A unique children's book with a social message

A unique children's book with a social message

'Ten Thousand Bowls of Soup', is a heart-warming children’s story which starts by telling how Henry "lost his smile", aged six, then moves to 2016 where Henry, now 23, travels to mainland Greece to help out at a migrant camp which provides shelter for people fleeing conflict in countries such as Syria and Afghanistan. Henry’s job is to help make soup, sometimes up to 10,000 bowls in a single day, for the people living at the camp.  

The book, illustrated with charming depictions of Henry’s exploits, shows how he develops friendships with the camp residents – they teach him how to make tastier soups, dance and in the end help him find his smile again.

The story is being launched as an audiobook CD and paperback to raise money for the international charity Médecins Sans Frontiers. With sponsorship from Stroud-based Ecotricity and other local companies, the project aims to raise more than £50,000 for the charity’s activities in war-torn countries and parts of the world with concentrated migrant populations.

'Ten Thousand Bowls of Soup' is an unusual story in that it combines child-friendly elements with a worldly message about reaching out to help people in challenging circumstances around the world.  At its heart, it’s a story about common humanity, particularly as practised by the young who so often lead by example.  

The team behind the launch of the book are all volunteers, and include an illustrator, professional storyteller, publisher, PR consultant, web designer, sound engineer, teachers, musicians and a bookkeeper.  

"Stories have alway provided food for thought and food for the soul. Here’s one that will put food on the table too! Fun, quirky and moving. A brilliant idea – I wish this book all the success it richly deserves." Nick Butterworth, (Children’s author and illustrator)

To find out more about this project and to purchase the book or CD, please go to www.tenthousandbowlsofsoup.com or 
https://www.facebook.com/10000bowlsofsoup/