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Stone Soup: a book club kit
Where it comes from. People in France, Portugal and all over Europe told this. It was first written down in France about 300 years ago.
In short (for the leader; it gives the ending away). Three hungry travelers come to a village where everyone hides their food. The travelers put stones in a pot of water and say they are making stone soup. One by one the villagers add a little salt, vegetables and more, until there is a big pot of soup for the whole village.
The lesson, in one line. When everyone shares a little, there is plenty for all.
Reading plan. Read it together at the meeting: about 5 minutes aloud, or ahead of time at home.
Questions to talk about
- What is the moral of Stone Soup?
The story's answer: When everyone shares a little, there is plenty for all. No one gave much, but together the villagers made a feast. - Is there really such a thing as stone soup?
The story's answer: Only in the story. The stones add nothing to the taste. The soup is good because of the food the villagers add. - Where does Stone Soup come from?
The story's answer: It is a European folk tale. People told it in France, Portugal and other countries, and versions with nails or axes also exist. - Why did the villagers hide their food?
The story's answer: They thought the strangers would ask for it, so they were afraid to share. The soup shows them that sharing can bring more for everyone. - Who in the story was kind, and who was not? How do you know?
Listen for: Ask for the moment in the story that shows it. - Which part would you change, and how would the story end then?
Listen for: There is no wrong ending; ask what else would have to change.
Did you know?
- Stone soup is a folk tale told in many countries. A French version was written down in the early 1700s.
- In some lands the soup is made with a nail or an axe instead of stones.
- The travelers use curiosity and a little trick to get the villagers to share.
Activity: Draw the story as a map
On one big sheet, draw every place the story happens and the path between them. Mark the spot where things go wrong and the spot where they come right.
More to talk about
More facts for the leader
- The soup tastes good because of what everyone adds, not the stones.
Words to teach before you start
- travelers: people traveling
- cellar: room underground
- attic: roof room
- spare: extra to give
- borrow: use and return
- cider: apple juice
Questions leaders ask
How long does a Stone Soup book club meeting take?
Reading it aloud takes about 5 minutes in all, so plan one meeting of 30 to 45 minutes, with time left for the questions. The reading plan on the sheet says where to stop.
What age is Stone Soup for?
It is written at Peabody level 8, a grade 3 reading level, so most children at that level can read it alone. Younger children can listen to it read aloud.
Do the children need to read it before the meeting?
No. Each child can read it free on Peabody, before the meeting or together at it, and the questions work either way. The sheet's short version gives the ending away, so keep it for the leader.
How do I use the questions?
Start with the story's own questions, which have answers in the leader's notes, then move to the open ones and listen for reasons. There is no wrong answer to an open question. Stop when the group runs out of things to say.
Club kits for stories like this
- Jack and the Beanstalk (level 8)
- The Bremen Town Musicians (level 8)
- The Elves and the Shoemaker (level 8)
- The Ugly Duckling (level 8)
- The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats (level 8)
- Tom Thumb (level 8)
How this kit is made
The short version, the facts and the first questions with their answers are the story's own, written for its page in Peabody's library and checked against the sources named there. The open questions, the activity and the plan are Peabody's, written for this kind of story. No part of it is written by a computer model.
Running the meeting: the meeting plans (30, 45 and 60 minutes) and the sign-up sheet.