Too Many Babas

by Carolyn Croll

Four peasant ladies discover that too many cooks without a plan can spoil the broth

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Family, Fiction

63 pages, Hardcover

First published November 6, 1979

Reviews

[Kate Demers]

This was a book that I first read in the second grade (~1986). I have always remembered it, and the lesson of "too many cooks spoil the broth". I was able to find a second hand copy and here I am in 2019, reading it my little boy.

[Prabhat sharma]

Too Many Babas by Caroln Croll Hindi language translation by Arvind Gupta- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of three Russian ladies Baba Edis, Baba Basha, Baba Yetta, Baba Molka. While Baba Edis is cooking soup, the other two ladies arrive and smell the soup. They add salt, pepper, garlic to make the soup more tasty. But the soup is spoiled because of excess salt, pepper and garlic. They cook the soup again and ensure that proper amount of ingredients are added. The foru of them enjoy the soup with bread. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Debra McEathron]

This is a very cute story about a grandma starting some soup. Her friends drop by and keep adding ingredients to her soup to make it taste better. When they tried the soup it was terrible. Then they decided to make a plan and the soup turned out great. This book is an Accelerated Reader level 4.0. It has really cute pictures.

[Shana K.]

A wonderful depiction of teamwork. At the end of the day, everyone’s got an opinion on how things should be done. And just like every recipe in existence, it’s always okay to add your own flavor. ;) Can’t wait to read this with my children!

[Billy B]

Dad review: short and sweet story that tells a major aspect of the story through illustration in addition to the enjoyable text. This book is a cute story that also teaches morals about manners and team work.

[Lorraine]

A nicely illustrated version of too many cooks spoil the broth.

[Jeani]

"Too many cooks in the kitchen." Great early reader.

[SaraXP]

The illustrations are hilarious and delightful.

Adorable book

[Heather]

Probably my favorite story as a wee one, I must've made my parents read this over and over and over until I could read it over and over and over on my own.
Rather than too many cooks spoiling the soup, "Too Many Babas" reminds us in addition to each bringing something unique to the table, what we each bring for the pot will make sharing a meal a true collaboration.
Maybe this is where my whole food and society bent got started...

[Michael Fitzgerald]

I think I prefer the colors of the original 1979 publication to those of the 1994 edition. The muted palette is just more tasteful. (The opposite is true of Croll's illustrations for The Big Balloon Race/Newly Illustrated Edition.) Just because one can do full color doesn't mean one should.

[Kayla Boyce]

I love the lessons this story teaches. It was one of my favorites as a little girl. The lesson I got from it was a caution against over-helping. A sweet, simple story that teaches life lessons about things like group dynamics and being thoughtful and considerate. Great for kids!

[Heather Richard]

Perfect book about the division of labor...

[Janet]

The storyline is too many cooks spoil the broth or its better to cooperate on a project and go off on your own when someone has already started a project.

[Phil]

A perfect example of how too many hands can ruin something and how teamwork makes tasks tasty. Highly recommended.

[Rachel]

A good old classic!!!
I bought it for a friend's daughter because I reference it sometimes.
A good story about working together!
Sent to Nora D. (Sent to Mhairi?).