Pumpkin Soup [Paperback]

Helen Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 11, 2005 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 310L (What's this?)

By the Kate Greenaway Medalist

 

Deep in the woods in an old white cabin, three friends make their pumpkin soup the same way every day. The Cat slices up the pumpkin, the Squirrel stirs in the water, and the Duck tips in just enough salt. But one day the Duck wants to stir instead, and then there is a horrible squabble, and he leaves the cabin in a huff. It isn't long before the Cat and the Squirrel start to worry about him and begin a search for their friend. Rendered in pictures richly evoking autumn, Helen Cooper's delightful story will resonate for an child who has known the difficulties that come with friendship. Included at the end is a recipe for delicious pumpkin soup.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This enchanting story explores the ups and downs of close-knit camaraderie. Beginning with a peek through a window where Cat, Squirrel and Duck are making music together, Cooper (The Boy Who Wouldn't Go to Bed) invites youngsters into their cozy pumpkin-shaped home. There's a rhythm to their lives: each has his own instrument to play and his own duties when it comes to cooking their famous pumpkin soup ("the best you ever tasted"). But one day, Duck decides to be the stirrer instead of the salt pourer, and an all-out battle ensues. Here the warm golden glow that has permeated their dwelling turns an angry orange-red with paws, wings and "@#$!"s flying. After Duck waddles off in a huff, the remaining pair heads out to hunt for himAto no avail. In a charming time-lapse sequence, vignettes of Cat and Squirrel moping on the steps of their house form an arc along the side of a spread ("So they waited.../ All that long afternoon..."). Mimicking grade-schoolers everywhere, Cat and Squirrel next decide to carry on with the cooking, adopting a we'll-show-him attitude. Of course the soup is too salty and the repentant pals begin to imagine scary scenarios of where Duck might be. But Duck does return, to a warm welcomeAuntil he suggests a turn on Cat's bagpipes. Thanks to Cooper's uncanny ability to capture the dynamics of friendship, children will be able to laugh at this trio (and themselves) and recognize that true friendship can weather most any storm. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2 Cooper serves up a well-rounded tale told with storyteller's cadences. Pudgy housemates Squirrel, Cat, and Duck team up for activities including quilt making and music concerts, until Duck wants to be Head Cook and stir the soup. The trio spats and Duck waddles off in a huff. As the remaining pair search pumpkin patch and dark forest for their pal, they rethink their position. Coziness returns when they find Duck back home and learn to share at least cooking roles. Readers will linger over each page, savoring the delicious illustrations. Rich autumn colors and enchanting details on large spreads and spot illustrations embellish characterizations and setting. Energetic language with fresh images keeps the story bouncing along. Some may be troubled by the lack of closure on Duck's whereabouts during his absence, but the final comic page makes for a satisfying ending. The grand finale, of course, is a recipe for pumpkin soup. Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Square Fish; Reprint edition (August 11, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374460310
• ISBN-13: 978-0374460310
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.2 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,786 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Warm and satisfying� just like soup. July 8, 2003

By Tsila Sofer Elguez

Format:Hardcover

There is something so warm, satisfying and homey about this book. The three animals live happily together in their warm and cozy house eating their regular supper of pumpkin soup. Each member of this little family has his own role in the soup making process; however, happiness cannot last forever and one morning the duck decides he wants to trade parts! HE wants to be the one stirring the soup... This wish causes chaos in the little house and the duck decides to leave....
I am sure you can guess the ending, but nevertheless this is a rich, beautiful and lovable story which has several surprises along the way.
The paintings are beautiful and colorful (I especially love the pumpkin garden) and my son always ends the reading with his wish "please make me a pumpkin soup"...

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely, utterly, charming! September 29, 2005

By AnnFes

Format:Paperback

As a children's librarian I often read this book aloud to "my kids" and it was a hit every single time. It's all about cooperation and learning to accept your friends despite all their faults and foibles. I heartily recommend it for one of those chilly fall days--serve soup and crackers as a snack.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Grandmum does it again October 14, 2005

By Mathew A. Shember VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Grandmum was a children's librarian and always finds the great books for my daughter.

This is a sweet little book that has become my daughters favorite(she is 4). She found it funny that a cat, a squirrel and a duck would live together, play music, and make soup.

Each has a part to their events as each plays a certain instrument, and each has a certain part to the making of the soup.

Chaos happens when the duck decides he wants to try something different.

It of course has a happy ending.

The art is very good as my daughter likes looking at it.

A good book for bed time reading!