And I can thus certainly understand and even very openly appreciate why Duck during the course of his argument in Pumpkin Soup simply up and leaves home. For while Duck might well have been rude and a trifle obnoxious in the way he keeps loudly insisting on being allowed to stir the soup, Squirrel and Cat should also and truly have been more open to accept change, to try new ways and means of cooking (and indeed, including allowing Duck to also participate). However and much more important (essential) than my personal aesthetic enjoyment of Helen Cooper’s illustrations is the fact that the narrative of Pumpkin Soup, that Cooper’s featured text demonstrates a very and much essential, necessary message to and for children (and yes, even for adults as well), namely that one needs to be flexible and always open to and willing to change. They are expressive, brightly colourful and that little Duck in many ways rather strongly reminds me of Walt Disney's Donald Duck at both his most lovable and his most cranky and curmudgeonly, has really made me and still always does make me smile with both nostalgia and total appreciation (as I fondly remember how much as a child I used to enjoy Donald Duck comics). 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.
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