Stone Soup Hardcover – Picture Book, March 1, 2003

I really enjoyed this version of an old classic

The greatest need humans have is relational intimacy. Love and community is important. Community is not enough. For many communities of people have caused wickedness on the planet (think about it). But love in a community is the difference: in family, organizations, villages, nations, and world. Without love and intimacy (not necessarily between a couple romantically) but great love among friends can bring the hurting, fearful people out of isolation. Every person has value, but sometimes its difficult for people to believe that they do. God, love, people who understand Gods love make a difference in how we love ourselves. Everyone of us was created for family. one way or another. Maybe our own family is a mess or not a community, but though imperfect, there are places where God's family will welcome us and love us, just as Jesus has through the cross. Arms open wide, taking us in as we are...in all our mess. Because of that love, we can also do the same (even though its hard when we've been hurt). That's why I like this book, because the truth of its message is universal about love and community. Coming out of isolation. All having ability to contribute to each other in our own unique way. No finger print in all creation is the same. That's because we are all valuable and have something to offer. Love is the difference. Gods love in us through Jesus.

The gorgeously rendered water-color pictures and the gentle teaching helps this version of Stone Soup make an important message thought-provoking and believable. We ALL need to work better together for the benefit of everyone.

It's honestly one of my favorite stories. Visually, I love the version I grew up with more, but this version was a gift for my honorary nephew, who is Chinese-American.It's been important to me that I send him stories that are diverse and reflect the Chinese part of his heritage so I'm so excited I can share one of my favorite stories with him and very pleased at the quality of the book I received.

Love this story and the illustrations. Fun for all ages.

My students enjoy listening to it.

We had the book, Three Questions by Jon J. Muth. Based off of that book, I bought this one. Very cute book with a good message. The artwork is particularly beautiful as I have found that it is with other books by this author. Definitely makes it stand out among some other kids books. I find that reading books like this with artwork that I can appreciate as an adult makes me enjoy reading to my kids more than usual. Oftentimes as a grownup we have to suffer through reading the same stuff over and over; that is not the case with this book.

My daughter and I checked this book out of the library and loved it so I bought it for her at Christmas. I had a different version of "Stone Soup" when I was growing up, and it was one of my favorite books. I found this and saw that it was based in China, so I thought my daughter (who was born in China) would like it. She does! This a beautiful version of the story; as with all the Jon Muth books we've read, the story is well-written and the pictures are captivating.