folktale can be used for almost any grade level in elementary school, the underlying moral themes can make for decision for older grades and the possibility of actually making a hands-on "Stone Soup" recipe will engage students of all ages.
February 5, 2010
I do love this tale of how generosity and sharing can make people happy.
I love Muth but these are not my favorite illustrations of his, although I did really like the cat.
It’s also not my very favorite version of the story, but I did enjoy it.
I love Muth but these are not my favorite illustrations of his, although I did really like the cat.
It’s also not my very favorite version of the story, but I did enjoy it.
April 2, 2019
Probably my favorite version of this famous tale.
November 2, 2017
Three wise travelers set sail on an adventure to figure out what is it that makes people happy in their lives. Jon Muth uses his captivating skills of illustration and imagery to depict what he believes to be the answer to this lifelong question. This tale is one that talks about how much of an impact people can have with one another if they were to befriend one another rather than having malice or strife against each other. While yes, it is comforting at times to be alone and think to yourself, I believe Muth is making a "call to action" statement and wants his readers to go out and greet some new people. In today's day and age, some believe that networking is an ideal method for becoming happy/successful in life. If a group of people come together to work on/develop a project...who knows how tremendous the outcome can be. Although this book was written back in 2003, its lesson of teamwork can still be applied to today. This could also be a good book for schools to integrate into their reading curriculum. It could bring about a wave of dismantling "cliques" within the younger grades and combatting the presence of bullying.
September 3, 2023
I think I have read another version of this book before. This edition is so good! I feel like this book is of utmost important now as we are more aloof and alone despite having communities. It’s high time this book needs to be read more and more. You will know why especially the adults who read this book to the younger ones. It’s all about learning to live in a community again.
I am a person who prefers to be alone, rather do things alone as much as possible and rarely ask for help if I can help it. But as I age, I know that things would be so much better to thrive with other people.
Just keep this book with you.
I am a person who prefers to be alone, rather do things alone as much as possible and rarely ask for help if I can help it. But as I age, I know that things would be so much better to thrive with other people.
Just keep this book with you.
September 23, 2025
We read this today as part of our homeschool lesson and it’s a great one for learning the importance of sharing, helping those around us, and how to grows into something beautiful for everyone to enjoy together. My kids loved it.
April 17, 2021
Previously, I had read another version of this story, and remember loving it. Great lesson about sharing. This particular version has gorgeous illustrations.
October 6, 2024
Nice and calm bedtime story for a two year old...
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