Stone Soup

by Heather Forest, Susan Gaber (Illustrator)

Two hungry travelers arrive at a village expecting to find a household that will share a bit of food, as has been the custom along their journey. To their surprise, villager after villager refuses to share, each one closing the door with a bang. As they sit to rest beside a well, one of the travelers observes that if the townspeople have no food to share, they must be in greater need than we are.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Audiobook, Food, Pre K, Folklore, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the cover image and book description of Heather Forest's retelling of the Stone Soup folktale, I was expecting to really enjoy this here picture book. And while I do appreciate the story on so many levels and am in fact completely wowed by Susan Gaber's gorgeous and evocative accompanying illustrations, I think that the narrative itself is more than a bit too openly didactic. Why is the magic ingredient of sharing spelled out not only so overtly, but also repeatedly? Most individuals (even children) are aware of the fact that sharing is considered a virtue, and it would have been much preferable to have this message depicted in a less obvious, more organic fashion. Like other versions of Stone Soup, Heather Forest's version of the tale celebrates sharing, community and tolerance, but I think that part of this excellent and essential message is somewhat if not actually majorly diluted by the fact that it is not portrayed with much if any subtlety, but in an at times openly preachy rather obviously in-your-face manner.

I do much appreciate the fact that in the informative author's note, Heather Forest gives cultural and literary background details on some of the many European Stone Soup tales (I certainly was not aware of the fact that in some of the tales, the magic ingredient is not a stone, but a nail). As someone who has always been very interested in the cultural background and traditions of folk and fairy tales, this is a wonderful additional bit of information (I would have also liked some suggestions for further reading, but I realise that this kind of goes beyond the scope of Stone Soup). And I really do love the added touch of including an actual recipe for stone soup on the last page (it would be great to make this soup with a group of children, and then read and discuss different versions of Stone Soup). All in all though, while I do find parts of this retelling of Stone Soup appealing, the didacticism of the narrative rather annoyingly and frustratingly lessens its appeal and enjoyment factor for and to me (but I would still recommend Heather Forest's Stone Soup as an interesting version, an interesting adaptation of the tale, and Susan Gaber's illustrations are indeed simply and utterly outstanding).

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've gone down a rabbit trail of finding stories that enticed me and stuck with me as a kid. This is one of them! The sense of community and value one person can bring to a table seating many has always remained with me when this book comes to mind. Loved it! My grandma had a copy she kept in her "book treasure chest."

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember reading or hearing this story when I was a little kid. I don't know which particular version I was exposed to, though it wouldn't have been this one (it's too recent). In any case, there are probably better versions of the story.

This one takes place in a diverse but weirdly intolerant village. There appear to be people of all ethnicities living together in harmony, but they all share one prejudice against the poor. When the travellers arrive in the village, nobody wants to help... although, maybe the villagers just didn't like the rather judgmental tone of these two guys who seemed to think they were entitled to food. They go around shouting, "Do you care? Will you share?" The response is, "I don't care. I won't share," which may have more to do with the perceived entitlement of the two travellers than any actual lack.

The illustrations are just okay for me. I don't know why the little black kid with his "chocolate brown" eyes is singled out for mention; aren't we supposed to avoid describing people of colour with food adjectives? The writing is a bit weak in places. I'm not a fan of the repetition, and I can't stand it when characters "pause" their speech. (Will authors please stop writing like this?! "Paused" is not a dialogue tag!)

I have a feeling there are better retellings of this story out there. This one just didn't do it for me.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When two hungry travelers find themselves in a prosperous-looking mountain village, they are surprised to discover that no one is willing to share any food with them. Deciding that the residents need a lesson - in the form of a communal meal - the travelers set out to make that famous culinary creation known stone soup. Soon, villagers young and old are contributing the ingredients necessary for the soup, learning along the way that sharing makes everything go further.

Although I have a nostalgic fondness for Marcia Brown's Stone Soup , which is the version of this tale I read growing up, this newer adaptation by Heather Forest is also very appealing. Forest has chosen to remove her tale from any specific cultural or geographic setting (the Brown retelling is from the French tradition), but she shows respect for the folklore from which it comes, mentioning the many variants of the tale to be found in European folklore. The accompanying illustrations by Susan Gaber are colorful and appealing, depicting a diverse community. Although I did feel that the narrative was sometimes a little too didactic - the reader doesn't need to be told that sharing is desirable, the story demonstrates that on its own - this was still an engaging title.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth version of the tale Stone Soup that I’ve read. I also gave four stars to the versions by Jon J. Muth, Marcia Brown, and Ann McGovern.

What I liked less about this one is that the “magic ingredient” of sharing is spelled out, more than once.

What I really enjoyed about it is some of the illustrations, especially the two page spread with all the vegetables going into the pot and the illustration of the cat, bird and dog partaking of the soup at the end when the people have finished eating. There’s also a recipe for Stone Soup at the back of the book, which is cool, despite an actual stone being included having little true appeal for me. I also appreciate the author’s note at the beginning that gives some background information about this perennial tale.

It is a wonderful story about how selfishness turned into sharing and about how each person making a small contribution, can make something great. I read this edition for the Picture Books Club (the June theme is culinary) at the Children's Books group, and I was happy to read a fourth version; I would be interested in reading other versions too.

[Oona · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good folklore/fable that reminds everyone (not just children) of the importance of sharing.

but, also the idea that we can pretend we are "too busy" for each other, until the intrigue of a "magical soul" and everyone wants to participate - it unfortunately demonstrates that humans only are interested in something "special" rather than being happy for the simplicity of being.

it appears that human nature to "move forward" when someone needs something and will stay when there is more to offer. but, i think in the religions, it is reminding us that giving nothing is better than taking everything ... hence, the symbolism of "jesus" that christians want to rub in our faces: "he died for our sins" is not the actual message, but the message that he took his life to give - making sacrifices is the actual reason why we live (and not living in one man's house, to have a one-night stand with another, to move forward to date a third ... because that is easy convenience, a type of cheating in getting your way selfishly ... so, please do not forgive those who cheat, because you are only enabling them to get away with shittiness, extending their problem of #affluenza).

[Karol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this version of the famous story, handed down in various forms for many generations. I was surprised to learn, from the author's note, that the version I heard as a child apparently originated in Sweden. An interesting fact, and it made me wonder if that was part of the heritage of the state I grew up in. (Quite a few Swedes settled in Michigan in its early days).

Anyway, I enjoyed this retelling of the story. The story is all about sharing, and especially in this retelling, it's all about community. In this safe little town where people were afraid of outsiders, fears were overcome. The townspeople ended up sharing with each other, and with the two outsiders. As a result, the community was enlarged and strengthened. The illustrations were beautifully done, and added to the theme of a more inclusive community by depicting quite a diverse group of townspeople. Nicely done!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I personally didn't like this version as much as others, as it had a preachy tone. Other versions I have read allow the moral to speak for itself, or allow the reader to draw their own moral conclusion at the end, but this one sort of pounded the idea home in an overly didactic manner, which really distracted from the story for me.

[Paige Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Stone Soup

Author: Heather Forest

Illustrator: Susan Gaber

Genre: European folktale

Theme(s): Folktales, sharing, cooking,

Opening line/sentence: There was once a comfortable little village nestled in the mountains.

Brief Book Summary: Stone Soup begins as two travelers come to a town, tired and hungry, and decide to knock on people’s doors and ask the locals for food. After being repeatedly denied and told that nobody has food, the travelers decide to make stone soup. They get the attention of the town, throw a stone in the soup, and comment on how much better it would taste if they had more ingredients. At this point, the townspeople begin to offer some of their food to add to the soup, ending with a celebration of everyone eating soup before the travelers head on their way.

Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Horn Book Guide: (4) K-3 series. By proposing to make a "magical soup" from a single stone, two poor travelers induce the tightfisted inhabitants of a prosperous village to contribute all the ingredients for a delectable stew. The illustrations present a multicultural and an attractive array of characters. However, with its repeated reminders about caring and sharing, this is a rather didactic version of the familiar tale. Recipe included.
http://www.hornbookguide.com.ezaccess...

Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Publishers Weekly: Forest and Gaber (previously paired for The Woman Who Flummoxed the Fairies; The Baker's Dozen) revisit this oft-told tale to demonstrate the pleasures of collaboration and mutual generosity. Two hungry travelers, denied food by the inhabitants of a mountain village, publicly declare that they can make soup from a stone. Only they need a carrot... and a potato... and a few more ingredients to make it taste really good. Everyone in the town contributes something, pronounces the soup delicious and learns the magic behind it: sharing. Gaber's bold acrylic paintings emphasize the big black soup tureen and the brightly colored vegetable ingredients. As each member of the multiracial town speaks up to offer a contribution, a speech bubble appears showing a picture of the offering. Forest's jolly prose simmers with energy: "Bring what you've got! Put it in the pot!" cry the travelers. Flavorful and nutritious, this classic tale is served up with a smile. A recipe for stone soup tops it off.
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-...

Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviews seem to feel that this book has bold and colorful illustrations, paired well with a story that teaches morals and has a happy ending, both of which I consider to be accurate. The idea of sharing is clear and repeated throughout the story, making it a good read for children. I noticed in my reading that the town appeared quite diverse, which is a point that one of the reviews brought up as well. They each mention that a recipe is included, which adds fun and multimodal writing to the piece.

Evaluation of Literary Elements: The illustrations provide a beautiful and detailed vision of the setting, and all of the bright colors really make the big, black pot stand out once they begin cooking. The imagery describing the smells and sounds of the soup as the town gets involved make it feel even more like you are there. Repetitive phrases, such as “I don’t care. I won’t share. There is no food” and “bring what you’ve got, put it in the pot” make the book especially appropriate for younger readers to be able to get involved in a read aloud. The ending leaves readers feeling positive about the story, as the pictures show even the animals get a share of the soup.

Consideration of Instructional Application: I thought one of the coolest parts of the book was the recipe included in the back, and thought making stone soup in a classroom could be education in a few different ways. Recipes could be looked at as a genre, and students could talk about reading and writing recipes. In actually making the stone soup, all students could get involved by adding something to the soup. If parents were able to get involved, each child could bring in something from the recipe, and since one of the ingredients is sharing, this would be a great way to really show the sharing aspect within your own classroom community.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not everyone can turn a pot of plain water into a nourishing meal.

I thought the two main characters were clever men. The fact that they chose not to reveal anything about their backstories only made them more intriguing to me. It was easy to imagine a few of the places they might have first learned how to create stone soup and why it’s something that can only be done after you’ve made everyone irresistibly curious about what this meal is and why it’s a little magical.

The message of this retelling was heavy handed, and I’m saying that as someone who really enjoyed the traditional story it was based on. This sort of soup can only exist if its made with more than just physical ingredients. Spelling out what those things were wasn’t necessary. The plot itself made it very clear. As much as I liked seeing how the author approached this topic, I do think it would have been more effective if she’d allowed her audience to come to their own conclusions about the meaning of it.

With that being said, I did enjoy the multicultural take on this tale. The original version didn’t mention the ethnicities of any of the characters involved. Even if it had, I always find it interesting to see how a familiar plot might unfold if it’s transplanted from the culture that created it to an entirely new home altogether. Ms. Forest did a good job of showing how the same twists could happen anywhere.

Stone Soup should be read by anyone who enjoys retellings of famous legends

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a folklore tale of two travelers who are looking for food but are turned down by everyone they meet. They spread the joy of sharing in this timeless tale of Stone Soup. This would be a great book to read to 3rd graders as it presents the importance of sharing and helping others in need. I think an idea for a lesson for this book would include having the students create their own idea of what they would want in their stone soup. The students can essentially make their own recipe and make a story of who they would want to invite to share their stone soup. They could invite historical figures, family members or even characters in another story depending on what subject the teacher wanted to integrate this lesson with. Another idea would be a community-building lesson where the students can each create their own stone soup recipe and have their parents or families send in family recipes to share with the class. At the end of the lesson, each student could have a cookbook of their own with silly stone soup recipes from their classmates along with a delicious real recipe from family members of students to make at home. This is a WOW book to me because it shows the importance of sharing and helping those in need in another light and because though was published over 20 years ago, the message is still timeless. This is an e-book available on Epic!

[Laura La Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This version of Stone Soup is beautifully illustrated rendition of the traditional story. I read this book as a digital projection from the library and enjoyed the vivid colors of illustrations in the digital version. Unlike other versions, this version offers a more multicultural cast of characters though it is not clear where they are from. The story begins with two poor travelers who realize the villagers they ask for food and lodging from are more in need than they are. They begin to make stone soup and slowly, little by little the villagers open up to them. The villagers become amazed that they can make such a simple soup from stones. As the travelers leave, they remind the villagers, to "Bring what you've got. Put it in the pot. Every bit counts, from the largest to the least. Together we can celebrate a Stone Soup Feast."

Teachers could use this story to teach theme. This story could also be compared to other versions, especially since it is such a short version of stone soup. This book would also work well in a second or third grade unit on folktales since it offers a simple, traditional story line with a clear theme or message.

I found this book listed on the GoodReads Popular Traditional Literature list.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Forest’s Stone Soup offers a warm and accessible retelling of the classic folktale, making it especially well-suited for early childhood programs—particularly those that include a hands-on activity like making stone soup. Among the many versions of this story, Forest’s stands out for its simplicity and rhythmic repetition, which helps young children anticipate the unfolding events and engage more deeply with the narrative structure. I understand many believe the story to be quite didactic, however I don’t believe it clouds the message of the story. The illustrations by Susan Gaber are absolutely stunning and captivating for young audiences.

The story follows two hungry travelers who arrive in a village seeking food. As they knock on doors, they are met with reluctance as each villager hesitant to share for fear of having too little. Recognizing the scarcity, the travelers cleverly entice the villagers to each contribute a single, unique ingredient, beginning with a single stone. What results is a rich, communal soup and a powerful lesson in generosity.

Forest’s version emphasizes themes of sharing, kindness, and the strength found in community collaboration—making it both an enjoyable read and a meaningful teaching tool.

[Antionea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very great book it is about two travelers who were out searching for food who came across a small village. The two travelers went door to door asking for food, but no one out of the whole villiage offered them any food. So when things weren't going to good one of the travelers mentioned that they should make their magical soup since most of the villagers claim they have no food as well. So the two travelers asked for a big pot ho a villager was able to provide, then they placed a stone inside, and said they were gonna need more ingredients and one by one as ingredients were needed a different villager would go to their home and bring back an ingredient and throw it into the pot, at least 50 different villagers joined in to help and before you know it the magical soup was finished and not only did everyone in the village including the two travelers who made the soup got to eat but the two travelers were able to spread a message and that message was sharing.
The litary of this book was simple easy words for about first grade reading. The words were not small but not as big either but easy to read along with.
I gave this book 5 stars because I loved the message of sharing it was used in a unique was the villager who claimed they had no food eventualy pitched in with ingredients to prepare the soup and everyone was satisfied

[Jacelyn Neuleib]

I haven't read this traditional story before, and I'm surprised by the ending. I had expected that the travelers would either really make a magical soup that would have an effect on the town, that they would trick the townspeople and take the soup, or that they would serve the townspeople gross soup made from just a stone. I was even further surprised when the travelers didn't even admonish the townspeople for being stingy toward strangers, and just shared the soup with everyone present. I would use this story in my classroom to have a conversation about the topic of caring for others and sharing, but I would definitely talk about how the grace of the travelers to not even admonish the townspeople when they have already learned their lesson.

[Trey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keywords: Fiction, Folklore, Realistic Fiction, Elementary

Two hungry travelers wander into a pleasant-looking town. Their quest to satisfy their hunger leads them to knock on the doors of the townsfolk, begging for food. Unsuccessful in their attempts, the two are determined to create a soup large enough to feed the whole town, using a secret ingredient. Can you guess what that ingredient is? I believe this story is a quality book. The visual elements I notice in this book are the amazing watercolors that display the setting, characters, and ingredients, allowing readers to visually see the descriptions told within the text. The characters depicted in the book can be related to by all readers, as this book meets the diversity aspect of children's literature.

[RUTHC · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of the story the towns people are suspicious of two travelers and are turn away. What surprise me at the end of the story is that everyone who turned away the strange travelers are altogether eating a magical soup. This is one of my favorite children's books because it shows that more can be accomplished when people work together. This retold story by Heather Forest gives the meaning of useful resources plus with a little rhyming, who doesn't like that! I would love to share this with first graders, at this age they are expanding their knowledge of teamwork and sharing. I would read out loud this book with fun questions about when they shared with a friend or family, and how sharing makes them feel. I know growing up like my teachers would say "sharing is caring!".

[Elisa Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bring what you got, put it in a pot, we making stone soup!" This is a great story of two travelers, tired and hungry. However, they are not the only ones who are tired a hungry. There is an entire village wanting to participate the stone soup the poor and weary travelers are making. Each person comes out of their home to see what is cooking in the pot. This story showcases the true art of sharing among one another. Great for all ages but specifically for the elementary school age. There is also a recipe for stone soup on the back!

[Joey Trizzino · Rating 4 out of 5]

As two poor, hungry travelers come to a village they go door to door to ask for food but no one shares with them. The travelers come up with a plan, they ask the villagers for a big pot to make their magical stone soup. They fill the pot with water and drop a stone inside, then ask the villagers for ingredients to help make their magic soup. One by one the villagers bring different things to them. Soon the pot is full of things making vegetable soup. The travelers had tricked the villagers and showed them that sharing things makes everything better.

[Kadie Speller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travelers wondered looking for food in the village going door to door. No one had food to give to the travelers and they assumed the villagers are in more need of food then they are. The travelers decide to make an unusual soup for the villagers, a stone soup. The villagers then come together and begin to each donate one item to the soup. This is a great book to teach students about sharing and that everyone can help out one another to create something magical.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free to listen on Audible till schools are closed.
Very cute children's story with a non-preachy moral.
Listening Length: 7 minutes
Favorite line : Bring what you've got, put it in the pot. Every bit counts, from the largest to the least. Together, we can celebrate a Stone Soup feast!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

genre: traditional literature
grade range: kindergarten- 1st grade
personal review: This story is very sweet, and can apply to the classroom really well. We all bring different things to the classroom, and with that we can all make stone soup together! Our classroom can be like a big pot of stone soup, which I think would be a very cool tie in. This particular retelling of the story had beautiful illustrations, and I think that you could engage students very easily with this book.

[Colbie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traditional Literature
This book could be used for almost any grade level because I think often times even adults need a reminder to be selfless sometimes. I enjoy the pictures in this book and the general message.

[Michelle Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade level: Kg - 2nd

Interesting lesson about the impact of small contributions. While I was reading this book I had a lot of relating text to self and text to world connections. Maybe this would be a good book to use for the insert strategy

[Denalyn Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a classic with a great lesson. I had Epic! read this to me and it was such an intriguing story. Love this retelling of the story. Whether its this retelling or another, the story of Stone Soup is a classroom must-have.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another edition of an old story. Two hungry travellers cannot find anyone in the village who will share any food with them, so they make their stone soup with a magical ingredient. Soon everyone in the village is sharing and enjoying a meal from the amazing recipe. Fabulous illustrations.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book and had the central theme of sharing. It was a unique story of how two traveling men brought together an entire village because they made "stone soup". This would be a cute and easy story to read and teach about the power of sharing.

Trait: Ideas
ATOS: 3.3
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[Susan Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful story I enjoyed as a child and had the opportunity to share with my daughter.

[Shion · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a very nice book.
It tell's us it's good to share

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read better versions of this story but this one was still fun. I did like the recipe in the back.