As It Happens

Bone Button Borscht, a seasonal reading by Barbara Budd

A little soup for Hanukkah. Our traditional holiday readings begin with the story of a beggar and button, in "Bone Button Borscht" by Toronto writer Aubrey Davis.
Former As it Happens co-host, Barbara Budd, reads "Bone Button Borscht." (Kids Can Press/CBC)

Hanukkah has begun, which means it's time once again for our annual reading of Bone Button Borscht, by former As it Happens co-host, Barbara Budd.

The story was written by Toronto author Aubrey Davis, and it's based on the traditional folktale, Stone Soup, also known as Wood Soup or Axe Soup depending in which part of the world you live.

No matter the title, the story tells the tale of a hungry beggar who comes to town and in his search for food and reminds the townspeople of what it means to be a community.

Since 1996, the reading has become a tradition on As It Happens, as a way to celebrate the start of the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Aubrey Davis' Bone Button Borscht is published by Kids Can Press.