I absolutely and simply just so much adore author and illustrator Helen Cooper's delightful images for her Pumpkin Soup. Now, I need to check out more of Helen Cooper's work.

It is a classic in my home now and a book that should be read yearly. Harmony does return but a little messier. They resolve their squabble and Duck comes home. It is the cutest thing made out of a pumpkins. The warm light is not there until they picture duck in his soup stand being famous. The others go looking for him and their worries are drawn. When Duck needs to do something differently, the peace is broken and Duck leaves home.

There is good food - pumpkin soup, there is good music each night and they are fast friends. Yes, an unusual bunch, but there is peace in their house. This is a book using that warm glow with 3 characters. 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. What is really outstanding is the artwork here. As far as Fall books go, this is one of the best. I have very fond memories of reading this aloud to my children at this time of year.I want to own this book. A great tale to get families reading together and stats show that reading for pleasure is strongly influenced by parents who read to children at home.

We learn that families take the form of all different shapes, but everyone has their own place and sometimes there are ups and downs! Love, friendship, empathy and understanding underpin this story. Helen Cooper conjures up a tale that moves from calm to chaotic with shades of funny and feisty. Cat, Duck and Squirrel follow the same routine every day to make their pumpkin soup. If you like a book with a pinch of heart and a cosy, traditional and classic feel (with illustrations as warm as the fireside), this is for you. My pick for October is a faithful classic that has become much beloved, and I’ve selected it because I think it’s the perfect ‘snuggle up and share’ bedtime story for those approaching October dark, autumnal nights – when the light dims and you want a brilliant bedtime read full of character and warmth. Our October 2020 Ages 5-6 Book of the Month

Pumpkin soup story book