Pumpkin Soup

10.20.2017

FOR THE WEEKEND share this Fall themed title with your child.

Pumpkin Soupis appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:

Pumpkin Soup from Helen Cooper is a warm and vibrant book which touches on some of the trials of friendship. Everyday Cat, Squirrel and Duck work together to make delicious pumpkin soup. Cat slices, Squirrel stirs, and Duck adds the salt. But when Duck decides he’d like to try stirring instead their routine is challenged and the trouble begins. Duck leaves in a huff but it isn’t long before Cat and Squirrel start to worry. Cooper’s rich illustrations and warm text perfectly capture the fall season.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:

Pumpkin Soup is a great book for your reader to practice retelling. As you read, ask questions so that your reader will be more engaged in the story. Then after you finish, ask your reader to take a turn and read the book to you. As they retell the story, they should recall the main story elements – character, setting, and main ideas. If their story turns out a bit differently that is alright too!

Do this with your child:

At the end of Pumpkin Soup you’ll find a recipe for pumpkin soup! Pick an extra pumpkin from the pumpkin patch (or for a cheaper option, from your local grocery store.) Test out the recipe with your reader and enjoy the warmth and aroma of the season.

If you’re interested in sharing Pumpkin Soup with your child you can find it from Square Fish, an imprint of US MacMillan, here

If you’re interested in sharing Pumpkin Soup with your child you can find it from Sterling Publishing sold through Amazon here.

Stay connected with us on FacebookTwitterInstagram and Pinterest.

Related Posts

07.25.2026 Featured

Reading Together Can Change the Story for Boys  

Recent headlines have renewed attention to a troubling trend. Boys continue to lag behind girls in reading achievement throughout their school years. From governors highlighting literacy gaps to national research examining long-term educational outcomes, the message is clear. If we want to improve literacy for all children, we must better meet the needs of boys.   At Raising a Reader, we believe the path to reading success ...

Read More
07.07.2026 From the CEO

North Carolina is showing what is possible when statewide systems, local partnership, and families work together to strengthen early literacy 

By Michelle Torgerson, President and CEO, Raising a Reader  Through the Smart Start Network and Raising a Reader’s 33 North Carolina Affiliates, communities across the state are helping families build joyful shared reading routines. Together, they are strengthening caregiver-child relationships, expanding access to books, and laying the early literacy foundation every child needs to thrive.   At a time when communities (and states) across the country are looking ...

Read More