Stone Soup

I have read other versions of the Stone Soup story, but this one by Jon Muth is my favorite! Traditionally a European tale, it transfers beautifully to China and is beautifully augmented by traditional eastern philosophy. I love the gentle way the traveling monks interact with each other and with the villagers. Upon entering the village, the monks find that all the doors in the village are closed to them and decide to brew some stone soup. While the small act of three travelers preparing a simple meal for themselves is a simple beginning, the way that they attract the attention and help of the whole village seems like a wondrous miracle. Muth's lustrous watercolor illustrations which alternate between full-page spreads and effective use of white space are brilliant--the villagers are individually imbued with so much personality! At our house, we are all about family meals, sharing those meals with friends and family, and the happiness and joy that results. Almost any book that celebrates the joy of a shared meal is a win for us!