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Living Forest #2
Too Much Salt and Pepper
Too Much Salt and Two Porcupines with Prickly Spines Who Make You Laugh and Think
First published January 1, 1944
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About the author
Sam Campbell
76 books16 followersSamuel Arthur Campbell was born August 1, 1895 in Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois. He was the youngest of two children born to Arthur J. and Katherine "Kittie" (née Lyman) Campbell.
Sam Campbell was many things including a writer, lecturer, photographer, and diligent student of nature. He studied wild animals from his home, which he called the Sanctuary of Wegimind, and during his various travels.
Sam been cited the finest ever in writing about nature, forest, and wildlife. Sam, the genial "philosopher of the forest", was known to more families and young people than any other author-lecturer. Hundreds of schools and audiences demanded his return year after year.
Campbell died April 13, 1962 in Barrington, Illinois.
Also visit the website : http://philosopheroftheforest.com/
Sam Campbell was many things including a writer, lecturer, photographer, and diligent student of nature. He studied wild animals from his home, which he called the Sanctuary of Wegimind, and during his various travels.
Sam been cited the finest ever in writing about nature, forest, and wildlife. Sam, the genial "philosopher of the forest", was known to more families and young people than any other author-lecturer. Hundreds of schools and audiences demanded his return year after year.
Campbell died April 13, 1962 in Barrington, Illinois.
Also visit the website : http://philosopheroftheforest.com/
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 20, 2013
As much as I love reading books by "Tham Camel", I found this one kind of dragged for me.
There was a lot of New Age philosophy woven into his nature lessons, more than I remember him having in some of his other books. And that's what mainly drove down my rating. I really enjoy his close-up encounters with the animal locals, but after or during the encounter, he just seems to shove all this New Age stuff into the reader's face, and that just really bugged me.
If you've read this and have the same opinion but would like to read more of his books, let me recommend A Tippy Canoe and Canada Too and Loony Coon - they have less philosophy that I can remember, and the animal antics are much more frequent and amusing.
There was a lot of New Age philosophy woven into his nature lessons, more than I remember him having in some of his other books. And that's what mainly drove down my rating. I really enjoy his close-up encounters with the animal locals, but after or during the encounter, he just seems to shove all this New Age stuff into the reader's face, and that just really bugged me.
If you've read this and have the same opinion but would like to read more of his books, let me recommend A Tippy Canoe and Canada Too and Loony Coon - they have less philosophy that I can remember, and the animal antics are much more frequent and amusing.
January 21, 2018
If one porcupine made for a good book then Sam Campbell thought that two would be even better. In the second book of his Living Forest series, Too Much Salt and Pepper, Campbell describes the adventures and lessons surrounding the titular “porkies” Salt and Pepper along with wise ol’ Inky during a year at the Sanctuary of Wegimind.
The events of this book take place a few years after How’s Inky? as Sam and his wife Giny arrive at their animal sanctuary to discover the young porcupines Salt and Pepper eagerly awaiting them. The two “porkies” are friendly, funny, and very mischievous especially when they want to play. But as the year progresses, Pepper answers the call of the wild while Salt continued to want human companionship. Most the book centers around the week-long visit of Carol, a young friend of the Campbells, who wants to experience the nature they describe in their lectures. The experiences, stories, and lessons that Sam and Giny show Carol—along with a dose of porcupine mischievousness—as best they can in a week the lessons nature has taught them over the years.
With this book being twice as long as the previous Living Forest book, Sam Campbell fills it numerous stories of past adventures and misadventures while also detailing Carol’s weeklong stay during which occurs most of his famous philosophy. Campbell uses an older Inky to be the mouthpiece of his lessons and teachings to the intended younger audience of the book, yet Inky’s “woodsy philosophy” can be very instructive to adults as well while not being preachy.
Though a longer read, Too Much Salt and Pepper is wonderful nature read and I highly recommend it readers of all ages.
The events of this book take place a few years after How’s Inky? as Sam and his wife Giny arrive at their animal sanctuary to discover the young porcupines Salt and Pepper eagerly awaiting them. The two “porkies” are friendly, funny, and very mischievous especially when they want to play. But as the year progresses, Pepper answers the call of the wild while Salt continued to want human companionship. Most the book centers around the week-long visit of Carol, a young friend of the Campbells, who wants to experience the nature they describe in their lectures. The experiences, stories, and lessons that Sam and Giny show Carol—along with a dose of porcupine mischievousness—as best they can in a week the lessons nature has taught them over the years.
With this book being twice as long as the previous Living Forest book, Sam Campbell fills it numerous stories of past adventures and misadventures while also detailing Carol’s weeklong stay during which occurs most of his famous philosophy. Campbell uses an older Inky to be the mouthpiece of his lessons and teachings to the intended younger audience of the book, yet Inky’s “woodsy philosophy” can be very instructive to adults as well while not being preachy.
Though a longer read, Too Much Salt and Pepper is wonderful nature read and I highly recommend it readers of all ages.
March 16, 2022
Out of all the books I’ve read by Sam Campbell I think I enjoyed this one the most. But I had to wince in one section when he theologically butchered a Bible verse.
October 4, 2015
I did not choose books for myself when I was small. Since I needed Braille or cassettes, they had to be ordered for me, from special libraries. So I don't know exactly how this book came to me, whether it was ordered by my mother, a teacher, or just one of those random happenings that make life wonderful. All I know is that this story captured my imagination.
I was mesmerized by the idea of living in the wilderness, so close to nature that porcupines would waddle out from under the porch, and raccoons would play in the yard. Since I couldn't see animals, on TV or on those National Geographic animal cards all the kids had, I treasured any descriptions of wildlife. This book was just . . . all the things for my eight-year-old self! Gorgeous writing, lovable animals, educational, . IT . WAS . ALL . THE . THINGS!
I played it over and over on my cassette player, having no idea that it was part of a series, in which there were twelve books. As an adult, I have had the good fortune to read a couple of others, and they are all just as incredible as this one. I don't care if it sounds fangirlish, these books just make my heart happy!
I was mesmerized by the idea of living in the wilderness, so close to nature that porcupines would waddle out from under the porch, and raccoons would play in the yard. Since I couldn't see animals, on TV or on those National Geographic animal cards all the kids had, I treasured any descriptions of wildlife. This book was just . . . all the things for my eight-year-old self! Gorgeous writing, lovable animals, educational, . IT . WAS . ALL . THE . THINGS!
I played it over and over on my cassette player, having no idea that it was part of a series, in which there were twelve books. As an adult, I have had the good fortune to read a couple of others, and they are all just as incredible as this one. I don't care if it sounds fangirlish, these books just make my heart happy!
November 4, 2018
This book (and the entire series) seems to be the antidote to our current entertainment consumption.
I’m reading this series aloud to my 9 year old boys. Reading these aloud is challenging since our writing styles have changed so much since the 1940s.
My set belonged to my mother and she read them to me as a child. As I read them to my own children I’m hearing where some of my own innate ideas originated.
So if you can get by the verbal gymnastics and read slowly and with purpose these books are most worth it. I expect my kids’ vocabulary will blossom from hearing these books.
I’m reading this series aloud to my 9 year old boys. Reading these aloud is challenging since our writing styles have changed so much since the 1940s.
My set belonged to my mother and she read them to me as a child. As I read them to my own children I’m hearing where some of my own innate ideas originated.
So if you can get by the verbal gymnastics and read slowly and with purpose these books are most worth it. I expect my kids’ vocabulary will blossom from hearing these books.
December 30, 2017
It's not clear how much time has passed between "Too Much Salt and Pepper" and "How's Inky?," Sam Campbell's first memoir. Campbell helps us by telling us that WWII has begun, Bobby is fighting in the war, and Campbell has married. This time gap is important because Inky plays a role in "Too Much Salt and Pepper." Because he shows up here, clearly not enough time has passed that a porcupine would not be able to still be alive.
The Campbells (Sam and Ginny) have moved their cabin from the shores of the lake to a new cabin on an island in the same lake. On this island live two of their newest orphaned animals, Salt and Pepper. Because they are on an island now, the porcupines don't have a lot of space to spread out and cause lots of hassles to the Campbells. Sadly, for Salt, Pepper heads the call of nature and leaves the island to explore the greater forests around them. It's heart breaking to hear about how Salt grieves the loss of his sister. What's interesting is that Salt doesn't follow her, even though we know that porcupines can swim.
Sam and Ginny invite Carol to spend a week with them in the sanctuary. Carol is a young woman who has attended several of the Campbells' lectures about nature and has kept in touch with them as she's grown from a child to a teenager. While she's at the sanctuary, the Campbells expose her to different lessons nature has to teach us. This involves learning to embrace silence in order to observe the world around us. She learns to enjoy nature as an art form like when she sees a sunset over the lake for the first time.
Once again, Campbell works in some life lessons into his memoirs of his time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. While this volume is more didactic since they are purposefully pointing lessons out to Carol, I still felt that it wasn't too preachy. Any one who has ever been in Girl/Boy Scouts or any similar organization would probably be taught the same thing. There's also an element of meditation and mindfulness to the lessons Campbell discusses in "Salt and Pepper."
This one wasn't as enjoyable as "How's Inky" but I enjoyed the perspective of Carol since she's new to spending time in nature. Having lived in rural places or having access to hikes and camping trips growing up, I take nature for granted. It's hard for me to imagine what it would be like to be a teenager and to go camping for the first time. Carol is an important lesson in always appreciating time in nature.
The Campbells (Sam and Ginny) have moved their cabin from the shores of the lake to a new cabin on an island in the same lake. On this island live two of their newest orphaned animals, Salt and Pepper. Because they are on an island now, the porcupines don't have a lot of space to spread out and cause lots of hassles to the Campbells. Sadly, for Salt, Pepper heads the call of nature and leaves the island to explore the greater forests around them. It's heart breaking to hear about how Salt grieves the loss of his sister. What's interesting is that Salt doesn't follow her, even though we know that porcupines can swim.
Sam and Ginny invite Carol to spend a week with them in the sanctuary. Carol is a young woman who has attended several of the Campbells' lectures about nature and has kept in touch with them as she's grown from a child to a teenager. While she's at the sanctuary, the Campbells expose her to different lessons nature has to teach us. This involves learning to embrace silence in order to observe the world around us. She learns to enjoy nature as an art form like when she sees a sunset over the lake for the first time.
Once again, Campbell works in some life lessons into his memoirs of his time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. While this volume is more didactic since they are purposefully pointing lessons out to Carol, I still felt that it wasn't too preachy. Any one who has ever been in Girl/Boy Scouts or any similar organization would probably be taught the same thing. There's also an element of meditation and mindfulness to the lessons Campbell discusses in "Salt and Pepper."
This one wasn't as enjoyable as "How's Inky" but I enjoyed the perspective of Carol since she's new to spending time in nature. Having lived in rural places or having access to hikes and camping trips growing up, I take nature for granted. It's hard for me to imagine what it would be like to be a teenager and to go camping for the first time. Carol is an important lesson in always appreciating time in nature.
July 11, 2020
These books (I have a hard time keeping track of the series order, but you can read them any way) are a fun, easy read, but thoughtful and full of the peace and contemplation of life in the forest. Perfect for when you want escape reading without intensity. I don't quite agree with all of Campbell's philosophy, which includes a faith in God as Creator that sort of misses the gospel, but many of his musings are worth pondering, and the animal adventures delightful and occasionally educating.
October 5, 2022
Love these 1940’s nature studies by Sam Campbell, I think I might need to find them all in their original formats.
They remind me a bit of the Sunday night “Disney’s Wonderful World if Color” on TV in the 60’s (but in black and white on our television!).
The books in this series are charming narratives of animal behavior and personalities written from the author’s observations.
There is a quaint nostalgic charm, very calming and engaging.
They remind me a bit of the Sunday night “Disney’s Wonderful World if Color” on TV in the 60’s (but in black and white on our television!).
The books in this series are charming narratives of animal behavior and personalities written from the author’s observations.
There is a quaint nostalgic charm, very calming and engaging.
Read
October 31, 2019I especially enjoyed the section on beavers. There are a lot of interesting facts and tales of animals and nature. The one thing that I could do without is the amount of naturalism in this book. This author mentions God, but gives so much credit to nature and not much to God, the Creator of nature. I am reminded of Rom. 1:25
April 28, 2022
More nature tails just like the first book. There are pleasant stories interrupted at times by far too much preaching. This is especially true in the second half of this book as a young lady visits and every chapter is about a moral lesson learned. Helen Hoover is the better writer of this genre, but both are pleasant enough trips to a different time and place.
August 26, 2021
We really enjoyed this read aloud together (kinder, second grader and toddler)
March 16, 2022
Sam Campbell is an amazing author
February 22, 2025
Pretty good! Fun stories of nature with inisightful implications.
November 22, 2025
Excellent writings on nature. But theology is a bit off. 😬
Works well as a read aloud or independent read for an older student.
Good stuff!
Works well as a read aloud or independent read for an older student.
Good stuff!
March 12, 2014
Maybe it's just me, but I absolutely hated reading this. Waste of my time and life.
January 1, 2016
Love this book about two porcupines they get as babies.
January 10, 2018
It's not clear how much time has passed between "Too Much Salt and Pepper" and "How's Inky?," Sam Campbell's first memoir. Campbell helps us by telling us that WWII has begun, Bobby is fighting in the war, and Campbell has married. This time gap is important because Inky plays a role in "Too Much Salt and Pepper." Because he shows up here, clearly not enough time has passed that a porcupine would not be able to still be alive.
The Campbells (Sam and Ginny) have moved their cabin from the shores of the lake to a new cabin on an island in the same lake. On this island live two of their newest orphaned animals, Salt and Pepper. Because they are on an island now, the porcupines don't have a lot of space to spread out and cause lots of hassles to the Campbells. Sadly, for Salt, Pepper heads the call of nature and leaves the island to explore the greater forests around them. It's heart breaking to hear about how Salt grieves the loss of his sister. What's interesting is that Salt doesn't follow her, even though we know that porcupines can swim.
Sam and Ginny invite Carol to spend a week with them in the sanctuary. Carol is a young woman who has attended several of the Campbells' lectures about nature and has kept in touch with them as she's grown from a child to a teenager. While she's at the sanctuary, the Campbells expose her to different lessons nature has to teach us. This involves learning to embrace silence in order to observe the world around us. She learns to enjoy nature as an art form like when she sees a sunset over the lake for the first time.
Once again, Campbell works in some life lessons into his memoirs of his time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. While this volume is more didactic since they are purposefully pointing lessons out to Carol, I still felt that it wasn't too preachy. Any one who has ever been in Girl/Boy Scouts or any similar organization would probably be taught the same thing. There's also an element of meditation and mindfulness to the lessons Campbell discusses in "Salt and Pepper."
This one wasn't as enjoyable as "How's Inky" but I enjoyed the perspective of Carol since she's new to spending time in nature. Having lived in rural places or having access to hikes and camping trips growing up, I take nature for granted. It's hard for me to imagine what it would be like to be a teenager and to go camping for the first time. Carol is an important lesson in always appreciating time in nature.
The Campbells (Sam and Ginny) have moved their cabin from the shores of the lake to a new cabin on an island in the same lake. On this island live two of their newest orphaned animals, Salt and Pepper. Because they are on an island now, the porcupines don't have a lot of space to spread out and cause lots of hassles to the Campbells. Sadly, for Salt, Pepper heads the call of nature and leaves the island to explore the greater forests around them. It's heart breaking to hear about how Salt grieves the loss of his sister. What's interesting is that Salt doesn't follow her, even though we know that porcupines can swim.
Sam and Ginny invite Carol to spend a week with them in the sanctuary. Carol is a young woman who has attended several of the Campbells' lectures about nature and has kept in touch with them as she's grown from a child to a teenager. While she's at the sanctuary, the Campbells expose her to different lessons nature has to teach us. This involves learning to embrace silence in order to observe the world around us. She learns to enjoy nature as an art form like when she sees a sunset over the lake for the first time.
Once again, Campbell works in some life lessons into his memoirs of his time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. While this volume is more didactic since they are purposefully pointing lessons out to Carol, I still felt that it wasn't too preachy. Any one who has ever been in Girl/Boy Scouts or any similar organization would probably be taught the same thing. There's also an element of meditation and mindfulness to the lessons Campbell discusses in "Salt and Pepper."
This one wasn't as enjoyable as "How's Inky" but I enjoyed the perspective of Carol since she's new to spending time in nature. Having lived in rural places or having access to hikes and camping trips growing up, I take nature for granted. It's hard for me to imagine what it would be like to be a teenager and to go camping for the first time. Carol is an important lesson in always appreciating time in nature.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews