Parents' Guide to

Soup's Oops!

By Karyn Wellhousen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

Two-word sentences and bright illustrations.

Book Sarah Hines-Stephens Picture Book 2000
Soup's Oops! Poster Image

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What's the Story?

Don't play ball in the house! Young readers will learn that ignoring this warning may result in disaster. But this toddler and his dog, Soup, can't resist a game of fetch, which of course leads to trouble. This compact board book has a simple, straightforward charm.

This sturdy board book uses simple two-word sentences and obvious illustrations to set up a familiar incident. A boy and his puppy begin an innocent game of fetch that becomes rowdy and disruptive. There is, predictably, a happy ending and a lesson to be learned.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This cute, simple story revolves around a toddler and his puppy, Soup. The rhyming text shows how a simple game of catch can quickly turn into a rambunctious game of fetch, resulting in an overturned table and a spilled vase full of flowers. They apparently learn their lesson, because the story ends by moving the game outdoors. Vivid illustrations set the mood for the story as the illustrator precisely captures the facial expressions and body language of a lively little boy.

A third character, a black cat, appears in the story only as an observer and is not mentioned in the text. Some readers will recognize the cat as Bean from other board books in this series.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the accident happened with the ball. What other activities are best enjoyed outside?

Book Details

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