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Pumpkin Soup #2
A Pipkin of Pepper
A companion to the best-selling
Pumpkin Soup
Duck, Cat, and Squirrel, the three animal friends from Pumpkin Soup, are out of salt, a key ingredient of their special recipe. Duck insists upon coming along with Cat and Squirrel on the shopping trip to the city. It’s his first visit, and he’s a little scared, but he forgets everything when he spots a pepper store. What if they bought a pipkin of pepper to add to the soup? When he turns around to tell Cat and Squirrel about his great idea, he realizes they’re gone!This perfect book about getting lost, with the sage reminder to stay put if you do, is illustrated with warm, cleverly detailed paintings.
A Pipkin of Pepper is a 2006 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Duck, Cat, and Squirrel, the three animal friends from Pumpkin Soup, are out of salt, a key ingredient of their special recipe. Duck insists upon coming along with Cat and Squirrel on the shopping trip to the city. It’s his first visit, and he’s a little scared, but he forgets everything when he spots a pepper store. What if they bought a pipkin of pepper to add to the soup? When he turns around to tell Cat and Squirrel about his great idea, he realizes they’re gone!This perfect book about getting lost, with the sage reminder to stay put if you do, is illustrated with warm, cleverly detailed paintings.
A Pipkin of Pepper is a 2006 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
2 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Helen Cooper
59 books107 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 40 reviews
October 14, 2018
Cat, Squirrel and Duck - the three soup-making friends (and roommates) whose first adventure was chronicled in the Kate Greenaway Medal-winning
Pumpkin Soup
- return for another adventure in this second book, setting off for the big city on a shopping expedition, when they run out of salt. Predictably (given the contretemps of the first book), it is Duck who causes a commotion, when he gets so distracted by his idea that their soup would benefit from pepper, as well as salt, that he fails to keep up with his friends. Will Duck ever find Cat and Squirrel again...?
A Pipkin of Pepper is an engaging follow-up to Helen Cooper's initial story about this trio, with a narrative that will keep young readers involved - haven't most children become lost, at some point - and gorgeous illustrations that fairly leap off the page, in all their autumn splendor. I simply loved Cooper's cityscapes here, her use of color, even her decorative endpapers! Lovely, lovely, lovely! I will definitely be tracking down the third title to feature these characters, Delicious!
A Pipkin of Pepper is an engaging follow-up to Helen Cooper's initial story about this trio, with a narrative that will keep young readers involved - haven't most children become lost, at some point - and gorgeous illustrations that fairly leap off the page, in all their autumn splendor. I simply loved Cooper's cityscapes here, her use of color, even her decorative endpapers! Lovely, lovely, lovely! I will definitely be tracking down the third title to feature these characters, Delicious!
October 30, 2015
Having not got on as well with Pumpkin Soup, Kerrie Dunn-Christensen (thanks Kerrie!) advised me to read this sequel and it's far superior in every way. Although the story, on the surface, is a simple one of going to the city to fetch some salt, it deals with early childhood fears such as getting lost and feeling out of place as well as the imposing nature of big placed and feeling small. Although there isn't much in terms of characterisation around Cat and Squirrel (or perhaps there is through re-reading), Duck's character is the one we are meant to empathise with.
Yet it is the city and its denizens that sold the book for me. There is so much to get lost in and such in-picture humour for the reading to espy. Cooper uses perspective so well to give that sense of being lost and this is contrasted beautifully at the end when Duck travels back home in a helicopter, seeing the world from above. Definitely a book to encourage plenty of creative planning for Foundation and Key Stage 1.
Yet it is the city and its denizens that sold the book for me. There is so much to get lost in and such in-picture humour for the reading to espy. Cooper uses perspective so well to give that sense of being lost and this is contrasted beautifully at the end when Duck travels back home in a helicopter, seeing the world from above. Definitely a book to encourage plenty of creative planning for Foundation and Key Stage 1.
November 23, 2009
I didn't like this one quite as much as "Pumpkin Soup" as I found it more than a little annoying that Duck wants to come to town, is told he had better not because he will get lost, but he pleads and assures he will pay attention so he is allowed to come--but, you guessed it, he gets lost and causes lots of fuss. Hrm. Still, the illustrations are absolutely adorable! :-)
December 4, 2010
The second book in the series of “Pumpkin Soup” was delightful enough to make me want to continue reading the series. The illustrations were like the first; beautiful and vivid. I especially liked the city which reminded me about my first New York City experience at Christmas time. I held my now husband’s hand continuously that trip, because I didn’t want to be separated and get lost. The story was a bit predictable. Duck promises not to get lost in the city with Cat and Squirrel and Duck gets lost being preoccupied with thinking adding pepper to the pumpkin soup would make it taste that much better. I Personally, I love pepper and agree it would taste better. =) Overall, I think this is a fun fall read out-loud book most children would be interested in.
February 10, 2017
This picturebook was really great, what made it so good for me were the beautiful illustrations. So colourful, surprisingly every time you read it you can find something new. I also loved that the actual story was very simple and easy understood, however still captivating and exciting. A very relatable situation to a young child, beautifully illustrated with a happy ending.
March 12, 2017
This book immediately grabbed my attention through the detailed and eye-catching illustrations. The book cleverly uses smaller illustrations to accompany the written word so children may follow each step of the story even if they cannot read the text. The illustrations create a wonderful world which you feel pulled into by the reoccurring, full bleed pages. The pictures tell the story alongside the words and help to create a response in the reader. Who could look at the confusing, bustling, overwhelming drawing of the city and not empathise with poor, lost Duck.
The picturebook effectively uses the characters direction to show the journey they are embarking on. When Duck gets distracted by the Pepper Shop for example, both Cat and Squirrel are facing right, continuing their journey into the city where Duck is facing the left.
There is an implied reader knowledge of basic features of the story like animals names, what is a pumpkin etc. However, there is also another form of knowledge being conveyed. Not only does the book have interesting and detailed images which would easily provide lots of discussion, it has a moral message. The picturebook contains many helpful tips for children if they themselves should ever fund themselves in Duck's position, lost and unsure of their surroundings. The warm, comforting ending would also help to instil a sense of wellbeing with the reader. Duck is eventually found a taken home where him and his friends cook the best soup yet.
The picturebook effectively uses the characters direction to show the journey they are embarking on. When Duck gets distracted by the Pepper Shop for example, both Cat and Squirrel are facing right, continuing their journey into the city where Duck is facing the left.
There is an implied reader knowledge of basic features of the story like animals names, what is a pumpkin etc. However, there is also another form of knowledge being conveyed. Not only does the book have interesting and detailed images which would easily provide lots of discussion, it has a moral message. The picturebook contains many helpful tips for children if they themselves should ever fund themselves in Duck's position, lost and unsure of their surroundings. The warm, comforting ending would also help to instil a sense of wellbeing with the reader. Duck is eventually found a taken home where him and his friends cook the best soup yet.
November 20, 2025
Cute little book about pumpkin soup spices & the big city.
December 1, 2010
This is the third book in a series about three friends who like to make soup. This story branches off and takes them on a trip to the city to replenish their salt supply. It's an entertaining story and has a good lesson on what to do if you get lost, but it was our least favorite of the three.
November 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book... The sequel to pumpkin soup follows the three friends again as they go off to the big city to get some salt. But whenever duck is around you know something is bound to happen!! A very enjoyable book especially read to younger children.
August 13, 2023
Goodreaders, do any of you read cookbooks for fun? Or do you watch cable stations like The Food Channel?
Recipes can be sensuous, dreamy, or relaxing. Just about anything goes better with food.
With "A Pipkin of Pepper," Helen Cooper is clearly on to that, because she's written another great picture book about friendship for Cat, Squirrel and Duck... all in the context of cooking pumpkin soup.
This adventure may not come with a recipe, but it is flavored with sage advice: If you're a child, and you get lost? Stay where you are until you're found by family or friends.
FIVE STARS, of course.
Recipes can be sensuous, dreamy, or relaxing. Just about anything goes better with food.
With "A Pipkin of Pepper," Helen Cooper is clearly on to that, because she's written another great picture book about friendship for Cat, Squirrel and Duck... all in the context of cooking pumpkin soup.
This adventure may not come with a recipe, but it is flavored with sage advice: If you're a child, and you get lost? Stay where you are until you're found by family or friends.
FIVE STARS, of course.
November 1, 2018
I really don’t know which one I prefer this book or pumpkin soup. They are both touching stories about the beauty of friendship and sharing. Yet, A Pipkin of Pepper offers a great discussion about what to do if you get loss to children and this story explains the importance and reassurance well.
Thanks for introducing this title Mat.
Thanks for introducing this title Mat.
January 18, 2023
I like this book for very young readers as it introduces a little ‘mild terror’ into the story. I’m sure the lesson of starting close to your friends/family and staying on one place if you get separated is a very useful one to learn. The story is whimsical, beautifully (and quirkily) illustrated and made me and my daughter crave pumpkin soup…
May 7, 2017
#Food #Pumpkin #Soup #City #Squirrel #Duck #Cat #YoungReaders #PictureBook #BookReview #ChildrensBooks #amreading When friends go to city to find salt, they have an adventure. In the end, how does pepper taste in the pumpkin soup?
April 7, 2019
After reading this, Inara asked to make pumpkin soup!
October 4, 2019
Beautiful illustrations
January 2, 2020
Such a beautiful book!
November 6, 2020
I love the illustrations. I especially loved Duck.
October 12, 2022
I can see this being a good book to read to little kids to understand what happens when you get lost. It had a silly ending. But it ultimately was just eh for me.
December 23, 2023
Utterly entrancing with deep characters and a number of surprising plot twists
June 12, 2025
A squirrel and a cat want to make a soup, but they need to go to the city to get ingredients. The ducking wants to go with, but he has a habit of wandering off and gets lost. Nice story and artwork.
September 15, 2025
4.5
No sabía que había una segunda parte
No sabía que había una segunda parte
December 12, 2025
Después de sopa de calabaza, continúan las aventuras de estos tres amigos en la gran ciudad. ¿Qué hay que hacer si te pierdes?
March 23, 2026
The duck is having ideas again. This time he wants to change the recipe of the world famous pumpkin soup.
November 2, 2016
It was while he was perusing the stacks last week that the jewel, “A Pipkin of Pepper-for the pumpkin soup”, caught my eye. After a quick glance, I thought it would be a perfect companion book for “Stone Soup”.
The premise of the book seemed simple enough. Three friends live in a small cabin in the country and are making soup. They are missing a key ingredient to make it the”best you ever tasted”, and must go to town to buy salt. In my head I am thinking; friends plus soup…Perfect! And it was, much more than my quick glance could tell me. The three main characters have more of a family relationship. The Duck, whose job it was to add the pipkin of salt, has never been to the big city and seems almost child like.The cat is a bit surly, and the Squirrel is the patient keeper of peace. The surprise twist in the book, for me anyway, was learning that it is actually not about soup at all. It is not about pepper, or salt, or even just about friendship. It is a cautionary tale about what to do when you get lost.
For the full review and a yummy pumpkin Chili recipe visit: https://frogs-snails-geckotails.com/2...
The premise of the book seemed simple enough. Three friends live in a small cabin in the country and are making soup. They are missing a key ingredient to make it the”best you ever tasted”, and must go to town to buy salt. In my head I am thinking; friends plus soup…Perfect! And it was, much more than my quick glance could tell me. The three main characters have more of a family relationship. The Duck, whose job it was to add the pipkin of salt, has never been to the big city and seems almost child like.The cat is a bit surly, and the Squirrel is the patient keeper of peace. The surprise twist in the book, for me anyway, was learning that it is actually not about soup at all. It is not about pepper, or salt, or even just about friendship. It is a cautionary tale about what to do when you get lost.
For the full review and a yummy pumpkin Chili recipe visit: https://frogs-snails-geckotails.com/2...
October 4, 2011
A cautionary tale of what to do if you get lost in the big city. This is the fabulous tale of Duck, Cat and Squirrel who head to the big city to get some salt for their pumpkin soup. After spotting a pepper shop and daydreaming about how tasty it will make the soup Duck gets horribly lost. How will he ever find Cat & Squirrel? And how will they ever find him?
This book is beautifully illustrated in rich warm colours and has an inventive layout that helps to bring the story to life. There is also some commentary from two little bugs tucked away on some pages which is a nice touch. A great book to read to a Reception or year one class, especially if they are heading out on their first field trip and need a reminder of who to speak to when lost and what to do.
This book is beautifully illustrated in rich warm colours and has an inventive layout that helps to bring the story to life. There is also some commentary from two little bugs tucked away on some pages which is a nice touch. A great book to read to a Reception or year one class, especially if they are heading out on their first field trip and need a reminder of who to speak to when lost and what to do.
October 17, 2012
A Pipkin of Pepper was a bit of a disappointment in comparison to Ms. Cooper's prior book Pumpkin Soup, which features the same characters. Although there are lovely illustrations of our beloved Duck, Cat and Squirrel, the arc of the story line is not as poetic and graceful and the lay out of the text and pictures is much more scattered with the overall effect being of a book that is much more disjointed and less satisfying to read. My four year old does still love calling out "a pipkin of pepper" at the appropriate interval and thinks the final sneeze is hilarious. But I do not particularly enjoy reading this book and I don't think it is one he would ask to check out again after we return it to the library. If you haven't read it yet, read Pumpkin Soup instead.
October 17, 2008
The sequel to "Pumpkin Soup." Just as cute. This time we're taken to the big city. I love all the hints at food and spices, especially the enticements of pepper everywhere. Hilarious! I especially liked the whole salt and pepper thing because when I was little I used to think that the two were meant to be on equally. It's a good think I love both! The pictures were just as great with even more detail for interested eyes to follow. Would still work for a story time as well.
December 3, 2012
I am so charmed by the illustrations in Helen Cooper's books. My favorite detail in this one is the Mother Hen pushing a stroller with a baby chick and a half-hatched egg. The illustrations are definitely the highlight and it's fun to leisurely page through this book to see all of the details that add humor to the text. I'll have to remember to come back to these ones when my son is old enough to appreciate clever illustrations.
March 21, 2013
Cat, Squirrel and Duck find themselves without a main component of their pumpkin soup and must visit the city to get more, but Duck has never been to the city and the other two are worried that if he goes he'll get lost. After some convincing, Duck finds himself in the city with Cat and Squirrel, but not without some hiccups along the way.
The illustrations are so fun and I love how the text and illustrations are integrated together on some of the pages.
The illustrations are so fun and I love how the text and illustrations are integrated together on some of the pages.
January 22, 2011
While making pumpkin soup, the three friends have run out of salt. They take a trip to the city, and Duck gets lost. This is a wonderful follow-up to Pumpkin Soup. The illustrations are just as beautiful and vibrant, and add to the story in wonderful ways. The only thing missing was a recipe for pumpkin soup!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews