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| Multicultural Folktale |
This folklore has been retold in a modern version, with an Asian setting, by Jon J. Muth. It is about three monks who travel the land in hopes to spread happiness. They stumble upon a village that is leery of strangers due to hardships the people have experienced in the past. These experiences have caused them to keep to themselves, become famished, and reluctant to share what little they do have. The monks reunite the village over a combined effort to make some
Stone Soup! I remember hearing a version of this story as a child and I thoroughly enjoyed Muth's version, as well. It conveys a timeless message of perserverance and trust that goodness will prevail. I believe that it relays St. Leo University's Common Value of Respect because the villagers must face their fears and share to ignite a community again based on peace and a mutual respect in each other. They must all give to benefit the greater good of the society, which in turn benefits each individual. It is a great story for primary aged children and the author's watercolor illustrations add meaning and depth to the story.
In the classroom...
1. Have children work together to make stone soup by each bringing in an essential ingredient.
2. Examine teamwork by showing students how much quicker a project can be finished when people work together versus individually.
Response questions...
1. Why is it important to share? Tell me about a time when you did not want to share, but did it anyways.
2. How did the monks spread happiness among the villagers?
About the author: Jon J Muth was born in Cincinnati, OH and has traveled all over the world.
Stone Soup was inspired by his love of Buddhism and Zen. He began writing children's books when he became a father and decided to shift his style of writing. He has written and illustrated many books, including
Zen Shorts and
Three Questions.
References:
Muth, Jon J.
Stone Soup. (2003). New York: Scholastic Press
www.browardcenter.org/articlemedial
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