However, Muth''s decision to alter the motivation of the tricksters also depresses some of the humor in the story and gives it a moralistic tone. In his author''s note, the reteller details the elements of Chinese folklore that he incorporated into the story as well as the symbols from Eastern culture used in the artwork. Muth''s characteristic watercolor illustrations, with their striking use of misty hues contrasted with bright primaries, are expertly done and convey a distinct sense of place.

Their goal in fooling the villagers is not to fill their own stomachs but rather to enlighten them about the happiness that comes from sharing. The tricksters are no longer hungry travelers or soldiers but Buddhist monks. His respect for Chinese people and their culture makes this serving of fusion cuisine delicious and satisfying.-Horn Book, March 2003 Muth has taken this old tale and transplanted it from its traditional European setting to China. In a detailed author''s note, Muth explains how he meshed 'the Buddha story tradition, where tricksters spread enlightenment rather than seeking gain for themselves' with a story rooted in European folklore.

The monks'' effort at community development triumphs as the villagers happily feast together at one very long table, then watch a shadow puppet play accompanied by music played on traditional Chinese instruments. Carrots and onions are followed by cabbages, pea pods, noodles, mushrooms, dumplings, bean curd, cloud ear and mung beans, winter melon, taro root, ginger, soy sauce and lily buds-a mouthwatering celebration of Chinese cooking. Muth''s muted blue-and-gray watercolors are ideally suited to portraying the inhospitable village, swathed in mountain mists, as well as the appealing girl in her bright yellow jacket who breaks the ice and draws the other villagers from behind their locked doors to contribute ingredients to the soup. Wars and famines have made the villagers justifiably reluctant to welcome strangers, even monks, and so suspicious they hoard food from one another. Sound vaguely familiar? Muth sets his version of the well-known European folktale in the early years of Qing Dynasty China. Three wandering Buddhist monks investigate the nature of happiness by feeding the wary, selfish inhabitants of a Northern Chinese village soup made from three stones.

Stone soup jon muth