Customer Reviews

Mean Soup

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Brilliantly illustrated and engagingly told, this is the story of how a very wise mom helps her son deal with feelings of anger and frustration. Little Horace has had a really rough day, and is initially unreceptive to his mother's attempts to cheer him up. He quickly changes his mind, however, as his mother uses humor and creativity to allow him to express himself--safely. The ending is heart-warming and reassuring. I've used this book for years as both an educator and a mother, and it's a hit every time!

My children enjoy this book because it reflects a feeling that they often feel but can't always express - I like it because so few books actually do talk about this feeling in a constructive way - ANGER! This book takes a look at how children often express their anger, and how an understanding mom helps her son work through it in a fun way, that doesn't hurt anyone. The pictures are colorful and fun, and my kids love to make the growls and screams along with the boy in the book. It is a great read!

Young Horace has had a really bad day; nothing went right at school, and nothing went right after it. But, his mother knew what to do. Putting a pan full of water on the stove, she encouraged him to scream and shout and pour his frustration into the soup--the mean soup.

This is quite a cute book, showing a cute way to relieve stress. The illustrations are quirky and go along beautifully with the story. I like this book!

One thing I must say, though. My eight-year-old son selected this book for a reading project, but it was quite beneath his ability. With only a few words per page, it is more useful as a lesson than as reading material. I would recommend it for somewhat younger readers. Nonetheless, I liked this book, and recommend it to you.

Horace has had to deal with quite a bit today, and when he gets home from school he is definitely in a very, very bad mood; so bad in fact, that he "hisses" at his mother when she greets him at the door! After his temper tantrum (which really is adorable, not bratty!), his mother suggests that they make soup. Still feeling mean, Horace watches in astonishment as his mother finds an incredibly funny (and ingenious) way to lure him out of his bad mood.

Thoughtful, creative and beautifully illustrated, MEAN SOUP teaches children how to act out their anger and frustration in a positive, fun way. Don't just settle for a library copy of this book. It is definitely worth a buy. You will be reading it over and over again as a pleasant, subtle reminder to children who, like Horace, are having a tough time dealing with tough days!

Approximately 14 pages. One sentence and a beautiful illustration on each page. Some blends and sight words present... The recommended reading level for this book is ages 4-8. I would say that perhaps advanced pre-school (read aloud - child should have good comprehension skills) to remedial 2nd is more like it. The main idea is for a varied audience, but certainly not the reading level.

Maybe it's because Horace's mom reminds me of my own mom. Between the beautiful pictures and Horace's horrible day, this is a great book. I love how his mother handles it. This book displays how we can help children to express themselves and their frustrations in creative and nondestructive ways.

REALLY, I ENJOY THIS BOOK MORE THAN MY 4 YEAR OLD. IT IS GREAT THERAPY FOR BAD DAYS; ALWAYS SURE TO BRING A SMILE!

I read the negative review and so borrowed this book from the library with trepidation, but my children and I (they are boy and girl; 4 and 6 years old) quite like it.

The worst criticism I thought was about the child hovering over the pot of boiling water. The reviewer made it sound as if the child was unsupervised and egging real children on to do dangerous things. The reality was not as bad as described however. The book-mother was always present watching over her child. The worst one could say was that the pot was on the front burner.

In any case, paranoid as I am, I didn't think they were showing the child doing anything ludicrously dangerous. And I like the idea of showing children that they can have little rituals that they can implement to change their moods.

Four Stars. Cute artwork and good read-aloud. This book offers children an example of ritual/habit used for good; i.e. That they have the power to change their mood.

A terrific way to teach children ways to express their feelings without hurting anyone/anything. I am a psychologist, specializing in young children and their families, and I often use this book with my families.

As a first grade teacher, mother, and grandmother, I have read many children's books. This one, in my opinion, is one of the most original and creative I've read. Not only does it entertain, but it sends the message to children that 1. It's normal to be angry. and 2. There are constructive ways to deal with it.

The idea that it promotes children doing dangerous things is ridiculous. For pete's sake . . .look at the classics. Children know the difference!
Without "danger" we would not have "The Three Little Pigs", "Little Red Riding Hood", "The Three Bears" or most of the rest.

perfect for new mom'spowerful messageI wish this book had been out 35yearsago,when I was a naive,first time mom.