Blue Corn Soup

by Caroline Stutson, Teri Weidner (Illustrations)

As snow begins to fall in the canyon, Mouse knows just what will keep her warm--blue corn soup. As the soup starts simmering, her neighbors catch the scent and hope to share. There isn't nearly enough blue corn soup for everyone, but Mouse has an idea that will keep them all toasty, their bellies full, and will make friends out of neighbors.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Cooking

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2017

Reviews

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book - I liked how the problem ended up being solved. Mouse neither had to give away all the soup she'd made, nor turn the others away.
Cute illustrations, and the recipe in the back sounds delicious! (Not sure why it's called blue corn soup, though, since there are only 2tbsp of cornmeal compared to black beans and squash and other ingredients...)

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most of us do on a chilly day, Mouse knows exactly what will make her feel better--a bowl of blue corn soup. As she chops, stirs, and simmers the ingredients, her animal neighbors can smell what she's cooking, and all three of them--Chipmunk, Rabbit, and Bear--are drawn by the scent of the savory food. Of course, Mouse doesn't have enough to share with the others, but if they will all contribute some ingredients, she will be able to stretch what she's been cooking. One of the things I like about this story is how Mouse keeps thinking something is missing, leading readers to surmise that there is an ingredient that hasn't been added, when all along the missing ingredient is some company. The rhyming text complements this sweet story as do the softly-colored and detailed illustrations, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, to great effect. There's even a recipe for Blue Corn Soup in the back matter. In some respects, this picture book brings to mind the various versions of Stone Soup, and it certainly demonstrates why just about anything is better when it's shared with others.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't resist picking this up at the library. It has a bear on the cover! Really, however, the main character is dear little Mouse who looks out to the snow and knows it’s time to make blue corn soup. The scent moves out into the forest from the chimney and three animals, chipmunk, rabbit and bear smell it and move to mouse’s house to see what’s cooking! Mouse has chopped several things in her wee pot, and when the others arrive, she shows them there is simply not enough. They turn away, but mouse suggests if everyone brings something, a new pot of what becomes “friendship stew” is created. All of this is much more fun in Caroline Stutson perfect rhyming story, with Teri Weidner’s fabulous watercolor and colored pencil illustrations. Sadly, Caroline Stutson passed away in 2015. I imagine she will love her poem/story coming to life. Two bonuses are the beautiful endpapers and a recipe for blue corn soup!

[Teresa Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Corn Soup by Caroline Stutson is a comforting tale of Mouse making sopa on a cold day. Her soup smells delicious and attracts other animal friends. Mouse would love to feed them, but there isn't enough - but Mouse knows how to make enough for all. This is a comforting tale told in rhyme - perfect for snow days because you can enjoy the story then make Blue Corn Soup from the recipe at the end. Teri Weidner's illustrations add to the cozy friendly feeling of the book. My grandchildren love it.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quiet tale of a mouse who makes some tasty soup will enchant readers with the repetitive line "Pinon smoke drifts through the wood. Someone's cooking something good." The text by Caroline Stutson and muted illustrations by Teri Weidner really invoke the feeling of the southwest sights and smells as this little mouse stirs up some soup for her friends on a cold, winter night. Blue Corn Soup is a lovely tale for ages 2 - 7.

[WinterBat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A more wholesome, less devious version of Stone Soup, and yet I feel the original appeal of the sopa would’ve been lost amongst the rest of the animals’ ingredients unless it was made proportionately.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet little story about friendship and sharing yummy food--think a "Stone Soup"-type story with wilderness animals and a Spanish twist! The illustrations are a delight. Don't miss the recipe at the book's conclusion!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story in perfect rhyme about Abuelita who makes a small pot of Blue Corn Soup.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting variation on Stone Soup and includes a recipe for "sopa".

[Debbie Tanner]

This lovely little folktale is about a mouse making blue corn soup. It needs a little tweaking and as she goes, others notice and would like to share, but she doesn't have enough. This would be a great one to compare and contrast to Stone Soup.