“SOUP FOR ONE,” by Ethan Long, Running Press Kids, Hardcover, April 3, 2012, $14.95 (ages 3 and up)
A little fly comes zooming by and notices a bowl of soup. He’s enjoying a dip when another fly decides to take up residence. Before long, there’s a third, fourth and fifth fly who will join the party. What once was a relaxing dip has become a crowded tub with 10 flies of all colors and sizes. The first little fly is aghast at these interlopers but that’s nothing compared to the soup’s chef, who’s eager to slurp down his dinner.
“Soup for One” features clever rhymes and silly characters that move the story quickly forward. While the flies and a spider, who watches the drama unfold from afar, are somewhat charming, the illustrations are more of an acquired taste. Photographic elements are mixed with digital and drawing techniques that don’t mesh as well as I would have liked. I found the realistic saltine crackers to be distracting, taking away from the illustrated action. While most children probably won’t have an issue with it, I found it gave the book a cheaper feel.
Despite its negatives, “Soup for One” features an interesting tale that will encourage children to take an active part in counting.
