Thanksgiving, 2005
The following reviews were presented in our 2005 Thanksgiving feature.
Reviews
All New Crafts for Thanksgiving
Kathy Ross
Illustrations by Sharon Lane Holm
How to keep young children busy and happy in the exciting days before a big holiday is a challenge for every teacher and parent. Kathy Ross, with thirty years of teaching and nursery-school experience, has answers by the dozens. In this title, she and illustrator Sharon Lane Holm tackle one of the more difficult holidays, Thanksgiving, pouring out a cornucopia of inexpensive, fun craft projects for youngsters. From an elaborate Pilgrim girl sleeve puppet to a frankly silly bouncing turkey toy, Ross covers every aspect of this American holiday. There are crafts that deal with the historic origins of the day, crafts that emphasize the spectacular meal that is the traditional highlight for most families, and even crafts to remind youngsters of the feast's essential meaning, thankfulness. Most of the supplies are available in any craft store or around the house, and the step-by-step instructions are well written and clearly, colorfully illustrated. Some of the projects are even useful or decorative enough to outlive the day. This is a book that any primary-grade teacher or parent of young children would appreciate. 2006, Millbrook Press, Ages 5 to 9, $25.26. Reviewer: Michele Tremaine (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7613-2922-6
ISBN: 978-0-7613-2922-0
The First Thanksgiving
Linda Hayward
Illustrated by James Watling
Beginning with the reasons for leaving Plymouth, England and ending with Abraham Lincoln's declaration of Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday, Hayward tells the story of the first Thanksgiving in short, clear sentences, just right for the newly-independent reader. Older reluctant readers and English as a second language students will learn the facts about why the Pilgrims came to America, the hardships they endured crossing the Atlantic Ocean and through the first winter, and their meetings with Samoset, Squanto and Massasoit. The illustrations present both Pilgrims and Indians, and a cutaway view of the Mayflower. As part of her research, the author consulted the research staff at Plimoth Plantation. Part of the "Step into reading. A step 3 book" series, this will adequately fill a need for a nonfiction book on Thanksgiving. 1990, Random House, Ages 5 to 8, $3.99 and $11.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-679-80218-5
ISBN: 0-679-90218-X
Gooney Bird and the Room Mother
Lois Lowry
Illustrated by Middy Thomas
This is the second book about one of the most unique heroines in middle grade fiction. Gooney Bird loves to be "right smack in the middle of things." She wears unmatched socks because matched socks give her a feeling of ennui. Gooney Bird is a second grader (my only concern is that she seems more like a 4th grader) whose passion for words, writing and stories has ignited the learning pleasure of her schoolmates. Gooney has capitalized on their excitement by getting every one of them a dictionary of their own and now when Gooney tells a story and lovely words erupt in the telling, her teacher Mrs. Pigeon dashes to write it on the board and classmates scatter for their dictionaries so they can learn the glories of words like "indefatigable" as they work on their Thanksgiving Day mural (or Muriel, as Gooney Bird calls it). The mural is interrupted by the need to search for a new room mother because this second grade is the only class that does not have one. Gooney barters the privilege of being Squanto, which will put her "right smack in the middle," for finding a room mother. Of course she succeeds, but the room mother insists on being "incognito" (another word that sends the 2nd graders scattering for their dictionaries.) Unbelievable situations become believable as readers are sucked into the superb word play and writing of Lowry and the enchanting character she has created! 2005, Houghton Mifflin, $15.00. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Kirkus Book Review Stars, April 1, 2005; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Parent's Choice Award Gold 2005 Story Books United States
ISBN: 0-618-53230-7
Happy Thanksgiving, Gus!
Jacklyn Williams
Illustrated by Doug Cushman
Part of the "Read it! Readers" series, this title is about Gus the Hedgehog and his friend, Bean. Since Thanksgiving is fast approaching, Gus has to take a picture of the one thing he is most thankful for to share with his class. Gus and Bean can think of many things to be thankful for, but have a hard time choosing one. Gus brings his camera when he goes pumpkin picking in case he stumbles upon something he is very thankful for. This book is an orange level book which is the highest level in the series. Children will be able to use the illustrations to guide them through harder words and phrases. Each page contains one to two paragraphs of text with a lot of dialogue. Some of the pages are more dense with text than illustrations, while other pages have larger pictures with only short sentences. This is a fun book about Thanksgiving with a story that young readers will enjoy reading. 2006, Picture Window Books, Ages 4 to 8, $18.60. Reviewer: Erin Teagan (Children's Literature). FORMAT: Early Reader
ISBN: 1-4048-0961-9
The Mayflower Compact
Philip Brooks
In 1620 a document was signed that would ultimately lead to the writing of the United States Constitution. This document was the Mayflower Compact which "established the tradition of elected representatives serving in government" and was the beginning of official government in the United States. As part of the "We the People" series, this title provides an excellent, up-to-date, resource valuable to the study of the forming of our country. It is well written and filled with interesting information spanning the journey on the Mayflower, the first years at Plymouth, and the fair and just governorship of John Bradford. This book also dispels some myths regarding Thanksgiving, the daily lives of the pilgrims and their relationship with local Native tribes. Squanto, Massasoit and Metacomet are the Native American tribes mentioned individually. A wide variety of artwork along with the words of the Mayflower Compact and a list of names of the signers helps bring the story to life and creates a cohesive, easy-to-read book. Also included are a timeline, glossary, important people and want-to-know-more lists, and "Did You Know?" This is an excellent resource for any classroom study or library. 2005, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0681-6
Merry Thanksgiving
Natasha Wing
Illustrated by Isidre Mones
Have you ever thought that Christmas was much too close to Thanksgiving? Here is a story that puts Santa Claus at the Thanksgiving table and as far as the family is concerned, his arrival is none too soon. Joey is responsible, since he mistakenly sends his mother's Thanksgiving grocery list, instead of his own Christmas list, to Santa--before Thanksgiving. Mrs. Melvin is frantic when she cannot find her list, but Mr. Melvin persuades her to wait for their relatives to arrive so she can make another shopping list with their favorite recipes in mind. But when the guests arrive, it starts to snow and does not let up before Thanksgiving Day. Shopping is out of the question. Meanwhile, Joey continues with his favorite pastime--list-making. He lists all the relatives as they arrive and takes notes on what each cousin does best as they play games. He makes a list of the food they have in the house (sardines, peas, beets, pearl onions, etc.) and comforts his mother when she bursts into tears. As they set the table for a make-do meal, the sound of sleigh bells announces the arrival of Santa, who hauls in the Thanksgiving food on Mrs. Melvin's list. With the traditional meal prepared at last, Santa is a most welcome guest at this Merry Thanksgiving feast. The illustrations are brightly-colored and full of activity. Pre-readers and early readers can enjoy this one, along with their holiday-harried parents. The importance of keeping lists is underscored. 2005, HarperFestival/HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 7, $3.99. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-074111-2
Oh My, Pumpkin Pie!
Charles Ghigna
Illustrated by Kenneth Spengler
Beginning readers will learn about all the shapes and sizes of pumpkins in these rhymed couplets. "Pumpkins striped in shades of yellow. One looks like a large marshmallow!" Some go to the county fair and end up as pies, muffins and bread. Many become jack-o-lanterns on Halloween night. The text is a litany of the shapes, sizes, colors and uses of pumpkins and has a sing-song rhythm. A storyline is presented in the illustrations. They show happy, ethnically-diverse children visiting an Amish farm and selecting their pumpkins. Word repetition and short sentences are key parts of this "Step into reading. Step 2" series book. Despite the many exclamation points, this is really quite bland. 2005, Random House, Ages 5 to 8, $3.99.
Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82945-8
ISBN: 0-375-92945-2
Over the River: A Turkey's Tale
Lydia Marie Child
Illustrations by Derek Anderson
The popular holiday song is given a unique twist in this humorous rendition. An engaging turkey family sets off "over the river and through the woods" to dine at grandmother's. Baby Turkey gambols off at an eager pace followed closely behind by a wary Mama and Papa. And they should worry because lurking in the woods is a boy and his dog looking to bag a tasty treat. Over hill and dale, the chase is on for hunter and hunted and it is up to the turkeys to come up with a clever plan to outwit their pursuers. Bold illustrations capture all of the mayhem with the wide-eyed turkeys getting all the attention. With the boy madly chasing the turkeys, armed with only a stick, readers will be cheering for the turkeys all the way. Of course, all ends well with everyone settling down for a delectable vegetarian feast. This is not a first purchase but with so few story- time selections for this holiday, it is a refreshing addition. Music and lyrics for the song are included. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-689-87635-6
ISBN: 0-689-87635-1
The Peterkins Thanksgiving
Lucretia P. Hale
Adapted by Elizabeth Spurr
Illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin
This is adaptation of an episode from The Peterkin Papers originally published in the 1800s.The charming Peterkin family is as silly and literal as the Stupids and Amelia Bedelia combined. Set in "the olden days," the lovely, detailed pictures are just soft enough to maintain their charm but convey enough of the story line to help expand the text. The Peterkins are a wonderfully complex family who happened to have forgotten to name their last three children and so refer to them as "the Little Boys." This episode hinges on the fact that the weights in the dumbwaiter have become tangled and Thanksgiving dinner is "trapped" between floors. This presents yet another obstacle for the ever-clever Peterkins' brains to overcome or be overcome by. Last year they cut a hole in the ceiling to alleviate the too tall Christmas tree problem and now are considering removing the walls to have access to their dinner. The story is broken up by excerpts from letters written by the daughter, Elizabeth Eliza, to a "lady from Philadelphia" who seems to have missed all of the excitement and concern over the Thanksgiving Feast. In the end, the local carpenter saves the day by getting the dumbwaiter to work and dinner is served: "the trouble was the weight, said the carpenter. I should say so...I've never waited so long for any meal. said Mrs. Peterkin." I could not help thinking how many modern authors have been influenced by this silly, endearing family and the stories of their adventures. Because the story line is fairly long it is a good thing that the illustrations are completely captivating. Share this one with the more discerning listeners who will appreciate the antics of this intellectually challenged (but loving) family. 2005, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, Ages 5 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-84142-6
ISBN: 978-0-689-84142-2
The Pilgrims
Rachel A. Koestler-Grack
Part of the "American Moments" series, this is a concise but reasonably-thorough account of the men and women who were among the first European settlers in the new world of America. The book's first three chapters acquaint readers with the Puritans' dissident religious beliefs, their persecution and subsequent flight from England to the Netherlands where citizens could worship as they wished. The last three chapters cover the establishment of the Plymouth Colony, the Pilgrims' changing relationship with Native Americans, the first winter during which more than half of the Pilgrims died and the first Thanksgiving. Well illustrated with colored drawings, photographs and maps, the book includes a table of contents, as well as a timeline, "Fast Facts" page, glossary and an index. The website pages give a link to the publisher's website where readers will find up-to-date links to other websites with more information about the Pilgrims. The easy-to-read text, short sentences, but young-adult format make this a good choice for older students who find more traditional texts a challenge. 2005, ABDO Publishing Company, $25.65. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5919-7937-4
Thanksgiving
Ellyn Sanna
Although this book appears in a series entitled "American Regional Cooking: Culture, History, and Traditions," it is really about an American tradition that unites all regions and ethnic groups in the U.S. The Thanksgiving dinner started as a celebration of survival after the colonists' first hard winter at Plymouth in 1621-22. It was not until 1863 that President Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Since then, American families have modified and handed down their own particular recipes, with the traditional menu coming to center around the turkey and its trimmings. These include stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberries, corn, and pumpkin pie. Some of these dishes were eaten on the first Thanksgiving and some were not. The book tells us, for example, that pumpkin would have been served as a cooked vegetable rather than as a pie filling, while a wheat pudding called "furmenty" might have been a dessert for the first feasters. Twenty recipes are provided--including furmenty--to teach the younger reader how to join in this tradition. Adults can also learn from the many selections. Pulled molasses candy is a recipe that will connect young people and adults of today to colonial times. Safety tips, conversion tables, pictures of cooking tools, a glossary, and other tips for each recipe help introduce the novice to making these tempting dishes. The Culinary Institute of America is the series consultant. There are photos of every dish, an index, references to books and Web sites, and historical lore throughout. 2005, Mason Crest Publishers, Ages 12 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59084-624-9
Thelonius Turkey Lives!: (On Felicia Ferguson's Farm)
Lynn Rowe Reed
One look at the collage illustrations and readers will know this is not the usual Thanksgiving story. A week before Thanksgiving, Thelonius Turkey was getting nervous because he was the only turkey on the farm. He thought the three square meals that Felicia fed him each day were supposed to fatten him up for the big holiday dinner. With the help of his friends on the farm, Thelonius concocts a new plan each day to distract Felicia. She discovers pigs in her bed, a "pinch me" sign on her back, and an ingenious milk shower. At last, she puts him in her truck and takes him to her factory, where he discovers Felicia uses his feathers to create her hats. The humor of the story is right on target for this age group and is complemented by funky collage illustrations that use photos of objects, fabric, and paint. The wordplay and the inferences that readers need to make between the illustrations and the text give this book a sophistication that places it beyond most preschoolers and makes it perfect for early primary grades. 2005, Alfred A Knopf, Ages 5 to8, $15.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-83126-6
ISBN: 0-375-93126-0
Turkey Surprise
Peggy Archer
Illustrated by Thor Wickstrom
Two pilgrim brothers hunt for a turkey on Thanksgiving Day. They sing about how they will "gobble, gobble turkey/for dinner tonight." Yet the younger brother has second thoughts: he is not so sure he wants to "pluck him, and stuff him/and cook him up right." Nevertheless, the brothers continue with their search, the older pilgrim carrying a sling shot and the younger a spy glass. Meanwhile, a "turkey... in a tizzy" tries hiding from the hunters. He flies into a tree but all the leaves blow away, sticks his head and neck into a gopher hole but cannot get his body in, and jumps into a pond where he cannot breath. All the while, the pilgrims are on his trail, with the younger pilgrim pretending he does not see the turkey. Finally, the younger pilgrim helps the turkey to hide behind a woodpile and convinces his brother to take home a big pumpkin from the pumpkin patch instead. On the last spread, the children and their parents are shown having a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, but no turkey. The surprise is a vegetarian dinner with pumpkin pie as the centerpiece! The turkey and some animal friends gape from outside the window. The illustrations (including an overview of the landscape) take the reader along the pilgrims' path from their house and back. Not only will early readers have fun with the story, but they will think twice about eating turkey for Thanksgiving. 2005, Dial Books for Young Readers/The Penguin Group, Ages 5 to 8, $10.99. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8037-2969-3
Turkeys Together
Carol Wallace
Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers
A pointer bird dog is in search of quail when he comes upon Mother Turkey who tells him that someone has been stealing her eggs. The dog attempts to solve the mystery by asking Raccoon and a family of skunks if they stole the eggs. Finding another turkey whose eggs have been stolen leads him to a solution. Why not put all their eggs together? The turkeys balk at first, but with the help of this kind dog the rest of their babies are saved. Shades of brown and green create the background scenes for the realistic animals in this "Holiday House Reader, Level 2" series book. It is written in the first person from the dog's point of view. He is, indeed, a sympathetic character and definitely the turkeys' best friend. With its themes of problem-solving and gentle caring for others, this will be popular all year. It will find a special place around Thanksgiving and introduces beginning readers to wild turkeys. 2005, Holiday House, Ages 5 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8234-1895-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8234-1895-4
The Ugly Pumpkin
Dave Horowitz
A simple rhyming text tells the tale of a peculiar looking pumpkin that was overlooked for Halloween. Saddened by this, the ugly pumpkin "walked into November" and happened upon a garden of squash. There was something familiar about the shape, thought the ugly pumpkin who then determined he, too, was a squash. Happy and content, he sat down at the Thanksgiving table with many varieties of squash to enjoy the feast. An autumn palette is used to create the garden scenes, from the Halloween pumpkin patch to the Thanksgiving table. Children familiar with the story of the Ugly Duckling will recognize the parody here. Horowitz creates the mood with a wide range of expressions for the ugly pumpkin. With the cartoon style illustrations, a squash as the main character, and a jaunty text that describes its trials, this could be seen as just another light Thanksgiving story that would be a "fun" addition to the holiday collection. It is that for sure, but it could also be the starting point for a discussion about difficulties faced by families as they came to America, and a discussion of how and with whom we share our Thanksgiving feast. 2005, G P Putnam's Sons, Ages 5 to8, $15.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-399-24267-8
To read reviews of Thanksgiving books from last year click here.
Added 10/22/05
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