Customer Reviews

A Pipkin of Pepper

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

3 stars for story, 4.5 stars for illustrations.

Pumpkin soup was a delightful book with narrative that flowed fluidly and enchantingly - it pulled you in and held you. Narrative that a preschooler was quick to memorize - narrative that flowed with the pictures. As such, I was ecstatic to preorder the paperback version of Pipkin of Pepper.

In this sequel to Pumpkin Soup, Cat, Squirrel, and Duck are back and going to the city to buy salt. On the way, Cat and Squirrel cajole Duck that if he is lost he is to stay put! Whereas Pumpkin Soup delivered life lessons in finely crafted prose, Pipkin of Pepper leaves little to interpretation. Well... you guessed it - Duck gets lost and does not stay put! Here's where the story falls apart. Rather than go on a quest to find Duck - in one short paragraph he is plied with pepper and comfort and then Cat and Squirrel just show up. The story is over before it started - no time for suspense, climax, or character building (a major strength of Helen Cooper's previous work). And what is the reward for getting lost - he gets to fly in a helicopter, thus failing to deliver another important life lesson - that consequences for mistakes are not positive. The story line is dull and choppy. I would rate it a very grudging 3 stars if it wasn't for the rich and vibrant illustrations, if not lacking a wee bit of imagination.

I cannot recommend Pumpkin Soup highly enough. However, as for this book I would suggest you peruse it at the bookstore before purchasing. The illustrations alone may be worth purchasing for some children. If it was my own opinion alone that this book was less than stellar, I could forgive it. However, my 4-year old who cares far more about story lines than pictures was very disappointed in this book and said she does not want to read it again - and that speaks volumes.

We had the privilege of a class field trip to a local bookstore to hear Helen Cooper talk about how she created this book. She fascinated a roomful of elementary school students (including many kindergartners) with her explanation of how she was motivated to write this book (trying to teach her daughter about what to do if she got lost), of her process of creating illustrations (she gets to buy as many paints and brushes and other art supplies as she wants, because it's her job!), and of the quirky elements and details in her pictures that were inspired by real-life images (a funky grinder in a coffee shop led to the pepper mill skyline in the book). Turn the pages of this book over and over to appreciate it all!

This is my favourite book to read to my 3-year old daughter. She loves it too. The illustrations and story are terrific, the language just wonderful. A delightful story that has taught my daughter what to do if she's ever lost -- "stay in one place and we'll find you" -- in a fun and unscary way. And there are so many hidden gems for adults as well as kids. We love this even more than the original "Pumpkin Soup." Can't recommend it highly enough.

This series of books is super cute. It's hard to decide which is better - the story or the illustrations. Hard to find a book that is great in both departments! My son loves this book too!

Pumpkin Soup is a Fall favorite in our house and I had to get this to go with it. The trio in these books are adorable and the illustrations are so captivating. Lots for little ones to look at and take in. Helen Cooper writes wonderful books and A Pipkin of Pepper is no exception! If you're looking for a good fall book for a child 2-3+, I would recommend this and Pumpkin Soup!

We love this whole series - Pumpkin Soup, Pipkin of Pepper, and Delicious! Have enjoyed reading them over and over - always something new to see in the illustrations. Love the three animals too and the concepts they promote about friendship, living together, each person having their own job. This book is also good for helping kids understand what to do if they get lost, i.e. Stay in one place, or find a mommy with a stroller. I don't think the helicopter at the end of this book quite fit with the story - seemed a little over the top and like the author didn't know the best way to get the animals home. But that is just a picky complaint. All in all, very cute book, worth the money in paperback.

My daughter loved the 1st one so much we had to get the sequel. We were not disappointed. What a lovely way to approach the subject of getting lost to a small child. Of course the illustrations are outstanding. Helen Coopper gets kids.

We had been waiting for the sequel to Pumpkin Soup, as it was very loved in our house. The illustrations in Helen Cooper's books are so beautiful and clever, down to the tiniest details. The story is eloquently told and offers good lessons for young readers, ie. don't wander off and if you get lost, stay where you are, etc. We really look forward to DELICIOUS that comes out this fall. These are great books to buy for a 2-5 year old, though older children can certainly enjoy them too.

Grandmum gave my daughter the Pumpkin Soup book which was an instant hit; my wife spotted "A Pipkin of pepper" in the local bookstore.

We again meet our three friends Cat, Squirrel and Duck with a brand new HORROR! No Salt! So they must head off to the city to get more. Duck wants to go but cat and squirrel want him to stay since he is too little. Of course an argument happens and they let him go with a promise that if he gets lost he has to stay put.

Of course along the way pepper is discovered and invariable causes the duck to get lost.

The art work is well done on this one. There is much to look at and you even get some "helper" bugs talking about what they see as in will the duck get lost?

It is another hit with my daughter (who is four) and I will have to read this one every night for awhile.