Button Soup: Level 2 (BANK STREET READY-T0-READ)

In this modern version of the French folktale "Stone Soup," Rag-Tag Meg shows the neighborhood how to make a delicious pot of soup starting with only water and an old wooden button

Kindergarten-Grade 3?Children familiar with Marcia Brown's Stone Soup (Macmillan, 1979) or Harve Zemach's Nail Soup (Follett, 1964; o.p.) will appreciate this modern version of the classic story. When Rag-Tag Meg approaches a young girl and her grandfather for food, she is turned away. Shortly thereafter, Mandy spots Meg strolling past their house. She goes out to greet the woman, who proceeds to find a button, a pot, and a wooden spoon?all the necessities for creating button soup over an outdoor fire. Urban characters crowd around and contribute parsley, onions, noodles, soup bones, greens, beans, and a carrot. Finally, Mandy retrieves a chicken from her house and brings her grandpa out to join in the fun. Overall, this predictable tale, told in the first person by Mandy, will delight beginning readers. Estrada's full-color illustrations are just right for the story?they depict people of many ethnic groups and both genders. A satisfying choice.?Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, IA
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