Discover what makes soup special in this cross-cultural short story about food, family, friendships, traditions, and new experiences. Noodles and Gumbo is an uplifting short story of a little girl who discovers how food intersects with family and friends, teaching children the value of connection during mealtimes, from school lunches to dinner gatherings. It's noodle soup day at Sheena's school, and she can't wait. Watching the clock while her tummy rumbles, Sheena declares her noodle devotion through song. And as her friends and classmates join in, they make their way to the lunchroom. But to Sheena's shock and disappointment, there is no soup to be had. While Sheena is heartbroken by the loss of her beloved school tradition, her mother reminds her that noodle soup isn't the only soup she loves. With a new plan in motion, Sheena discovers the secret to making food special - sharing it with someone you love. Empowering children to be resilient when faced with unexpected changes, Ms. Rucker's children's book debut will leave children and parents with a warm feeling of family, friendship and fellowship.