Perfect Soup by Lisa Moser

Moser, Lisa. Perfect Soup, illustrated by Ben Mantle. Random House, 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. Murray the mouse is in a hurry, he must get a carrot for his perfect soup. He has no time to talk to Snowman. The farmer will give him a carrot if, Murray will move the logs. The horse will move the logs if Murray will give him bells. The shopkeeper will give Murray bells if he’ll shovel his walk. A little boy will shovel his walk if he can get a pair of mittens. An old lady will not knit mittens because her hot cocoa burnt her tongue. Murray doesn’t know what to do. He finally takes the time to talk to Snowman who gives him a scoop of snow to cool down the cocoa—no conditions. The old lady knits the mittens, the boy shovels the walk, the storekeeper gives the bells, the horse moves the logs, and the farmer gives Murray his carrot. Murray’s perfect soup has a surprise twist ending. The engaging artwork is perfectly paired with this warm story about friendship. Pre-K, EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.