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.
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"This book is about a squirrel, cat, and duck that live in a far away forest cabin and every night, they make pumpkin soup. One night, the duck wants to take on what he feels is the most important job to make the soup. The other two disagree and the duck runs away. When the cat and squirrel find out that the duck's job was very important, they all begin to miss each other. This book is an excellent lesson on teamwork and sharing."
— Seher (4 out of 5 stars)
Housemates Squirrel, Cat and Duck team up for activities . . . until Duck wants to be Head Cook and stir the soup. The trio spats and Duck waddles off in a huff . . . Coziness returns when they . . . learn to share . . . Readers will linger over each page, savoring the delicious illustrations.
— Starred, School Library Journal" I really enjoyed reading this book. In the text the duck becomes upset with the cat and squirrel because they want let him stir the Pumpkin Soup. This book would be great to inspire young children to share. "
— Shira, 2/17/2014" This is a fun story to be read around Halloween and has a fun story line that interests young children. The story itself doesn't have many interesting things in it for older individuals but children ages 5 and 6 really loved it. I would recommend it for that age and no one older. "
— Rachel, 2/14/2014" This book was awesome. It teaches that every job is important and all must work together to accomplish a specific goal. "
— Shelly, 1/10/2014" This is an exemplary children's book--beautiful illustrations, a good message/moral, and characters/plot that are simultaneously simple, yet effective. "
— Teniesha, 1/6/2014" Gorgeous illustrations! Great book to teach about the importance of compromise. "
— Stephanie, 12/20/2013" This was my daughters all time favorite book as a small child. She could quote it and would beg for it to be hecked out of the library over and over again. "
— Donna, 12/17/2013" Nice story; beautiful illustrations. "
— Elizabeth, 11/29/2013" This book is about 3 friends that got into a fight over how to make soup. One friend ran away and then the other friends were sad. He came back and they let him make the soup his way. "
— Firstgradejags, 11/25/2013" gorgeous illustrations in a fun little kids book-- not available in the states, I think. "
— Barbara, 11/23/2013" Three animals make pumpkin soup and a quarrel ensues. Slightly too frenetic. "
— Kirei, 11/15/2013" Helen Cooper's artwork is splendid, but for me, the only redeeming quality of this book. The story is only so-so, but the writing lacks flow, rhythm, and cadence - to the point that it is a struggle to read aloud. I would pass on this one. "
— Dan, 11/14/2013Helen Cooper is a British illustrator and an author of children’s picture books. She won the 1996 and 1998 Kate Greenaway Medals from the Library Association. Some of her most critically acclaimed works include Pumpkin Soup, The Bear under the Stairs, and Tatty Ratty. Cooper is married to Ted Dewan, an American illustrator and picture book artist.
Kathleen McInerney won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration in 2011 and was a finalist for the Audie in 2010 and 2015. Her narrations have also earned several AudioFile Earphones Awards. She has performed in New York and around the United States in both classical and contemporary theater. Her credits also include television commercials, daytime drama, radio plays, and a broad range of animation voice-overs.