Chicken Soup with Rice
8.48 / 10 31K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 1986
- Publisher
- Scholastic, Incorporated
- Pages
- 30
- ISBN
- 9780590401715
Embark on a delightful journey through the calendar year with Maurice Sendak's classic, "Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months." This beloved tale follows a young protagonist who enjoys chicken soup with rice in every single month, no matter the season or circumstance. Through whimsical illustrations and lyrical, repetitive verses, children discover the unique characteristics of each month, from January's icy chill to December's festive cheer, all while celebrating a favorite comfort food.
Maurice Sendak's imaginative drawings and playful storytelling combine to create a book that is both entertaining and educational. The rhythmic text and charming scenarios make learning the months of the year an engaging experience, fostering a love for language and the changing seasons. This lighthearted classic offers a warm, nostalgic reading experience, perfect for sharing and revisiting throughout the year.
Maurice Sendak's imaginative drawings and playful storytelling combine to create a book that is both entertaining and educational. The rhythmic text and charming scenarios make learning the months of the year an engaging experience, fostering a love for language and the changing seasons. This lighthearted classic offers a warm, nostalgic reading experience, perfect for sharing and revisiting throughout the year.
Subjects
Original edition
Chicken Soup with Rice A Book of MonthsOriginally published in 1962 English Harper & Row
Other editions (17)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
The year begins in the crisp chill of January, and what better way to greet it than with a steaming bowl of chicken soup with rice? One might find a young adventurer, gliding on ice skates across a frozen pond, spooning up his cherished meal as the winter air nips at his nose. He declares, with certainty, that in January, he'll be eating chicken soup with rice.
As February arrives, bringing with it the anniversary of a snowman, the soup continues its comforting presence. While the snowman might indulge in a slice of cake, the boy himself savors his chicken soup with rice, a warm counterpoint to the frosty world outside. March winds howl and bluster, so strong they might even spill a bowl of soup, only to then lap it up and roar for more, a playful testament to the soup's irresistible charm, even to the very elements.
April showers bring May flowers, and through it all, the delightful dish remains a constant. In April, the rain might patter softly, but his soup is there, and in May, as spring blooms in full, he finds new, whimsical ways to enjoy his favorite meal. The transition to June sees the sun shining brighter, and though the weather warms, the notion that chicken soup with rice is always a good idea persists.
When July rolls around, with its sun-drenched days, one might imagine peering into the cool, fishy depths of the ocean, only to discover that chicken soup is being sold cheap there. Then comes August, a month so hot that the boy himself might transform into a cooking pot, simmering his own batch of chicken soup with rice, cooking it once, cooking it twice, because, why not? The seasons turn, and September arrives, perhaps with the start of school or the first hints of autumn leaves, but the soup remains a steadfast companion.
October brings with it the rustle of fallen leaves and the crispness of autumn air, perfect for a cozy bowl. In November, as the days grow shorter and the air turns truly cold, the warmth of chicken soup with rice is more welcome than ever. Finally, December descends, adorned with a baubled, bangled Christmas tree, its branches playfully decorated not with ornaments alone, but with bowls of the beloved soup. For every month of the year, through every season's change, it is clear: chicken soup with rice is always nice.
As February arrives, bringing with it the anniversary of a snowman, the soup continues its comforting presence. While the snowman might indulge in a slice of cake, the boy himself savors his chicken soup with rice, a warm counterpoint to the frosty world outside. March winds howl and bluster, so strong they might even spill a bowl of soup, only to then lap it up and roar for more, a playful testament to the soup's irresistible charm, even to the very elements.
April showers bring May flowers, and through it all, the delightful dish remains a constant. In April, the rain might patter softly, but his soup is there, and in May, as spring blooms in full, he finds new, whimsical ways to enjoy his favorite meal. The transition to June sees the sun shining brighter, and though the weather warms, the notion that chicken soup with rice is always a good idea persists.
When July rolls around, with its sun-drenched days, one might imagine peering into the cool, fishy depths of the ocean, only to discover that chicken soup is being sold cheap there. Then comes August, a month so hot that the boy himself might transform into a cooking pot, simmering his own batch of chicken soup with rice, cooking it once, cooking it twice, because, why not? The seasons turn, and September arrives, perhaps with the start of school or the first hints of autumn leaves, but the soup remains a steadfast companion.
October brings with it the rustle of fallen leaves and the crispness of autumn air, perfect for a cozy bowl. In November, as the days grow shorter and the air turns truly cold, the warmth of chicken soup with rice is more welcome than ever. Finally, December descends, adorned with a baubled, bangled Christmas tree, its branches playfully decorated not with ornaments alone, but with bowls of the beloved soup. For every month of the year, through every season's change, it is clear: chicken soup with rice is always nice.
What other readers say
Liked
Reviewers overwhelmingly celebrate this book as a cherished classic, often recalling deep personal nostalgia and fond childhood memories. Many praise its delightful and memorable rhyming text, which is described as poetic, rhythmic, and full of wildness and humor. The illustrations by Maurice Sendak receive consistent acclaim for being amazing, beautiful, creative, and engaging, adding to the book's overall charm and imaginative appeal. Reviewers highlight its effectiveness as a tool for teaching young children about the months of the year and seasons in a fun and creative way, often noting how easily the verses stick in one's mind. The book is frequently mentioned in conjunction with Carole King's musical adaptation, further cementing its place as an uplifting and joyful experience for many.
Disliked
The primary drawback noted by several reviewers concerns the physical format of the book. Many encountered a very small edition, which made it challenging to share effectively with a larger group of children during read-alouds or story times. While the repetitive nature of the poems is a key element of its appeal for young learners, a few reviewers suggested that older children might lose interest more quickly than their younger counterparts. Beyond these practical considerations regarding size and age-appropriateness, the reviews express virtually no other significant criticisms of the book's content or quality.
In short
In conclusion, this book is widely regarded as an enduring classic that brings immense joy and fosters cherished memories. It is highly recommended for young children, from toddlers to early elementary students, particularly those who are learning about the months of the year, appreciate rhythmic poetry, or enjoy whimsical and imaginative stories. Its engaging rhymes and distinctive illustrations make it an excellent choice for read-alouds, with many suggesting it would be an even more perfect fit for group settings if a larger format is available.
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