Perfect Soup    by Lisa Moser & Ben Mantle Order:  USA  Can Random House, 2010 (2010) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Daninhirsch Without a doubt, this is one of the most original and enjoyable children's books my family and I have read lately. A mouse named Murray wants to make perfect soup, but he is missing one essential ingredient: a carrot. In order for him to obtain that carrot, he asks the farmer. The farmer is willing to give it to him ... but there's a catch. Murray must haul logs for him. Well, of course tiny Murray is unable to haul the big logs, so he enlists the horse's help. The horse is willing to help ... but there's a catch. Murray must find him some fancy jingle bells. So Murray runs along and asks the shopkeeper for his bells. The shopkeeper is willing to give it to him ... but there's a catch. Everyone wants something from Murray, but the chain is broken by a little old lady who refuses to help him. While this is all happening, Murray's snowman friend keeps trying to get his attention, but Murray is too busy running all over town in an effort to find a way to make that carrot his. After all, his soup must be perfect, and it won't be perfect without that all-important carrot. How Murray resolves the dilemma, and what he does with the carrot once he finally gets it, offers a beautiful lesson on friendship, and generosity as its own reward. This gem of a story, accompanied by charming illustrations, will be appreciated by children and parents alike. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews