Vegetable Soup [Hardcover]

Modesitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 29, 1988 | Age Level: 5 and up

Two rabbits, seeking carrots for the first lunch in their new home and receiving a variety of food from their animal neighbors, are at first reluctant to sample anything they have never eaten before.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Theodore and Elsie are two rabbits in trouble; their carrot sack is empty on their first day in their new house, and the food market is closed. They resort to the kindness of strangerstheir new neighbors. The wide-eyed squirrel doesn't "eat anything that grows underground," but he does offer some dandelion leaves. An erudite blue jay introduces the rabbits to parsley, and two elderly, well-rounded toads supply cherry tomatoes. Finally, a hedgehog expresses his love for cabbage above all vegetables in his garden. The rabbits are at first dismayed with the lack of carrots but have an insight: from the items they've borrowed, they can make vegetable soup. It's so delicious that they invite all their neighbors to lunch. This is a rewarding story of a special soup, and the delicious recipe is provided on the last page. The artist's hazy color effects give the pictures a soft focus; he lights up the pages and the rabbit's hospitable neighborhood. Modesitt and Spowart's work makes good company at anyone's table. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 Elsie and Theodore Rabbit had planned to have boiled carrots, their favorite lunch, for the first meal in their new home, but the carrot sack is empty and the market is closed. They go from neighbor to neighbor, trying to borrow some carrots. None of their new neighbors has carrots, but each offers a substitute. Too polite to refuse the strange foods and having nothing else to eat, they take the offerings and make a soupwhich turns out to be delicious. Modesitt has created a delightful little story reminiscent of Zolotow's Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present (Harper, 1962) . Her animal characters are memorable, each with their own personalities. The soft, dreamy illustrations help to bring the characters alive and add depth to the simple tale. Of particular delight are the gentile Toad sisters, gowned, gloved, rouged lips and cheeks, with white handkerchiefs dangling from the tips of their dainty fingers. Modesitt has included a recipe for vegetable soup using the same ingredients offered to the rabbits by their neighbors. The recipe (which includes the aside, to be made ``with a grown-up's help'') might persuade parents, as well as children, to try something they've never eaten before. Constance A. Mellon, Department of Library & Information Studies, East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; First US edition (March 29, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027676307
• ISBN-13: 978-0027676303
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,176,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book by Jeanne, August 14, 2005

By 

SaraSewing (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vegetable Soup (Hardcover)

Fantastic story about a rabbit couple who make new friends from their neighbors, while also learning about new foods. The end is delightful, including the recipe for their delicious soup! The artwork is beautiful! We know this author/artist couple personally, and they are just as delightful!

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Book For Adults, May 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Vegetable Soup (Hardcover)

I know this is a children's book, but adults love it too. I read it and it is my favorite book! Its about 2 rabbits who like to eat carrots. It is very entertaining for adults, but I would not reccomend it for kids.

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Book For Adults, May 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Vegetable Soup (Hardcover)

I know this is a children's book, but adults love it too. I read it and it is my favorite book! Its about 2 rabbits who like to eat carrots. It is very entertaining for adults, but I would not reccomend it for kids.