Meal-Time Activities: Stone Soup

By Tiffany Rudd


One meal-time activity my kids and my preschool students have always loved is reading a book that includes food and then cooking our own to match. I have quite a few "Read It & Cook It" books and recipes I'll share in the future, but one of our most favorites is Stone Soup by Marilyn Sapienza. 

The story of Stone Soup is actually an old folk story, so you can find many different versions. This version is my personal favorite, but probably because it is the one I grew up with. I remember making stone soup with my mom as a child and really believing in the magic. :) In the story two travelers trick an unfriendly town into sharing their food by telling them they can make soup using only water and a stone. Of course, the soup would be much better with a few additions which the town supplies. If you haven't read this one before definitely check it out at your local library. Or you can find it used for as little as $0.99 on Amazon.


All you need for this activity are a large pot, a few ingredients and a stone. I just boil mine first so it is nice and clean. Prep and chop the ingredients beforehand and then as you read the story with your child, he/she can help add the ingredients called for. 


Plus, there is an added bonus...dinner is ready! :)

Recipe for Stone Soup

1 Large Stone (Boil it first! :)

3 Cups Chicken Stock

2 Cups Chopped Carrots

2 Cups Chopped Celery

2 Cups Chopped Red Potatoes

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Can Evaporated Milk

2 Cups Cooked Diced Chicken (canned is fine)

4 Cups Cooked Noodles

How To: Heat chicken stock and stone in a large pot. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Simmer until veggies are tender. Add cream of chicken soup and evaporated milk. Add cooked chicken and noodles. Enjoy! :)