Pumpkin Soup

Rendered in pictures richly evoking autumn, this delightful story from the Kate Greenaway Medalist will resonate for any child who has known the difficulties that come with friendship.

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. Included at the end is a recipe for delicious pumpkin soup.

Helen Cooper is an author and illustrator whose work includes classic titles such as The Bear Under the Stairs, Pumpkin Soup, The Baby Who Wouldn't Go to Bed and Tatty Ratty. Her books have been translated into 30 languages and won many awards including the Library Association Kate Greenaway Medal - twice.
More recently she has collaborated as a writer with other illustrators. Notably, Saving the Butterfly, illustrated by Gill Smith, was the first of these. She has also written and illustrated children's MG fiction and the latest - The Taming of the Cat is out in October 2023.

Review Quote:

"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