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Pumpkin Soup #1
Pumpkin Soup
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.
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.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
16 people are currently reading
1266 people want to read
About the author
Helen Cooper
62 books106 followersHelen Sonia Cooper is a British illustrator and an author of children's literature. She grew up in Cumbria, where she practiced literature and piano playing. She currently lives in Oxford.
Cooper has twice been awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject. She won for The Baby Who Wouldn't Go To Bed in 1996, which she wrote and illustrated. In 1998 she won for Pumpkin Soup, which she also wrote and illustrated. They were consecutive projects for her.
Beside winning the two Greenaway Medals (no one has won three), Cooper made the shortlist for The Bear Under the Stairs (Doubleday, 1993) and Tatty Ratty (Doubleday, 2001).
As well as her solo picture books, Cooper writes picture book texts for other illustrators, and also illustrates her own middle grade fiction - most recently, The Taming of the Cat' published by Faber and Faber in the UK.
WorldCat reports that Pumpkin Soup is her work most widely held in participating libraries.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See here for more details
Cooper has twice been awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject. She won for The Baby Who Wouldn't Go To Bed in 1996, which she wrote and illustrated. In 1998 she won for Pumpkin Soup, which she also wrote and illustrated. They were consecutive projects for her.
Beside winning the two Greenaway Medals (no one has won three), Cooper made the shortlist for The Bear Under the Stairs (Doubleday, 1993) and Tatty Ratty (Doubleday, 2001).
As well as her solo picture books, Cooper writes picture book texts for other illustrators, and also illustrates her own middle grade fiction - most recently, The Taming of the Cat' published by Faber and Faber in the UK.
WorldCat reports that Pumpkin Soup is her work most widely held in participating libraries.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See here for more details
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews
September 17, 2020
A delightful tale of friendship tested when the status quo is upset. The cute companions learn the rewards of compromise and working together.
September 16, 2018
I want to own this book. As far as Fall books go, this is one of the best. The story is good, don't misunderstand. What is really outstanding is the artwork here. You know that warm glow when it's dark and the candle inside the pumpkin is that warm orange color and you can stay up late into the night just to soak up that warm cozy safe color. This is a book using that warm glow with 3 characters. There is Duck, Squirrel and Cat. Yes, an unusual bunch, but there is peace in their house.
They live quite a happy life. There is good food - pumpkin soup, there is good music each night and they are fast friends. Peace and harmony. It feels so good reading the pages. They live in a big cozy white gourd. Everything is cozy, but the same.
When Duck needs to do something differently, the peace is broken and Duck leaves home. The others go looking for him and their worries are drawn. The warm light is not there until they picture duck in his soup stand being famous. It is the cutest thing made out of a pumpkins. So clever. They resolve their squabble and Duck comes home. Harmony does return but a little messier.
The kids loved this book too. They gave it 5 stars. In my mind, this book is irresistible. It is a classic in my home now and a book that should be read yearly. Now, I need to check out more of Helen Cooper's work.
They live quite a happy life. There is good food - pumpkin soup, there is good music each night and they are fast friends. Peace and harmony. It feels so good reading the pages. They live in a big cozy white gourd. Everything is cozy, but the same.
When Duck needs to do something differently, the peace is broken and Duck leaves home. The others go looking for him and their worries are drawn. The warm light is not there until they picture duck in his soup stand being famous. It is the cutest thing made out of a pumpkins. So clever. They resolve their squabble and Duck comes home. Harmony does return but a little messier.
The kids loved this book too. They gave it 5 stars. In my mind, this book is irresistible. It is a classic in my home now and a book that should be read yearly. Now, I need to check out more of Helen Cooper's work.
October 14, 2009
Helen Cooper is a Kate Greenaway Medalist and, after enjoying her lovely, lush and humorous illustrations in "Pumpkin Soup" I can see why! This is a fun story, perfect for autumn. Rather than having a Halloween-focus, the tale is more about friendship and branching out from traditional roles within the group (and allowing your friends to try new things!) It will also make a fun read-aloud with things going KERLPUNK and affording the reader an opportunity to talk like cat, duck and squirrel! ;-> And it's just so cute seeing them all make soup together!
August 3, 2023
I absolutely and simply just so much adore author and illustrator Helen Cooper's delightful images for her Pumpkin Soup. They are expressive, brightly colourful and that little Duck in many ways rather strongly reminds me of Walt Disney's Donald Duck at both his most lovable and his most cranky and curmudgeonly, has really made me and still always does make me smile with both nostalgia and total appreciation (as I fondly remember how much as a child I used to enjoy Donald Duck comics).
However and much more important (essential) than my personal aesthetic enjoyment of Helen Cooper’s illustrations is the fact that the narrative of Pumpkin Soup, that Cooper’s featured text demonstrates a very and much essential, necessary message to and for children (and yes, even for adults as well), namely that one needs to be flexible and always open to and willing to change. For while Duck might well have been rude and a trifle obnoxious in the way he keeps loudly insisting on being allowed to stir the soup, Squirrel and Cat should also and truly have been more open to accept change, to try new ways and means of cooking (and indeed, including allowing Duck to also participate). And I can thus certainly understand and even very openly appreciate why Duck during the course of his argument in Pumpkin Soup simply up and leaves home. I mean, Squirrel and Cat are not only unwilling to consider trying new ways, of changing, they also make rather nasty and disparaging fun of his size, and of Duck’s supposedly substandard abilities and capabilities (and no wonder then in my opinion, that Duck finally becomes angry enough to utter some not so sweet and acceptable words and even leaves home for a while). And yes, it is also too bad that my library copy does not contain the pumpkin soup recipe that some of the other editions of Pumpkin Soup seemingly include (as I certainly would have loved to try cooking some pumpkin soup, but I also do not much desire to purchase any more picture books for a while, as I have too many picture books figuratively coming out of my proverbial ears so to speak and no more shelf space, period).
However and much more important (essential) than my personal aesthetic enjoyment of Helen Cooper’s illustrations is the fact that the narrative of Pumpkin Soup, that Cooper’s featured text demonstrates a very and much essential, necessary message to and for children (and yes, even for adults as well), namely that one needs to be flexible and always open to and willing to change. For while Duck might well have been rude and a trifle obnoxious in the way he keeps loudly insisting on being allowed to stir the soup, Squirrel and Cat should also and truly have been more open to accept change, to try new ways and means of cooking (and indeed, including allowing Duck to also participate). And I can thus certainly understand and even very openly appreciate why Duck during the course of his argument in Pumpkin Soup simply up and leaves home. I mean, Squirrel and Cat are not only unwilling to consider trying new ways, of changing, they also make rather nasty and disparaging fun of his size, and of Duck’s supposedly substandard abilities and capabilities (and no wonder then in my opinion, that Duck finally becomes angry enough to utter some not so sweet and acceptable words and even leaves home for a while). And yes, it is also too bad that my library copy does not contain the pumpkin soup recipe that some of the other editions of Pumpkin Soup seemingly include (as I certainly would have loved to try cooking some pumpkin soup, but I also do not much desire to purchase any more picture books for a while, as I have too many picture books figuratively coming out of my proverbial ears so to speak and no more shelf space, period).
October 19, 2010
Some of the illustrations were just precious (in a good way) and some I wanted to appreciate more than I did. They are unusual and wonderfully large. I think part of my issue was with the three animal characters. The soup, house, outdoor scenes were all lovely and/or spectacular.
This story of three friends is a sweet story about friendship, and about allowing friends to change, although I didn’t entirely get past a cat, duck, and squirrel being friends, what with my adult sensibilities that sometimes kick in at inconvenient times. I wish even more deviation from their cooking tasks had been tried, successfully, more or less.
The story got a bit scary at one point, even though the fear was limited to the imaginations of two of the friends.
The story also had many amusing parts, and I especially enjoyed the second and third to last pages when the illustration matched the words and both were quite funny.
Pumpkin soup sounds so good, but Ill admit the only times I’ve eaten it are in restaurants, even though I have no doubt I have access to many recipes for it.
This was the sixth and last October book for the Children's Books group Picture Books Club, and this month’s theme is autumn/Halloween. It doesn’t usually take me this far into the month to get all 6 picture books. I waited a long time for this one, and I can see why it’s a popular choice. I’m definitely going to seek out other books by this author-illustrator.
This story of three friends is a sweet story about friendship, and about allowing friends to change, although I didn’t entirely get past a cat, duck, and squirrel being friends, what with my adult sensibilities that sometimes kick in at inconvenient times. I wish even more deviation from their cooking tasks had been tried, successfully, more or less.
The story got a bit scary at one point, even though the fear was limited to the imaginations of two of the friends.
The story also had many amusing parts, and I especially enjoyed the second and third to last pages when the illustration matched the words and both were quite funny.
Pumpkin soup sounds so good, but Ill admit the only times I’ve eaten it are in restaurants, even though I have no doubt I have access to many recipes for it.
This was the sixth and last October book for the Children's Books group Picture Books Club, and this month’s theme is autumn/Halloween. It doesn’t usually take me this far into the month to get all 6 picture books. I waited a long time for this one, and I can see why it’s a popular choice. I’m definitely going to seek out other books by this author-illustrator.
May 31, 2014
Being a bit of a rebel, I decided to read this very October-type book in the merry month of May...cuz that's how I roll. I keep librarians up at night. Lucky for me, the roll of the dice worked out, as I thoroughly enjoyed this romp with Squirrel, Cat, and Duck.
Everyone has his own job to do. Everyone is happy.
The three denizens of the old white cabin work as a united team in creating the best pumpkin soup in town. However, even the best teammates need a little time apart, especially when Duck starts to feel neglected.
The colours throughout are very autumnal, the soup looks good, and one never argues with ducks who play bagpipes.
Book Season = Autumn (pipkins of salt)
Everyone has his own job to do. Everyone is happy.
The three denizens of the old white cabin work as a united team in creating the best pumpkin soup in town. However, even the best teammates need a little time apart, especially when Duck starts to feel neglected.
The colours throughout are very autumnal, the soup looks good, and one never argues with ducks who play bagpipes.
Book Season = Autumn (pipkins of salt)
November 18, 2020
A cat, a duck, and a squirrel have pumpkin soup-making down to a science with each of them performing a specific task in the process . . . until the duck decides to stir the pot - literally - throwing their whole system into chaos. Cute story, with lovely illustrations by the author.
November 5, 2021
A cat, a squirrel, a duck; each has a musical talent and each has a special job when it comes to making pumpkin soup. Cat slices the pumpkin, Squirrel stirs in the water and Duck adds the salt. What happens when Duck decides he wants to stir the soup?
This is a delightful story about what happens when friends have a disagreement.
This is a delightful story about what happens when friends have a disagreement.
October 8, 2010
I read Pumpkin Soup tonight. My Scholastic version did not have the pumpkin soup recipe! How disappointing. =( I love the illustrations! As a matter of fact, I had other books to read before this one and pushed the others aside to read it immediately. The beautifully vivid cover lured me in! I wanted nothing more at that moment then to read it! The artwork throughout the book continued the wonderful flow of the cover. I enjoyed the story of the three friends who live together harmoniously making their pumpkin soup, each having their own job and playing their own instruments. One day the Duck decides he will do the job of Squirrel in making the pumpkin soup. I did feel that Duck taking the spoon that was Squirrel’s and telling the others that “Today is my turn to stir the soup,” could have been addressed. Duck repeats a similar action later in the story. Taking things that aren’t yours and telling others you ARE doing something that isn’t yours to do, doesn’t seem like something children should be doing. I think it could have been worked into the story without disrupting the flow. I was intrigued at that the level of arguing that got so heated they began to say cuss words. I looked again at the picture and felt it would have had the same effect without the symbols implying cussing, especially since the expressions captured by the illustrations were excellent. I got right away that they were really mad. I liked the rhythm of the story. All in all, I must say, I enjoyed this reading experience. I would love a hot bowl of pumpkin soup right now to warm me up!
October 26, 2010
“Pumpkin Soup” is a children’s book by Helen Cooper and it is about how three best friends (a duck, a cat, and a squirrel) all made pumpkin soup in harmony until the duck wanted to stir the soup and chaos ensures! For anyone who wants to read a hilarious book and want to know how to make Pumpkin Soup, “Pumpkin Soup” is definitely the book for you!
Oh my goodness! Imagine my surprise when I read this book! Helen Cooper has done an excellent job at both illustrating and writing this book as each character are truly hilarious and memorable and the plot is full of hilarity and emotion! Helen Cooper has done a great job at describing the characters and the plot of this story! What I really loved about this book were the characters themselves as the cat, the duck and the squirrel are all humorous characters when it comes to who has to make the pumpkin soup. I really loved the duck character as the duck seems like a beautiful version of Donald Duck as he also has a temper and wants to do things his way. I also loved the way that Helen Cooper manages to put in a heartwarming tone in this book especially during the scenes where the cat and the squirrel both go out looking for the duck and those scenes prove the power of friendship that the cat, the squirrel and the duck all share despite their quarreling with each other. My most favorite part of the book was the Pumpkin Soup recipe that Helen Cooper provided at the end of the book, since I took the liberty in copying down the recipe, hoping that someday I will try out this recipe during Halloween! Helen Cooper’s illustrations are extremely beautiful and colorful as she draws the trees and the characters in a realistic manner. The images that truly stood out the most for me were the images of the cat, the squirrel and the duck themselves as the cat is gray and have yellow eyes, the squirrel has orange brownish fur and a bushy tail and the duck is white and cute looking.
All in all, “Pumpkin Soup” is one of the best children’s books I had ever read about friendship and a great book that has a great recipe on how to make Pumpkin Soup that I am sure that many children (and adults) will both enjoy! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
Oh my goodness! Imagine my surprise when I read this book! Helen Cooper has done an excellent job at both illustrating and writing this book as each character are truly hilarious and memorable and the plot is full of hilarity and emotion! Helen Cooper has done a great job at describing the characters and the plot of this story! What I really loved about this book were the characters themselves as the cat, the duck and the squirrel are all humorous characters when it comes to who has to make the pumpkin soup. I really loved the duck character as the duck seems like a beautiful version of Donald Duck as he also has a temper and wants to do things his way. I also loved the way that Helen Cooper manages to put in a heartwarming tone in this book especially during the scenes where the cat and the squirrel both go out looking for the duck and those scenes prove the power of friendship that the cat, the squirrel and the duck all share despite their quarreling with each other. My most favorite part of the book was the Pumpkin Soup recipe that Helen Cooper provided at the end of the book, since I took the liberty in copying down the recipe, hoping that someday I will try out this recipe during Halloween! Helen Cooper’s illustrations are extremely beautiful and colorful as she draws the trees and the characters in a realistic manner. The images that truly stood out the most for me were the images of the cat, the squirrel and the duck themselves as the cat is gray and have yellow eyes, the squirrel has orange brownish fur and a bushy tail and the duck is white and cute looking.
All in all, “Pumpkin Soup” is one of the best children’s books I had ever read about friendship and a great book that has a great recipe on how to make Pumpkin Soup that I am sure that many children (and adults) will both enjoy! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
July 8, 2020
A tale about 3 friends, a duck a cat and a squirrel making pumpkin soup. They get into fights. I was very surprised to see these animals work together, but it is a story and everything can happen in that. Adorable drawings, only the story could have been a little bit better written.
This book is in the 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up challenge I am doing.
This book is in the 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up challenge I am doing.
February 27, 2016
Though not specifically about Halloween, because this story is about Pumpkin soup and with the Autumn background and pumpkin patch full of pumpkins, Halloween is the perfect time of year to read the story.
The tale itself was a pretty good one, with everyone wanting to try each other's jobs and taking each other's skills for granted. On the whole, it's a fun story to read aloud and would be a good precursor to a discussion about fighting among friends, different skillsets and wanting to try different things. It has an easy recipe for pumpkin soup at the end of the story and our girls are excited to try it.
[added later] We made the pumpkin soup, and while our girls were pretty excited that we were making the recipe from the book (and they even got to add their own "pipkins" of salt), they weren't as enthusiastic about the taste. I thought it was lovely. Oh well...
This book was selected as one of the October 2011 - Autumn and Halloween reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
The tale itself was a pretty good one, with everyone wanting to try each other's jobs and taking each other's skills for granted. On the whole, it's a fun story to read aloud and would be a good precursor to a discussion about fighting among friends, different skillsets and wanting to try different things. It has an easy recipe for pumpkin soup at the end of the story and our girls are excited to try it.
[added later] We made the pumpkin soup, and while our girls were pretty excited that we were making the recipe from the book (and they even got to add their own "pipkins" of salt), they weren't as enthusiastic about the taste. I thought it was lovely. Oh well...
This book was selected as one of the October 2011 - Autumn and Halloween reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
June 12, 2012
Cat, Squirrel, and Duck live together in a cozy white cabin. The three friends work together to make delicious pumpkin soup. Cat slices the pumpkin, Squirrel does the stirring, and Duck adds the salt. But one day, Duck decides he has not happy with his role and he wants to be head cook and stir. The friends must figure out how to adapt to change in routine and how to work out a disagreement.
I personally enjoyed the flow of the text and the autumn-toned illustrations. My favorite scene in the book is when Cat and Squirrel imagine Duck lost in the woods surrounded by bears, witches, etc. While the page may appear "scary" to younger children, I feel many children will be able to make the connection to the creatures in fairy tails and the darker illustration. Cooper also includes a pumpkin soup recipe at the end of the book that would be fun to make with children as an extension activity.
Great book!
I personally enjoyed the flow of the text and the autumn-toned illustrations. My favorite scene in the book is when Cat and Squirrel imagine Duck lost in the woods surrounded by bears, witches, etc. While the page may appear "scary" to younger children, I feel many children will be able to make the connection to the creatures in fairy tails and the darker illustration. Cooper also includes a pumpkin soup recipe at the end of the book that would be fun to make with children as an extension activity.
Great book!
October 14, 2018
It's easy to see why Helen Cooper was awarded the 1998 Kate Greenaway Medal - the highest British honor for children's book illustration - for this adorable picture-book! A delightful tale of three friends, their tradition of making pumpkin soup, and the contretemps which ensue when one of them demands that he be allowed to perform a different task, it is also a gorgeous work of art. An appealingly deep palette is used to create scene after scene of great charm, while expressive little details - like the faces the friends make, when arguing (or worrying), for instance - really enhance the emotional impact of the story.
Pumpkin Soup is apparently the first of a series of picture-books featuring this trio, followed by A Pipkin of Pepper and Delicious! , something I was glad to discover, as I'd like to see more of them! With lovely illustrations, and an engaging story, this would make an ideal autumn and/or Halloween selection, for the younger child that isn't ready for scarier fare.
Pumpkin Soup is apparently the first of a series of picture-books featuring this trio, followed by A Pipkin of Pepper and Delicious! , something I was glad to discover, as I'd like to see more of them! With lovely illustrations, and an engaging story, this would make an ideal autumn and/or Halloween selection, for the younger child that isn't ready for scarier fare.
October 3, 2019
Pumpkin soup by Helen cooper, published 1998.
The pictures are good and the story is cute.
The theme is taking turns and caring about each other, all children can learn something from this short read which is also beautifully illustrated.
The pictures are good and the story is cute.
The theme is taking turns and caring about each other, all children can learn something from this short read which is also beautifully illustrated.
January 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this story, not only are the illustrations so beautiful and colourful, the story provides a very useful moral at the end, which is the concept of sharing. In the story there is a duck, cat and a squirrel who all live togather. Everyday the cat slices up some pumpkin for their lunch,, while the squirrel stirs in the water and the duck tips in some salt to make the perfect pumkin soup. until one day the duck decides he wants to do the stirring. This leads to an argument and causing the duck to leave. This is an excellent story, it shows the consequences of not sharing or working togather as a team, because the duck left there was no one to do the all important task of adding salt to the soup, which makes the soup a disaster, more importantly the cat and squirrel realise how much they miss Duck and they are happy again with his return. This is a funny story about friendship and sharing and anyone would enjoy reading this.
October 23, 2018
This is one of the best children’s books I have ever read.
I might be biased since I read it numerous times when I was younger. In fact, this book makes me nostalgic. Rereading it has reminded me of my mom reading it to me when I was younger.
Above all - this book is beautifully written, full of amazing illustrations, and is centered around my favorite season.🍁🧡🍂
I might be biased since I read it numerous times when I was younger. In fact, this book makes me nostalgic. Rereading it has reminded me of my mom reading it to me when I was younger.
Above all - this book is beautifully written, full of amazing illustrations, and is centered around my favorite season.🍁🧡🍂
September 12, 2013
A perfect book for the beginning of fall!
December 31, 2014
A nice children's story, with a nice moral about accepting each other, being tolerant, and sharing. My daughter enjoyed it, which is the test for me.
December 15, 2017
Pumpkin Soup is the perfect autumn read for children.
Cat, Squirrel and Duck live together in a cabin in the woods, in the middle of a pumpkin patch. Every night, they prepare pumpkin soup, then they play some music and go to bed. Each of them has a specific task. But one fine day, Duck wants to try something new, and their world is turned upside down. It’s a tale about friendship.
The illustrations are just perfect. A bit old fashioned, with warm colours. Fairy tale illustrations, full of details. I like how text and pictures are mingled on the pages. The children can follow what’s being read aloud by looking at the illustrations. The text is simple and a bit repetitive (which is a good thing for this age group).
In the book, three friends share the same house. They live a harmonious life, based on a task-sharing principle. When it comes to soup preparation, Cat cuts the pumpkin, Squirrel adds the water and stirs, and Duck is in charge of the salt. And the soup is perfect.
When they play music, Cat plays his windbag, Squirrel his banjo, and Duck sings. Their blanket was sawn by Cat, embroided by Squirrel, and stuffed with Duck’s feathers.
Everything is perfect.
But Duck is disturbing this perfect world. He wants a change of roles. The other two don’t agree, and Duck runs away. We have no clue about what happens to him.
What we know, though, is that the two others, after being angry at Duck, start getting worried. They start looking for him, imagining that horrible things might have happened to him, or that he met better friends than they are. Friends who allow Duck to stir the soup.
After having looked for Duck everywhere, Cat and Squirrel give up and go back home… to find Duck, waiting for them. Cat and Squirrel decide to let him stir the soup. It is a big mess, but Duck is happy and learning. Duck also teaches to his friends how much salt should be added to the soup to make it perfect.
It is a very nice tale about accepting our own limitations, pushing them, helping each others, and friendship. And pumpkin soup, of course!!
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Cat, Squirrel and Duck live together in a cabin in the woods, in the middle of a pumpkin patch. Every night, they prepare pumpkin soup, then they play some music and go to bed. Each of them has a specific task. But one fine day, Duck wants to try something new, and their world is turned upside down. It’s a tale about friendship.
The illustrations are just perfect. A bit old fashioned, with warm colours. Fairy tale illustrations, full of details. I like how text and pictures are mingled on the pages. The children can follow what’s being read aloud by looking at the illustrations. The text is simple and a bit repetitive (which is a good thing for this age group).
In the book, three friends share the same house. They live a harmonious life, based on a task-sharing principle. When it comes to soup preparation, Cat cuts the pumpkin, Squirrel adds the water and stirs, and Duck is in charge of the salt. And the soup is perfect.
When they play music, Cat plays his windbag, Squirrel his banjo, and Duck sings. Their blanket was sawn by Cat, embroided by Squirrel, and stuffed with Duck’s feathers.
Everything is perfect.
But Duck is disturbing this perfect world. He wants a change of roles. The other two don’t agree, and Duck runs away. We have no clue about what happens to him.
What we know, though, is that the two others, after being angry at Duck, start getting worried. They start looking for him, imagining that horrible things might have happened to him, or that he met better friends than they are. Friends who allow Duck to stir the soup.
After having looked for Duck everywhere, Cat and Squirrel give up and go back home… to find Duck, waiting for them. Cat and Squirrel decide to let him stir the soup. It is a big mess, but Duck is happy and learning. Duck also teaches to his friends how much salt should be added to the soup to make it perfect.
It is a very nice tale about accepting our own limitations, pushing them, helping each others, and friendship. And pumpkin soup, of course!!
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October 13, 2011
'Pumpkin Soup' by Helen Cooper is a lovely, enchanting read for children. It tells the story of three animal friends; cat, duck and squirrel. Each evening they join together to make pumpkin soup in their lovely pumpkin-shaped house deep in the forest. Each of them have their own unique part to play in their nightly ritual and their combined efforts produce the most splendid soup. Then one day Duck decides he wants to stir the soup instead of adding the salt. This leads to a tremendous quarrel which ends with Duck waddling off in a huff. At first Squirrel and Cat are unconcerned by his absence, but as time goes by they start to worry about what might have happened to their dear friend. Duck eventually relents and comes home and so the house returns to its usual antics, Cat and Squirrel even allow Duck to stir the soup! Its a classic tale of the up's and downs of friendship told in an endearing, heartfelt manner. The most charming aspect of the book however, are the rich, autumnal illustrations which compliment the trio's adventures. Children are thrown into life deep in the woods where routine reigns and lonely wanderings are frowned upon and dangerous. The book carries a clear message about the importance of teamwork and sharing. It would be suitable for children aged 4+.
September 22, 2016
Helen Cooper creates a warm, inviting world in her “Pumpkin Soup.” It tells the story of three friends working through the challenges of friendship all while enjoying pumpkin soup.
The illustrations are rich and invoke feelings of autumn. The characters are adorable. The duck’s cuteness will enchant young readers. Readers will enjoy pouring over the illustrations and noticing all the little details. For example, a little firefly and ladybug appear throughout the story as spectators. The layout uses a combination of full-page images and smaller images interspersed in the text. I personally prefer fuller spreads but this does create visual interest.
The narrative is very text heavy. Cooper relies more on words than illustrations. This could make it less appealing to younger readers with shorter attention spans. However, she does use different fonts and formats to help make the text more interesting.
This would be a good choice for teachers to read for Halloween. It would also be good for a class read aloud or choral reading. Teachers can also use it in a math unit and have the students write their own recipe for pumpkin soup.
The illustrations are rich and invoke feelings of autumn. The characters are adorable. The duck’s cuteness will enchant young readers. Readers will enjoy pouring over the illustrations and noticing all the little details. For example, a little firefly and ladybug appear throughout the story as spectators. The layout uses a combination of full-page images and smaller images interspersed in the text. I personally prefer fuller spreads but this does create visual interest.
The narrative is very text heavy. Cooper relies more on words than illustrations. This could make it less appealing to younger readers with shorter attention spans. However, she does use different fonts and formats to help make the text more interesting.
This would be a good choice for teachers to read for Halloween. It would also be good for a class read aloud or choral reading. Teachers can also use it in a math unit and have the students write their own recipe for pumpkin soup.
May 13, 2012
An endearing story of the turbulent friendship of a bagpipe playing Cat, banjo playing Squirrel and a singing Duck. Other than a love for music, making Pumpkin Soup is another favourite past time of this unlikely trio of friends. Tensions arise within the group when Duck, dissatisfied with his duty of simply adding the salt in the making of the soup, leaves home.
After Duck being away for some time, Cat and Squirrel go out in search for their runaway friend. Unsuccessful in thrie attempts to find their friend, they return home full of worry as to what may have happened to Duck whilst away. These fears are put to rest once they return home to find Duck is waiting for them and celebrate by making Pumpkin Soup and allowing Duck the responsibility to stir. However, househole contentment is short-lived once Duck announces he now wants to play bagpipes!
A collection of outstanding illustrations accompany a great story, that can immerse it's audience with it's charm.
A book that I would feel is likely to captivate KS1/ Lower KS2 audiences.
After Duck being away for some time, Cat and Squirrel go out in search for their runaway friend. Unsuccessful in thrie attempts to find their friend, they return home full of worry as to what may have happened to Duck whilst away. These fears are put to rest once they return home to find Duck is waiting for them and celebrate by making Pumpkin Soup and allowing Duck the responsibility to stir. However, househole contentment is short-lived once Duck announces he now wants to play bagpipes!
A collection of outstanding illustrations accompany a great story, that can immerse it's audience with it's charm.
A book that I would feel is likely to captivate KS1/ Lower KS2 audiences.
February 12, 2018
This is a book about a cat, a duck and a squirrel who all have a role in making the pumpkin soup. One day duck decides he wishes to stir the soup, which is squirrels role. When the other reject this idea he storms off. The squirrel and cat try to make the soup but it isn’t as perfect as duck isn’t there to weigh out the salt so it’s too salty. Eventually duck returns home and they make pumpkin soup with duck stirring, and cat weighing out the salt (after duck shows the how) although the pan burns the soup still turns out perfect.
At the beginning of this book the text and small illustrations are in the left page with an illustration covering the whole of the right page however once duck says he wants to stir this format changes suggesting there is a problem / trouble ahead.
The illustrations use warm colours to depict the heat of the fire and suggesting their home is a warm and safe environment whereas outside, when looking for duck these colours change to more greens and blues suggesting danger.
At the beginning of this book the text and small illustrations are in the left page with an illustration covering the whole of the right page however once duck says he wants to stir this format changes suggesting there is a problem / trouble ahead.
The illustrations use warm colours to depict the heat of the fire and suggesting their home is a warm and safe environment whereas outside, when looking for duck these colours change to more greens and blues suggesting danger.
October 10, 2014
This is a story of three friends; a duck, a squirrel and a cat. They work together everyday to make a pumpkin soup, each having their own specific role in the recipe. However one day, duck decides he is not happy with his role and prefers the role of head cook and stirrer. This leads to a disagreement which causes the duck to storm out. The story becomes quite distressing as the cat and squirrel miss their friend and cannot find him. The story ends describing how the friends sort out their disagreement.
This book is beautifully illustrated and would keep young children up to year 2 thoroughly engaged. The book would be a perfect read around autumn time. The book also allows children to look at their friendships and how they should be treating their friends in order to avoid such disputes.
A lovely book where the illustrations are definitely the best part- I would read this to children at the end of the day to relax.
This book is beautifully illustrated and would keep young children up to year 2 thoroughly engaged. The book would be a perfect read around autumn time. The book also allows children to look at their friendships and how they should be treating their friends in order to avoid such disputes.
A lovely book where the illustrations are definitely the best part- I would read this to children at the end of the day to relax.
October 7, 2010
Award-winning illustrator Helen Cooper brings a whimsical adventure of Cat and Squirrel, who almost lose Duck's friendship in an argument about preparation of pumpkin soup. Gentle storyline highlights the difficulties of losing a friendship. Included at the end is a delicious recipe for pumpkin soup. (Goodreads Summary)
Pumpkin Soup is a charming story about Fall & friendship, with a message about sharing, working together, & maintaining friendships. The engaging, detailed, expressive illustrations are the highlight of this book. The inclusion of symbols for cusswords during the fight over making the soup is an interesting touch that readers should be aware of.
Lots of possibilities for extending the story starting with the Pumpkin soup recipe. A good read-aloud with possibilities for doing character voices. For preschool through grade 2, & Fall or Friendship storytimes.
Pumpkin Soup is a charming story about Fall & friendship, with a message about sharing, working together, & maintaining friendships. The engaging, detailed, expressive illustrations are the highlight of this book. The inclusion of symbols for cusswords during the fight over making the soup is an interesting touch that readers should be aware of.
Lots of possibilities for extending the story starting with the Pumpkin soup recipe. A good read-aloud with possibilities for doing character voices. For preschool through grade 2, & Fall or Friendship storytimes.
October 28, 2011
This beautifully written and illustrated book tells the story of three friends who live together. Each friend has has their own place in the house with each knowing their job to do until Duck has other ideas. The wonderfully written text transcends from a warm family like relationship into a feeling of fear and loss without much difficulty. The book deals with a central theme of friendship and issues which affect this relationship; love, sharing, fear, loss and reconciliation.
The illustrations and text provide the book with a great sense of warmth and cosiness which children will no doubt love and relate to.
The illustrations and text provide the book with a great sense of warmth and cosiness which children will no doubt love and relate to.
March 25, 2020
This is my placement teacher’s favourite picture book and for World Book Day she asked me to read it to another class. It’s such a lovely story about friendship and working together as a team. The children loved the story of the three animals and we had lots of book talk about why the soup tastes bad after the duck was left out. Then, we drew pictures of our favourite moments in the story.
February 16, 2015
lindísimo el cuento, sencillo de contar pero con una buena historia detrás. Las ilustraciones son bellas y tiernas. Es de esos cuentos que se ven muy sencillitos, pero mi hijo dice otra vez, y otra vez y otra vez.
October 27, 2019
A cute spooky story about friendship and being kind to our friends.
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