The New Stone Soup in American Sign Language

Gr 1–4—Ever since Marcia Brown created the Caldecott Honor version in 1948, the folktale "Stone Soup" has been a staple for educators who want to discuss sharing. Three performers roll into town to make people laugh and smile. Everyone is Deaf in this village, and when the troupe goes from house to house looking for a meal, viewers see how lights flash instead of bells ringing when someone presses the doorbell, providing an inside view into the daily life of Deaf people. But no one shares with the entertainers, despite the size of the turkey cooking in the oven, and all the famished artists find at each door is a small stone at their feet. The rest of the story you know. Intermediate signers can watch the program on mute and focus on the signing, its phrasing, and syntax. There is also a voice-over for beginning signers. A review of important words, many dealing with food, appears at the end. With the inimitable director CJ Jones collaborating with well-known actors David Rivera and Michelle Banks, the result is magical.