The Biggest Soap Book

It's laundry day on a South Pacific island, and Kessy is proud that Mama has chosen him to go to Minda's Store to buy the biggest soap. But he'll have to hurry if he wants to get back in time for the storytelling that accompanies the washing, so off he goes — as fast as a typhoon wind! Along the way there are plenty of surprises, but Kessy returns with just enough soap to finish the wash and in time to tell stories galore from his big adventure.

Exploding with bright colors and patterns, this playful picture book celebrates the warmth of a close-knit island community and the independent spirit of its youngest member.

Leila Toledo - Children's Literature

The setting of this story, an island in South Pacific, gives the reader an opportunity to experience a different culture. Readers will learn of the washing pool and the story telling what takes place there. Kessy must get the soap his mother needs to do the washing but he has to hurry and not be distracted as he rushes to get the biggest piece of soap in the store. On the way home he ends up helping several people by using the soap. But all is well; he makes it back with enough soap and ends up being the storyteller. He exaggerates a bit but that's what storytelling is all about. The story and illustrations will captivate young readers. 2004, Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus and Giroux, Ages 6 to 10.