marybatson's Full Review: Helen Cooper - Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins… there’s so many books written about the bulbous gourd I wonder, will we ever tire of them? Not I! We love pumpkins in my house, pumpkin decorations, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup… oh, that brings me to one of my favorite autumn books, which features the hot, liquid food, Pumpkin Soup.
Life is happy for three animal friends who peaceably share a cabin deep in the woods. They love pumpkin soup, and their life together is simple; they cook together, they sing and dance together, and when tired, they pop off to bed together. Each has a job to do, and all are happy, until one day Duck decides he wants to be head chef. Typically Squirrels position, the change in post creates confusion among the companions. Duck leaves their humble dwelling hurt and angry.
“I’m not staying here,” wailed the Duck.
“You never let me help with anything.”
And he packed up a wheelbarrow, put on his hat, and waddled away.
Distraught over Duck’s departure, Cat and Squirrel search the dark woods for their friend. Unable to locate him, they trudge back home only to discover a welcome surprise waiting for them. I won’t give away the ending, but suffice to say it’s a sweet story about friendship, and love.
Of all the fall related books in our Public Library System, Pumpkin Soup holds special favor with me. It’s a gentle reminder of how delicate friendships can be, and it opens the door for parents to discuss forgiveness, and compassion in relationships. Growing up in a large family we could have benefited from a story that suggests taking turns and for a change, giving the younger ones a try. I know as one of the eldest, I definitely could have been more gracious with my younger siblings.
An award winning author, Helen Cooper knows how to tell a story. She gives us just enough narrative, at the end of the story we feel content, yet she leaves us wanting more. The words flow easily, and with the exception of the word “pipkin” the vocabulary is age appropriate. Pumpkin Soup might be a bit long for say a three-year old as each page contains at least two short paragraphs, but children 4 to 8 will surely appreciate the dialogue, humor, and gorgeous illustrations.
Ms. Cooper also renders her stories, which must be enormously satisfying to be able to convey your thoughts on paper, and in pictures as well. The artwork is so well planned one can actually read the book by looking at the pictures. Her illustrations are so vivid yet airy my first thought was that they were painted in acrylics because of the rich autumnal hues. In examining them further it appears they are a gouache and watercolor combination. She builds so many layers it’s lovely to see the depth and fine details in her work. For instance, in the scene when Squirrel and Cat try to make the soup without their friend, they mope around the table, and each friend has a unique chair: Cat’s has a cat carved in the back, and cat finials and so forth. Additionally, Squirrel is staring at his spoon, and we actually see his reflection in the utensil. It’s these wonderful elements that make Cooper’s artwork exceptional!
This story doesn’t specifically mention autumn in the text, but as pumpkins ripen during fall, and the book was located in the autumn section of our library, I consider it an autumn title. Pass the Pumpkin Soup, and don’t forget to share.
ISBN: 0-374-36164-9
Doubleday, a division of Transworld Publishers Ltd., 1998
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 sti...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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