The Biggest Soap

by Carole Lexa Schaefer; Pictures by Stacey Dressen-McQueen

• ISBN13: 9780374306908
• ISBN10: 0374306907
• Format: Trade Book
• Copyright: 2004-09-09
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Carole Lexa Schaefer is the author of many award-winning picture books. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

Stacey Dressen-McQueen lives in Portland, Oregon. This is her second book.

Table of Contents

"When it's time to wash clothes in the washing pool, Little Kessy gets the important task of running to the island's tiny store for more laundry soap...he takes his job seriously, but on the way home his soap keeps coming in handy to help people. The pictures feature lush tropical colors...children will relate to Kessy on his errand...and will rejoice in his celebratory final splash into the washing pool."
--The Horn Book

"The enchanting tale, set in the South Pacific, will encourage children's creativity and imagination." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Both the text and the pencil, oil pastel, and acrylic artwork, alive with the sun-drenched colors and patterns of the South Pacific, bubble with happiness. Refreshing, engaging, and thoroughly delightful - just like a well-told story." -- Starred, Booklist