Three animal friends prepare pumpkin soup every night. The cat chops the pumpkin, the squirrel stirs the soup, and the duck adds the salt. Everyone is happy, until the duck decides he wants to stir the soup for a change. Warmly illustrated, this story shows that even the best friendships have their ups and downs. Text copyright 2004 Lectorum Publications, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

K-Gr 3-An entertaining story about the ups and downs of true friendship. In the middle of the forest, in a cozy white cabin, surrounded by a pumpkin garden, three friends work together to prepare the most delicious soup in the world. The cat slices the pumpkin, the squirrel stirs the broth, the duck sprinkles it with just the right amount of salt. They enjoy their meal together; play their song; and get into bed under the bedspread sewn by the cat, embroidered by the squirrel, and filled with the duck's soft feathers. Then comes the day that the duck decides to be in charge of the kitchen, and the peaceful harmony is disrupted. Warm, vibrant watercolors add depth to a universal theme. An excellent storyhour choice.-Grace Schiller, New York Public Library Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information