Predictably (given the contretemps of the first book), it is Duck who causes a commotion, when he gets so distracted by his idea that their soup would benefit from pepper, as well as salt, that he fails to keep up with his friends.

(Oct.Cat, Squirrel and Duck - the three soup-making friends (and roommates) whose first adventure was chronicled in the Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Pumpkin Soup - return for another adventure in this second book, setting off for the big city on a shopping expedition, when they run out of salt. Thanks to Cooper's uncanny ability to capture the dynamics of friendship, children will be able to laugh at this trio (and themselves) and recognize that true friendship can weather most any storm. But Duck does return, to a warm welcome-until he suggests a turn on Cat's bagpipes. Of course the soup is too salty and the repentant pals begin to imagine scary scenarios of where Duck might be. Mimicking grade-schoolers everywhere, Cat and Squirrel next decide to carry on with the cooking, adopting a we'll-show-him attitude. In a charming time-lapse sequence, vignettes of Cat and Squirrel moping on the steps of their house form an arc along the side of a spread (''So they waited./ All that long afternoon.''). After Duck waddles off in a huff, the remaining pair heads out to hunt for him-to no avail. Here the warm golden glow that has permeated their dwelling turns an angry orange-red with paws, wings and flying. But one day, Duck decides to be the stirrer instead of the salt pourer, and an all-out battle ensues. There's a rhythm to their lives: each has his own instrument to play and his own duties when it comes to cooking their famous pumpkin soup (''the best you ever tasted''). Beginning with a peek through a window where Cat, Squirrel and Duck are making music together, Cooper (The Boy Who Wouldn't Go to Bed) invites youngsters into their cozy pumpkin-shaped home. This enchanting story explores the ups and downs of close-knit camaraderie.

Pumpkin soup by helen cooper