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ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: Giant Parsnip Soup
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://danielasosa.com/
CITY: Cambridge
STATE:
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in Romania; moved to United Kingdom c. 2018; married; children: one son.
EDUCATION:Cambridge School of Art, M.A. (children’s book illustration).
ADDRESS
CAREER
Illustrator and writer. Worked in a game studio for a few years; freelance illustrator for clients including Little Tiger Press, Nosy Crow, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Stripes Publishing, and Walker Books.
AVOCATIONS:Nature walks, craft projects, cycling, traveling.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, May 1, 2024, Molly Horan, review of The Suitcase, p. 65; January, 2025, Beth Rosania, review of Growing Green: A First Book of Gardening, p. 51.
Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2020, review of Me and McGee; August 1, 2022, review of Friends; March 15, 2024, review of The Suitcase; March 1, 2025, review of Giant Parsnip Soup.
School Library Journal, March, 2025, Sue Morgan, review of Giant Parsnip Soup, p. 72.
ONLINE
Bookworm for Kids, https://www.bookwormforkids.com/ (September 3, 2022), “Today’s Read … Friends by Daniela Sosa with an Interview!”
Childrensillustrators.com, https://childrensillustrators.com/ (November 4, 2025), “Daniela Sosa: Children’s Illustrator,” author interview.
Daniela Sosa website, https://danielasosa.com (November 4, 2025).
YA Books Central, https://yabookscentral.com/ (September 2, 2022), Cherokee Crum, “Interview with Daniela Sosa (Friends).”
Hi!
I’m Daniela Sosa, author/illustrator originally from Romania and currently based in Cambridge, UK.
I am a graduate of the Children’s Book Illustrations MA course at the Cambridge School of Art.
My main focus is children’s books, but I also enjoy doing other types of illustration work. In my work I like to blend traditional techniques with digital editing. I enjoy working with textures, collage, pencils and limited colour palettes.
When I’m not illustrating, I enjoy nature walks, reading and crafty projects.
Clients include Simon & Schuster, Walker Books, Nosy Crow, Penguin Random House, Stripes Publishing, Cottage Door Press, Albert Whitman, Little Tiger Press.
You can contact me at daniela.illustrations@gmail.com
Represented worldwide by Good Illustration Agency
For illustration commissions, please contact Doreen, Kate or Tom: draw@goodillustration.com
Daniela Sosa
Children's Illustrator
Interview
How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?
I realised pretty late that I wanted to be an illustrator, although I have been drawing ever since I can remember. I didn’t even consider illustration to be an option and was training to become a translator, when one of my friends asked me to illustrate a book cover for a poetry volume she was publishing. That’s when I realised I could actually do this for a living! So I started taking commissions and actively trying to improve my drawing skills. It was slow at first, but I got better in time and after working in a game studio for a few years I finally took the step to full time freelance. Sometimes when I think about it, I still can’t believe this is my job!
Daniela Sosa interview image 0
What is your favourite medium to work with and why?
I work digitally, mostly in Photoshop. For the past year I’ve been trying to do more traditional work using coloured pencils, but I feel most comfortable working digitally because I think it gives me more freedom to experiment and try different things without ruining the illustration. I also tend to change things a lot even when the illustration is finished - I always find something that could be better and drawing on paper doesn’t allow that. However, drawing traditionally is very satisfying, so I want to keep practising.
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Do you keep a sketch book?
I do, although I don’t use it as often as I would like to. I find paper a little intimidating because I’m so used to working digitally, it’s hard to loosen up and draw without caring how it turns out. I have an iPad that I use as a sketch book more than my actual sketch book. I like that it’s small and handy but also has the amazing undo option - best of both worlds!
Daniela Sosa interview image 0
Talk us through the process of creating one of your latest illustrations or books.
This illustration started as a random sketch on my iPad. I thought it had potential, so I tried different layouts and ideas until I found one that I liked. Then I tried different colour combinations, wasn’t happy with any of them so I kept changing them - this took a few days of coming back to the illustration, doing some changes, leaving it, and so on- until I finally found the right one. There were several versions before the final one, but in the end I’m glad I put so much time in it because it’s one of my fav pieces now.
Daniela Sosa interview image 0 Daniela Sosa interview image 1 Daniela Sosa interview image 2
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, which is very little lately, I like to draw (for myself this time), read, spend time with my husband, go to the gym or walk - illustration is a very static job and I’m pretty energetic, so it’s important for me to stay active somehow (unfortunately, I also browse the internet a lot…). I love to travel and do this as often as possible - earlier this year we went on a 5-month trip around New Zealand, SE Asia and Japan - a dream come true!
Daniela Sosa interview image 0
What is your favourite children’s book and why?
This changes from time to time, but right now my favourite is On Sudden Hill, written by Linda Sarah and illustrated by Benji Davies. The story is so relatable and sweet and the illustrations are just beautiful and full of details, I think it’s exactly how a children’s book should be.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?
I think I’m a morning person, so I try to wake up early and get the most important things done before noon, when I’m most productive. I usually start by answering emails, then check my to-do list (post-its everywhere) and start with the most difficult parts, leaving the less challenging ones for the end of the day. I work from home, so I usually cook my lunch and then have a short break before getting back to work. I normally work until 6 or 7 pm. My desk looks pretty boring, not exactly what people would expect from an illustrator :)
Daniela Sosa interview image 0
What advice would you offer someone just starting out as a children’s illustrator?
Keep practising and improving! It’s the advice that everyone gives but it’s really the best thing you can do. It’s also important to promote your work, but first it has to be good, and it will be noticed. If possible, go to children’s book fairs, see what other illustrators are doing, it’s inspiring and a great way to get to know the industry better!
If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be doing?
I love animals so I’d like to work as anything that has something to do with them - farm, animal sanctuary, pet hotel, anything! Since I spend most of my day in front of the computer, I sometimes wish I had a more active job (though I’m sure if I had an active job I’d wish for a desk one).
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Today's read... Friends by Daniela Sosa with an Interview!
Today's read comes out in a few days. Hitting the shelves on the 6th, this read is all about friendship. I just found the theme perfect for today's world and decided to give this read a go. After all, where would any of us be without friends? The author-illustrator was also kind enough to stop by and answer a few questions...which is especially exciting, since this is her debut book!
FRIENDS
by Daniela Sosa
Paula Wiseman Books
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING...
SEPTEMBER 6th!!!
Celebrate the wonder of new friends, old friends, and everything-in-between friends in this joyful, resonant picture book.
There are many kinds of friends—old friends, new friends, friends that last a lifetime—and the day to make new friends is always near, if you look. This story celebrates all of them: who they are, where we find them, and what we count on them for.
GOODREADS / BOOK DEPOSITORY / B&N / AMAZON
MY TIDBITS
The miracle of friendship spills from every page, bringing in not only the ups but also the downs to create a touching and warming read.
This book is all about friendship. While the cover already hints at the diversity covered in these pages, that's only the beginning. Friendship ranges from old to young, short moments to year-long relationships, and includes happy times as well as sad experiences. All of that comes into play with only a short phrase or two on each page, making this a nice read-aloud, which lets these illustrations really shine.
The illustrations bring each situation to life, allowing the scenes to hit with familiarity and draw young readers/listeners in. The vast array of characters and situations not only demonstrates the huge range friendship covers, but also gives something for almost every reader/listener to identify with...good and sad. The ending leaves a positive note with a sense of care and warmth.
INTERVIEW
I was thrilled when Daniela agreed to take the time and answer some questions for us. It's always fun to learn more about the author...and this time, illustrator as well, since she does both. I don't think I've met an author yet, who didn't have interesting hobbies or background or experiences. Daniela isn't any different, I'm excited to introduce everyone to her today.
Thanks so much, Daniela, for stopping by today. I just love your illustrations—so vibrant! Do you have a favorite medium you enjoy working with? And then, where is your favorite place to let inspiration flow?
Thank you! My favourite medium changes frequently - I’m now pretty excited by collage for example, but when illustrating ‘Friends’ I felt more drawn to ink and pencils. However there is one constant in my work: the digital editing, I’d be lost without it!
Favourite place: probably sitting in a café by myself, looking at people, sketching and thinking about new book ideas.
Collage does sound fun! So, what drew you to the kidlit realm?
I love how varied and creative children’s books can be - you can be as playful or as conservative as you want, experiment with all kinds of mediums or illustration styles, write about almost any topic, from the most serious to the most silly and fun - you have so much artistic freedom. I like being playful in my work and I think children’s books are the best place for that.
And this book isn't only playful but the writing holds such a warm message. What is your favorite part about writing? And what would you rather eat worms than do?
Writing is pretty new to me, so I’m not feeling very confident about it. I love it when, after being stuck for a while, the right wording just suddenly comes to me - it’s a perfect feeling of flow. Least favourite part - being stuck for a while, not finding the right words haha!
That sounds like a circle of up and downs, but hopefully, you'll never be stuck too long! What were your favorite books while growing up?
I grew up in Romania in the 1990s, and the books I had as a child had a very distinctive look, popular at that time: limited colour palette, great design, idyllic scenery. Some of the books made a very long lasting impression on me, I can still remember certain spreads. I think the ones I liked the most always involved a bit of mystery and danger: one of my favourites is about a little girl who can’t sleep, so goes on a night walk to see how other creatures sleep - it’s sadly out of print now!
Oh, that is too bad. I would have gone and taken a peek at it out of curiosity. When you aren’t illustrating or writing, what do you like to do?
I enjoy ( very long) nature walks, cycling, reading, browsing bookshops, people watching, DIY projects around the house and, most of all, spending time with my family.
All of that sounds so calm and relaxing, great for the creative juices, too. What was your biggest wish as a child?
Haha, probably the ability to buy all the toys I saw on TV or in shops! Or have superpowers… or discover a great mystery… or be an anime character…
Then, it's a good thing you've entered the kidlit world. Maybe, you'll have a chance to do all of that and more. Oh, and before I forget, what about your favorite snack? (Yes, I might be a tad bit hungry while asking you these questions.)
It has to be pastry - but savoury, not sweet. Or buttered toast, I can never say no to that.
I don't think anyone's answered buttered toast before, but if it's even self-baked toast...yeah, how could anyone say no to that?
Thanks again, and here's wishing you tons of success!
And here she is...
Daniela Sosa makes her author-illustrator debut with Friends. Originally from Romania, she now resides in Cambridge, England. She is a graduate of the children’s book illustrations master’s course at the Cambridge School of Art. When she isn’t drawing, she enjoys nature walks and crafty projects. Learn more at DanielaSosa.com.
Interview With Daniela Sosa (Friends)
September 2, 2022No Comments
Written by Cherokee Crum, Blog Manager and Staff Reviewer
Posted in Authors, Interviews, News & Updates
Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Daniela Sosa (Friends)!
Meet the Author: Daniela Sosa
Daniela Sosa makes her author-illustrator debut with Friends. Originally from Romania, she now resides in Cambridge, England. She is a graduate of the children’s book illustrations master’s course at the Cambridge School of Art. When she isn’t drawing, she enjoys nature walks and crafty projects. Learn more at DanielaSosa.com.
Website
About the Book: Friends
Celebrate the wonder of new friends, old friends, and everything-in-between friends in this joyful, resonant picture book. There are many kinds of friends—old friends, new friends, friends that last a lifetime—and the day to make new friends is always near, if you look. This story celebrates all of them: who they are, where we find them, and what we count on them for.
Amazon * B&N * Indiebound
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I wrote this story during lockdown – I was missing my friends, unable to see anyone ( I moved from Romania to the UK a few years ago, so all my friends and family are far away), and I was also reminiscing a lot about my early school years and other memories from my childhood, so it was comforting to write about friendship and explore the subject.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
I particularly like the scene where the three iceskating friends part ways – I wanted to show that friendships can change or even end, and create an image that shows this in a subtle way.
I think most children’s books about friendships don’t show the difficult times, but all children are bound to experience them, and seeing this happen in a book and discussing it with a parent makes it easier to navigate.
YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
This is my debut picture book, so I still feel very new to writing. I am now in the process of writing my second book and I am feeling a little more confident now – but I still don’t have a ‘recipe’ or system for writing a picture book.
One of the things that I learnt is that I can’t force it, and when I’m feeling stuck I need to distance myself from the manuscript for a while and try to remember what the core of the story is, and what I would have enjoyed to read as a child.
YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2022?
I can’t wait for ‘Where have you been, Little Cat?’, written and illustrated by Richard Jones and published by Peachtree in the US. I love his work, his illustrations are just so lovely and subtle.
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
I’m always on the lookout for new picture books and enjoy browsing the children’s section in bookshops whenever I get the chance. A recent discovery is ‘Let’s go Outside’, written by Ben Lerwill and illustrated by Marina Ruiz. It really makes you want to go outside and explore, and the illustrations are gorgeous!
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m currently writing my second picturebook. It’s very different from ‘Friends’, so I can’t rely too much on the experience I gained from writing and illustrating that one. It’s a story about grandparents – I can’t say more than this for now!
YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?
I want this book to be reassuring first of all: friendships can take so many forms and they change a lot in time, but when something ends, there’s always the possibly of a new beginning. I remember how exciting it was as a child to make new friends or grow more and more close to someone, but also how difficult it was when a friendship would end – I wanted to capture all these feelings and put them in a book.
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
I’d say illustration is my superpower, but it feels a little self-indulgent, haha! I’m pretty good at making my little boy laugh, so I’ll go with this.
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
I’ve always loved polar bears, and it’s heartbreaking to see their numbers dropping and their natural habitat gradually shrinking. So I ‘adopted’ a polar bear through WWF, a conservation organisation which I support and admire.
YABC: What advice do you have for new writers?
I’m quite new myself so I don’t really feel in a position to give advice – but I’ll say what works for me: while ‘Friends’ is my first published books, there are several dummy books and a ton of ideas that didn’t make the cut. I like to think of these as ‘compost’ for better stories. I write down all ideas which come to my mind and which seem to have some potential – and revisit this notebooks from time to time.
Most of them do not work on their own but, combined, can spark a good idea. So I’d recommend always writing down things and keeping them in mind, even if they don’t seem to work at the moment – you never know what they can lead to.
Book’s Title: Friends
Author: Daniela Sosa
Illustrator: Daniela Sosa
Release Date: 9/6/22
Publisher: Paula Wiseman Books
Genre: Picture Book
Age Range: 4-8
Uhlberg, Myron ME AND MCGEE Whitman (Children's Fiction) $16.99 3, 1 ISBN: 978-0-8075-5028-1
Last year McGee walloped a grand-slam home run to win the championship for the Apple Valley Catbirds.
The pitcher who threw that "fat and lazy" ball has had a long, miserable winter reliving that moment and feeling responsible for the loss. Determined to overcome the disappointment and see a different outcome in the next season, this young pitcher sets out to practice, practice, practice, until every pitch is perfected and each of the 108 stitches in the baseball is completely understood. In the last game of the new season, the pitcher again faces the Catbirds. Again it is two out in the ninth inning, bases loaded, and McGee is up. Will it be a repeat of last year's defeat? Uhlberg allows the pitcher to tell the story, focusing on the emotional ups and downs from season to season and during both championship games. The text does not rely on the usual baseball jargon but is instead filled with vivid language that perfectly enhances the action. Sosa's brightly hued illustrations are carefully constructed to allow the main characters to express their emotions in body language while keeping their physical appearances neutral. For they are both McGees, and the narrator is the delightful Molly McGee, the younger sister of the fearsome batter, as readers learn on the very last page in what is clearly meant to be a clever twist.
Charming, but why would young readers still be surprised when girls are excellent athletes? (Picture book. 5-9)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Uhlberg, Myron: ME AND MCGEE." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Jan. 2020. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A611140338/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=14dd0d0d. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Sosa, Daniela FRIENDS Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster (Children's None) $18.99 9, 6 ISBN: 978-1-66591-147-4
Friendship has many faces.
What's a friend? This sweet, gentle look at friendships describes how they're formed, developed, maintained, and/or lost. What's interesting about friendships is how different they are: There are almost as many ways to describe friendships as there are people to create them. Friendships may be fleeting, but they can also "last a lifetime." They can endure when friends are near or far apart. You can make friends with a sibling or even, wordlessly, with a pet. Friendships can end through words hurled at another in anger. Friendships evoke and test emotions, and they teach. The story, narrated in simple, warm, easily comprehended prose, speaks to children where they are and may provoke further discussions about friendship. The notions of imaginary friends and finding new pals because of shared, mutual interests will especially resonate. Children may also be intrigued by the possibility of friendships that might have been but never were, as in the illustration depicting two children staring at each other, one in a subway car, the other standing outside on the station platform. The final message is most reassuring: A new friend may arrive when you least expect it; just wait and "look closer." The charming, colorful illustrations depict children who are diverse in terms of race and ability. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A delightful springboard to stimulate creative ideas and spark conversations about interpersonal relationships. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Sosa, Daniela: FRIENDS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Aug. 2022. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A711906405/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=1a35d799. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Sosa, Daniela THE SUITCASE Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster (Children's None) $18.99 5, 14 ISBN: 9781665911498
A summer vacation turns from dull to exciting.
A young tot with rosy cheeks and a scribble of brown hair is visiting Grandma and Grandpa one summer. The days are long, and the routine never seems to change. The youngster wishes for a mystery to solve to break up the monotony. With help from a feline friend, the child finds an old suitcase in the dusty attic. Inside are strange and ancient relics: photographs of an unknown but adventurous couple, ticket stubs, mementos, and the most mysterious item of all--a small rectangular piece of plastic labeled "Pink Floyd" ("not sure what this is some sort of spying equipment?"). "Could Grandma and Grandpa know anything about this suitcase?" The curious narrator decides to do some investigating. But close inspection of the duo over the next few days doesn't reveal anything--or does it? Eagle-eyed readers will spot clues that the distracted narrator misses. Still, not all kids have yet come to the realization that the elders they love once lived very different lives; the big reveal just might be a surprise to many. Sepia tones and other deep colorings lend warmth and comfort to this familial tale, which will have readers eagerly scouring old photo albums and delving deep into their own family histories. The characters have lightly tanned skin.
A heartwarming bridge between young and old. (Picture book. 4-7)
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"Sosa, Daniela: THE SUITCASE." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Mar. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A786185667/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=aab998a9. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
The Suitcase. By Daniela Sosa. Illus. by the author. May 2024. 40p. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman, $18.99 (9781665911498). PreS-Gr. 3.
A young boy's desperation for something to make a summer spent at his grandparents' home more exciting fuels his search for a mystery to solve in this picture book. After plenty of exploring, he finds a suitcase full of old pictures, medals, and even a cassette tape that belonged to an adventurous, musical couple who seem way more interesting than his grandparents, if he could only figure out who they are. Kids will have fun unlocking this mystery as they examine the clearly labeled clues as well as the other clues sprinkled throughout the illustrated scenes of the boy's grandparents visiting the farmers market or examining a bicycle built for two. Adults will appreciate the attention to detail on things like the box of records referencing some iconic album covers, and readers of all ages will be charmed by the silent but emotive cat that accompanies the boy on his fact-finding mission. --Molly Horan
YA Recommendations
Adult titles recommended for teens are marked with the following symbols: YA, for books of general YA interest; YA/C, for books with particular curricular value; and YA/S, for books that will appeal most to teens with a special interest in a specific subject.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 American Library Association
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Horan, Molly. "The Suitcase." Booklist, vol. 120, no. 17, 1 May 2024, p. 65. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A804016173/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=288ebd3f. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Growing Green: A First Book of Gardening.
By Candlewick Press. Illus. by Daniela Sosa.
Mar. 2025. 32p. Candlewick, $18.99 (9781536235517).
K-Gr. 3. 635.
Written for the enthusiastic, beginning gardener, this how-to manual offers 16 "growables" that include fruits, vegetables, and flowers that kids will enjoy cultivating. Each of the projects has creative planting options and includes a "You Will Need" list, the appropriate planting season, the length of time until harvest, and the optimal environment for each seed or plant. The text follows each step, from prep to plant to plate (or vase!). Whimsical, colorful illustrations by Sosa create a consistent and accurate layout that begs to be scoured by young readers. Kids will want to take in every detail that leads them to gardening success. The guide is geared toward six- to nine-year-old readers (or younger with adult assistance) and will appeal to those who enjoy books such as Tomek Bogacki's My First Garden (2000) and Joanna Gaines' We Are Gardeners (2019). This guide isn't for young readers who need photographs to help their project process, but it is still a welcome and worthwhile purchase for most libraries.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Rosania, Beth. "Growing Green: A First Book of Gardening." Booklist, vol. 121, no. 9-10, Jan. 2025, p. 51. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A829739436/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=fe42335a. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Sosa, Daniela GIANT PARSNIP SOUP Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster (Children's None) $19.99 5, 13 ISBN: 9781665961967
Veggie soup--giant yum!
Two friends and their dog find a huge parsnip. It's truly enormous--so big that the imaginative pair, joined by another pal, envision themselves making a car, a slide, or a rocket out of it. Finally, the children decide to whip up "giant parsnip soup." But they'll need to gather ingredients, which they name in ascending numerical order--"one giant parsnip, two sacks of potatoes, three crates of carrots, four bags of beets, [and] five pails of water"--all ingeniously collected. Two kids sail a paper boat to retrieve the carrots, while the beets are transported via hot air balloon. What else do they require? "Six busy hands, seven more minutes" (while the soup cooks), and "eight red soup bowls." As the kids work, they're joined by an ever-expanding group of diverse friends. It all ends with "ten full bellies." Over the course of the story, readers will practice their counting skills (a large boldface numeral appears on the lower-left-hand corner of each spread), learn vegetable names and colors, and observe young people working toward a common goal in the spirit of cooperation. Zinging with energy, Sosa's multimedia collage illustrations are as joyfully chaotic as a child's drawing. Readers will practically smell the delicious aromas wafting from the big red pot. Two pièces de résistance at book's end: a counting chart and a recipe for parsnip soup.
Savory fun for everyone. Kids will lap this right up.(Picture book. 3-6)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Sosa, Daniela: GIANT PARSNIP SOUP." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A828785254/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=227e1247. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
SOSA, Daniela. Giant Parsnip Soup. illus. by Daniela Sosa. 40p. S. & S./Beach Lane. May 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665961967.
PreS-Gr 3-The Giant Carrot meets Stone Soup in this charming counting book about two boys who find a giant parsnip. First, they mull over the possibilities: could the parsnip be made into a car? A rocket? A slide? Finally, they settle on making giant parsnip soup, and proceed to gather the ingredients via wagon, wheelbarrow, sailboat, and hot air balloon, which are then all plunked into a giant pot of water via a pulley-rigged wood and rope contraption. As the soup cooks, the multiethnic group of children grows until there are "9 hungry mouths," then "10 full bellies." Children will delight to see that a cat has been added to the mix, which also included a dog. Sosa's delightful collage and mixed-media illustrations are the perfect fit for the simple, readable text. A recipe for parsnip soup is included in the back matter. This is a great interactive book for young children, who can search for details in the pictures, count along with the text, and perhaps even learn a thing or two about how food is delivered to our kitchen. VERDICT Counting and cooking is a perfect combination for the preschool and kindergarten set. Recommended.--Sue Morgan
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Morgan, Sue. "SOSA, Daniela. Giant Parsnip Soup." School Library Journal, vol. 71, no. 3, Mar. 2025, p. 72. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A836878337/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=68c0eac2. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.