Stone Soup
A traveler starts a curious soup, and a village discovers what everyone can contribute.
A story to read together
Stone Soup
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
A traveler arrived in a village near sunset. The villagers were cautious and kept their doors closed. The traveler had an empty pot, a smooth stone and a cheerful idea: perhaps everyone could make supper together.
A curious invitation
The traveler filled the pot with water, set it over a small fire and placed the clean stone inside. “This will make a fine soup,” the traveler said, “but it would be even better with a carrot.”
A little from everyone
Soon someone brought potatoes, another brought beans, and a family added herbs from their garden. The soup smelled wonderful. The villagers gathered around and began to talk.
A table for the village
The villagers set out bowls and bread. They made room for the traveler and invited neighbors who had been watching from their windows.
More than soup
After supper, the traveler washed the pot and returned the stone to the riverbank. The villagers agreed to make a shared meal again soon.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
What does each person add to the soup?
How does the village change from the beginning to the end?
What did each villager add to the soup and to the gathering?
Make something: Plan a pretend stone soup. Draw the pot and list one ingredient or helpful idea each person could contribute.
