Mean Soup

In this energetic picture book Mother knows the perfect recipe for a calming brew. After a horrible day at school and a rough ride home, Horace is in a foul mood. When his mother cheerfully suggests cooking up some soup, the frazzled boy resists--until he's called upon to add some very special ingredients. Mother and son take turns screaming, growling and making faces into the simmering pot of water, stirring up a successful batch of ``mean soup.'' The text features short sentences and easy but effective vocabulary, so the story bubbles with a building excitement. Everitt's ( Frida the Wondercat ; The Happy Hippopotami ) stylized paintings and bold palette--hot pinks, purples and black predominate--convey all of the feisty emotion of a frustrated youngster. Her human figures have wispy outlines and sometimes resemble chunky high fashion sketches. Children and adults alike will be heartened by this innovative method of relieving stress. Ages 2-6. (Apr.)