An Island in the Soup
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 Front cover illustration | |
| Author | Mireille Levert |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Mireille Levert |
| Cover artist | Mireille Levert |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's Literature |
| Publisher | Douglas & McIntyre/Groundwood Books |
Publication date | May 1, 2001 |
| Publication place | Canada |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & Paperback) |
| Pages | 24 |
| ISBN | 978-0-88899-403-5 |
An Island in the Soup is a children's book written and illustrated by French-Canadian author Mireille Levert, intended for children ages 3–5.[1] It was first published on May 1, 2001, by Douglas & McIntyre/Groundwood Books. An Island in the Soup is an intriguing tale that provides a fun and imaginative twist on children playing with and in their food [2] and tells a story of fantasy and imagination incorporating both mother and child through a grand dinner time adventure. Mireille Levert won the Governor General's Literary Award for English Illustration for An Island in the Soup in 2001.[3] It is "a wonderful book [...] full of illustrations that delight and stimulate. What sets it apart is the clever and creative journey, which appeals to children of all ages."[4]
Victor of the Noodle, grand knight of the Order of the Macaroni, is at battle in a forest when he is summoned to the dinner table by his ever-patient mother. Here he finds a bowl of the most curious fish soup which he is quite reluctant to eat. He protests it is too dangerous as there is an island in his soup, floating in the middle of his bowl. Riding on top of a soup spoon, he and his Mum adventure to the mysterious island. Along the way, he encounters many obstacles, such as a cheesy swamp filled with huge stinky fish, a storm of giant peas and carrots, a pepper dragon, and the Bad Fairy Zoop who tries to feed the naughty boy his fish soup. But, Mum comes to the rescue and saves Victor. In the end, Victor finds himself starving, so he gobbles up his bowl of soup, which, to his surprise, turns out to be the best soup he's ever had.[5]
Characters
- Victor: Victor is an adventurous, imaginative young boy who is eager to explore his world. When he doesn't want to eat the suspicious fish soup, he creates a distraction using his limitless imagination.
- Victor's Mother: Victor's Mum is patient and smart as she accompanies her son on his adventure in the fish soup. She provides guidance and encouragement when Victor is feeling scared or lost. She enables him to have his own successes, building his self-confidence, and only comes to the rescue when necessary.
- Bad Fairy Zoop: The Bad Fairy Zoop plays the antagonist as she captures Victor and tries to make him eat his soup, prompting Victor's Mum to come to the rescue.
