A retelling of the classic fable with a cultural twist, this iconographic-animated adaptation of the 2003 picture book by author and illustrator Jon J. Muth features narration by B.D. Wong. Following three Zen monks on a quest for inner happiness, Stone Soup finds the trio stopping at a seemingly barren village, where the people—including a farmer, merchant, scholar, seamstress, and doctor—are weary and suspicious of each other (and, naturally, newcomers). When the monks set up a campfire midtown, a brave young girl asks what they're up to, and when told they are making the titular broth, she offers up a much larger pot for cooking. Little by little, other villagers grow curious and put forward other additions to the soup, such as vegetables and spices, resulting in an eventual feast. Backed by Ernest Troost's music—coupled with sound effects including birds chirping and the crackling fire—this lesson in social interaction and teamwork also includes an interview with Muth and a read-along option. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)
Stone Soup
(2011) 12 min. DVD: $59.95 (study guide included). Weston Woods Studios. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-545-32714-8. Volume 27, Issue 1
Stone Soup
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: