Thanksgiving, 2006
The following reviews were presented in our 2006 Thanksgiving feature.
Reviews
The Best Thanksgiving Ever!
Teddy Slater
Illustrated by Ethan Long
As November approaches, the thoughts of Americans everywhere begin to turn to the same essential holiday elements: home, family, coming together, love, and the joy of giving thanks. Teddy Slater imagines these thoughts are shared by humans and not-so-humans. In fact, he imagines the holiday as it may be experienced by that central Thanksgiving feature: the turkey bird. With his wacky, rhyming text and Ethan Long's equally zany, cartoon-like illustrations, what a holiday it is! The Turkeys are hosting the feast, and their whole family is arriving from all over. The birds engage in the usual frenzy of cooking and cleaning, welcoming and visiting, hugging and kissing, thanking and singing, and then feasting ... on what? The subtly-foreshadowed but thoroughly clever conclusion to this fun little story is simple, laugh-out-loud genius. Slater and Long remind us that the holiday does not need to be all pious pilgrims and cornucopias; this would be a good, irreverent addition to any Thanksgiving holiday collection. 2005, Cartwheel/Scholastic, Ages 4 to 8, $5.99. REVIEWER: Heidi Hauser Green
ISBN: 978-0-439-87390-1
ISBN: 0-439-87390-8
Don't Know Much About the Pilgrims
Kenneth C. Davis
Illustrated by S. D. Schindler
Information is provided in a snappy question and answer format in this book, a part of the "Don't Know Much About" series. The illustrations have a humorous touch and, along with the many sidebars, add to the accessibility. Kids will learn many interesting facts while being urged to imagine themselves experiencing the adventures, hardships, and successes of the Pilgrims as they traveled across the ocean on the Mayflower and then settled in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. The text helps readers to understand the difficulties faced by those brave souls who set off on a dangerous ocean voyage to what truly was a New World. The author offers many facts and debunks many myths. Kids might be fascinated to know that the Pilgrims believed that washing the body was dangerous because infections came from sprits in wind and water. Also, the Pilgrims never did wear those silver buckles. The relationship between the Indians and the Pilgrims is covered in the book, as is the establishment of Thanksgiving Day. All information is offered for the young student who will be exposed to a more complex look at the subject in the future. 2006 (orig. 2002), HarperCollins, Ages 6 to 9, $6.99. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford
ISBN: 978-0-06-446228-0
ISBN: 0-06-446228-5
ISBN: 978-0-06-028610-1
ISBN: 0-06-028610-5
ISBN: 978-0-06-028609-5
ISBN: 0-06-028609-1
Happy Thanksgiving
Margaret McNamara
Illustrated by Mike Gordon
Our most neglected holiday--book-wise--receives a welcome addition in a beginning reader. Mrs. Connor's first graders are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving by making pilgrim, Indian, a pumpkin and even turkey costumes. In the midst of their costume change, the noisy fire alarm rings, resulting in what looks more like a Halloween parade than the first Thanksgiving. Even the kindergarten class is intrigued by the sight. Griffin, the "turkey," greets the class with a "Gobble, Gobble" which delights the younger class, wishing everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving!" This title in the "Robin Hill School" series is a realistic peek into a first grade class--take a look at the inquisitive faces, the classroom decorations, but keep an eye on that pumpkin. Readers will be able to relate to the children in the class, especially early in the school year. The text is quite adequate for beginning readers, who might occasionally need assistance with the vocabulary, while keeping interest at an appropriate level. 2005, Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster, $3.99 and $11.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-416-90505-7
ISBN: 978-1-416-90505-9
ISBN: 1-416-90506-5
ISBN: 978-1-416-90506-6
It's Thanksgiving!
Jack Prelutsky
Illustrations by Marylin Hafner
This is a lovely account of the celebration of Thanksgiving from HarperCollins' "I Can Read" series. Each facet of Thanksgiving is covered, from school projects to the landing of the pilgrims to the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Even the turkeys have a page devoted to them. This delightful story by Jack Prelutsky, the first Children's Poet Laureate, captures every essence of this special day. Even with all the information given for this holiday, the story has a warmth and natural charm that all children can relate to. One chapter, "I Went Hungry on Thanksgiving" addresses the simple feeling of a child who feels she cannot eat because of her new braces. The poetry is naturally outstanding, as are the illustrations. Hafner's drawings match the text perfectly, add a bit of humor and charm, and are well-placed so as to not interfere with the text. From beginning to end, this is about as perfect as you can get for a holiday book for children. 2007 (orig. 1982), HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. REVIEWER: Joan Elste
ISBN: 978-0-06-053710-4
ISBN: 978-06-053709-8
Maisy's Thanksgiving Sticker Book
Lucy Cousins
As Maisy and her friends prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, the reader is directed through questions to match stickers to the appropriate pictures. "Can you find Cyril's apron?" Maisy harvests the vegetables from the garden, Cyril washes and cooks them. "Charley is in charge of dessert. What does Charley need to make the pies?" Tallulah decorates with flowers. Eddie sets the table. They all sit down to enjoy the meal that have created together. What's more, they all pitch in to clean up after the meal. "Thank you, every one. Happy Thanksgiving." In the last picture, we see all of them asleep on (or behind) the bright blue couch. Stickers include veggies, apron, flowers, place settings, food, and (of course) a lovely turkey. Fun for a gift to share while waiting for your own turkey to come out of the oven. 2006, Candlewick, $3.99,Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan.
ISBN: 0-7636-3048-9
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3048-5
More Snacks! A Thanksgiving Play
Joan Holub
Illustrated by Will Terry
The school age ants are performing a Thanksgiving play. Beginning with "'Our play,' said Jay," every page has an ant student's name rhyming with their dialog. "'Big ship,' said Chip" and "'Long rope,' said Hope," appear on the page on which we see the ants boarding "the Mayflower" seeking snacks. The ship sails away and the ants suffer through storms and diminishing food supplies. Finally we read, "'Blue sky,' said Guy" and "'New hill!' said Jill." Then we see an Indian ant showing the "Pilgrim" ants how to plant seeds and find "'...more snacks!' said Max." "'Give thanks,' said Hank" is the furthest stretch in rhyming, but children will ignore that liberty while practicing their emerging reading skills. The cute cartoon ants are wearing typical pilgrim hats and bonnets. This one will be a good source of discussion for youngsters learning about the events that have come to be celebrated in the United States every November. Well- spaced large type face along with the controlled vocabulary make this book easy to read. This title is book one of the "Ant Hill" stories which are part of the "Ready-to-Read" series and is rated "pre-level 1." 2006, Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 7, $11.89 and $3.99.
Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4169-0954-0
ISBN: 978-1-4169-0954-5
ISBN: 1-4169-2559-7
ISBN: 978-1-4169-2559-0
Nate the Great Talks Turkey: With Help from Olivia Sharp
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Mitchell Sharmat
Illustrated by Jody Wheeler
Once again a case presents itself to Nate and his dog, Sludge. A turkey is loose in the town and Claude, Nate's friend, has found one. Well, to be exact, Claude had found one and lost it again in his usual style. Nate is not interested in taking on the lost turkey case, but Sludge is ready to use his sniffer to help Claude. So Nate sits at home (eating pancakes) while Claude and Sludge seek the missing fowl. In the meantime, the turkey has aroused the attention of the news media. Upon hearing the reports of "wild turkey on the loose," Nate's cousin Olivia Sharp decides to come to help Nate on the case herself - she assumes that Nate has gone into action. Olivia's parents are on vacation and she "commands" the chauffeur/pilot to take her in the family's private plane to visit Nate. Even with the addition of Olivia's interest in the turkey caper, Nate is content to let her go on her own investigations. Needless to say, before, too, long Nate is no longer able to sit at home. After writing a note to his mother, (he is a very considerate boy) he heads out to track down Claude, Sludge, Olivia and the turkey. Clues along the way spark Nate's interest and he becomes aware that there are TWO missing turkeys. Claude and Sludge find a white one and Olivia (with the help of 300 pounds of turkey food) finds a colorful one. Everyone feels satisfied, especially Claude who actually found something for a change. Olivia is pleased to have captured the wild turkey and announces the case closed but the reader sees in the picture that the turkey has escaped and is chasing the chauffeur down the street. Nate proclaims "there are some cases that never close." Fans of Nate's detecting abilities will enjoy this chapter book (at 80 pages it is somewhat longer than the earlier books) with its charming illustrations and humorous characters - including Nate's neighbor Rosamond who runs a rent-a-pet business (kittens go for 5 cents an hour!). 2006, Delacorte Press, $11.95, Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan.
ISBN: 0-385-73336-4
ISBN: 978-0-385-73336-6
Native North American Foods and Recipes
Kathryn Smithyman and Bobbie Kalman
Many of the foods enjoyed around the world today were first gathered or grown by Native Americans. Corn (including popcorn), maple syrup, wild rice, sunflowers, potatoes, squash and pumpkin are just a few of the foods native to North America. In this book from the "Native Nations of North America" series readers will learn about the foods hunted, fished, and gathered by the many tribes who lived throughout this continent. Two-page chapters give basic information on crops, cultivation, hunting, and fishing, as well as the traditional ways of cooking and preserving foods. Frequent sidebars give interesting facts on related topics. Many recipes are included; these recipes are best made at home under the supervision of and with the help of an adult. Colorful drawings and photographs (most with detailed captions) illustrate every page. At the end of the book readers will find a brief glossary and index. 2006, Crabtree Publishing, $23.92 and $8.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7787-0383-5
ISBN: 978-0-778-70383-9
ISBN: 0-7787-0475-0
ISBN: 978-0-7787-0475-1
An Old-fashioned Thanksgiving
Louisa May Alcott
Illustrated by James Bernardin
This is how Thanksgiving should be remembered. A soft snow cover, a feast of turkey and a happy, healthy family are all the ingredients for this festive, thankful, homespun holiday. Bernardin's illustrations present Alcott's classic tale in a picture-book format, clearly more attractive and concise than other editions of the story. It is the early to mid 1800s in New Hampshire and Mrs. Bassett is preparing her family's Thanksgiving meal, but is interrupted by someone "...comin' up the hill lively!" with news of her mother being very ill. Immediately Farmer Bassett and his wife leave to be with her, leaving the six children home to prepare the meal. Though none have ever cooked before--how difficult could it be? Their mother made meals so easily. When Pa arrives later with Ma, Grandma, Aunt Cathy, Uncle Mose and their children, all is well. (Grandma's illness was just a misunderstanding.) Was the children's first attempt preparing Thanksgiving memorable? You be the judge and make plans to weave this nostalgic story into your holiday traditions. Be sure to try out the recipe for Louisa May Alcott's "Apple Slump" which follows the text: very simple with ingredients probably already in your kitchen, or as a class project. 2005, HarperCollins, $15.99 and $8.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-000450-9
ISBN: 978-0-06-000450-7
ISBN: 1-557-09135-8
ISBN: 978-1-557-09135-2
On Thanksgiving Day/El Dia de Accion de Gracias
Judy Zocchi
Illustrations by Rebecca Wells
Translated by John Page
Part of the "Holiday Happenings" series, this slim volume introduces young readers to some of the customs and activities associated with the celebration of Thanksgiving. Bright, appealing illustrations complement and enhance the very brief, simple rhyming text. In this bilingual edition, the English text, including sidebars, is on the same page as the Spanish text, which is located below the English text. Because the Spanish text is a literal translation of the English text, it does not rhyme. Each two-page spread contains either a sentence or phrase in bold black type, while some pages also include smaller sidebars offering relevant background information concerning Thanksgiving traditions and activities. These sidebars seem geared to more mature readers. The cheerful illustrations show ethnically diverse children and adults preparing and eating a typical Thanksgiving dinner, watching a football game, putting on a play about pilgrims and Native Americans making peace, and expressing thankful feelings. One of the final pages discusses the history of the first Thanksgiving, while another page offers fun facts, related character-building activities, and cross-cultural connections. In this bilingual edition, the final two pages presenting the fun facts, etc., and the art project, are in English only, with no Spanish translations. 2005, Dingles & Company, $15.50. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-891997-75-0
Pilgrims: a Nonfiction Companion to Thanksgiving on Thursday
Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
In September of 1620, a group of English citizens left England in hopes of finding work and religious freedom in the New World. This book documents the trials they faced during the journey aboard the Mayflower and in the first several years in the New World. This is done through the eyes of two animated tour guides, Jack and Annie. The Mayflower, the ship that was the pilgrims' home for nearly two months while they were at sea, was extremely crowded and the living conditions were unpleasant. Before they reached land along the Massachusetts coastline, the pilgrims signed a document that they believed would help them govern themselves. It did not, however, prepare them for the challenges that would come. Scurvy, hunger, pneumonia, and the cold weather in New England all made the winter horrific. Squanto, a Native American living in the area, was introduced to the pilgrims, and with the introduction came a friendship that yielded knowledge and peace between the natives and the pilgrims. By the fall of 1621, the pilgrims had hunted and planted enough to have a feast. While the text of the book is dry and lacks the immediacy that the topic engenders, the tour guides are useful and do a yeoman's job of explaining complicated words and ideas. The drawings and illustrations, which are black-and-white, give the book the appropriate research feel, and, at the back of the book, the authors provide lists of other books that can be read on the subject along with websites. This title gives a lot of information about life in Massachusetts in the 1620s and would be helpful for a teacher or student studying that topic. 2005, Random House, $4.99 and $11.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jennifer Bishop (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-83219-X
ISBN: 978-0-375-83219-2
ISBN: 0-375-93219-4
ISBN: 978-0-375-93219-9
The Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving
Mary Englar
Illustrations by Peter McDonnell
Part of the "Graphic Library" series, this volume gives a great sense of what it was like to arrive on the Mayflower-including having to live on a freezing ship during the winter months until shelters were built-as the Pilgrims were ill-equipped and ill-prepared for the conditions they found. Because of native peoples like Samoset and Tesquantum, known as Squanto, the Pilgrims learned how to plant crops, fish, hunt, and take care of themselves. The thankful Pilgrims invited local tribes to a harvest feast to celebrate their bounty of food and the fact that their settlement was growing stronger after initial disease and starvation. At the end of the easy to read comic-style book, additional short facts about the Pilgrims are presented, as well as a glossary and list of further sources. This graphic depiction of the Pilgrims' harvest festival is an excellent resource for reluctant readers in elementary, middle, and upper school. 2007, Capstone Press, $25.26, Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Kathryn Erskine.
ISBN: 0-7368-5492-4
ISBN: 978-0-7368-5492-4
ISBN: 978-0-7368-7529-5
ISBN: 0-7368-7529-8
Thanksgiving: A Day of Thanks
Amanda Doering
The meaning of this holiday is explored through a short history and traditions. A funny story and a hands-on activity are included. Each page of simple text is illustrated by brightly colored photographs. A happy extended family of African descent is shown giving thanks at a well-set table with traditional food. The Macy's Day Parade and football games are part of many celebrations. Capsules show further facts, such as: "Thanksgiving is the busiest travel time of the year in the United States." The president of the United States saves the life of one turkey each year, and people get to vote on a name for the turkey. Directions are given for making a turkey from colored construction paper by gluing outlines of hands and feet. Large print, simple vocabulary, and clear chapter titles invite children into the text. There is a table of contents, glossary with pronunciation guide, lists for further reading, web sites, and an index. Part of the "First Facts" series and "Holidays and Culture" extension, this is a great resource for libraries for children. 2007, Capstone Press, $21.26 Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman.
ISBN: 978-0-7368-6399-5
ISBN: 0-7368-6399-0
Thanksgiving Day Alphabet
Beverly Barras Vidrine
Illustrated by Alison Davis Lyne
Each letter in this informative book about the historical roots of Thanksgiving is hand drawn with a large, bold calligraphic style - the illustrations are "wrapped" around, over and through the giant sized letters and the backgrounds are smallish wallpaper-like images representative of the text for the particular letter being discussed. The colorful illustrations have a slightly fuzzy quality that makes them look old fashioned and suit the text perfectly. K is for king - King James I of England is shown in regal splendor and his stand that everyone must attend his church or be persecuted for failing to obey him (the king was head of the church), makes it clear that the people left England for religious reasons. Other aspects of the whole history of the feast filled holiday are included with such facts as: L is for Lincoln who proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 ("...became president many years after the colonists landed in America"). N is for November the month that Thanksgiving is celebrated and also the month that the Mayflower landed in 1620. I could have wished that the map showing the X for the spot that the ship reached was not just a depiction of the coast line of Massachusetts with Plymouth marked with an x -- small detail but I do think that readers need the perspective of the entire continent to gage where the "x" is in relationship to where they live. On the P page we do see the pilgrims' ("... travels for religious reasons") route on a map showing North America as well as Europe and Africa for perspective. " ... In time, all early Plymouth colonists became known as Pilgrims." Bringing the focus to current day is the G page. G is for the games probably played during the harvest festival - "Today, football games are an American Thanksgiving tradition" (in many households!). The introductory historical note and the addition of phonetic pronunciations for the Indian names help to make this a worthwhile addition to the body of Thanksgiving literature. 2006, Pelican Publishing, $7.95, Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan.
ISBN: 1-58980-338-8
ISBN: 978-1-58980-338-1
The Thanksgiving Mystery
Gail Herman
Illustrated by Duendes del Sur
In this rather silly reader based on the characters from the Cartoon Network, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are not thrilled about getting fresh fruits and vegetables for their Thanksgiving dinner. Pizza holds a lot more appeal. A mild scare in the pumpkin patch ends up with them crashing the pumpkin pie-eating contest. All the mishaps are explained away and in the end, Shaggy and Scooby have the Thanksgiving dinner they want. The stylized cartoon characters seem to be stereotypes-the beautiful girl, the handsome jock, the brainy and slightly nerdy girl. Not exactly a stellar cast, but probably familiar to most kids. A level 2 book in the Scholastic reader series. Book #17 in the "Scooby-Doo! Reader" series. 2005, Scholastic, Ages 5 to 7, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-78359-3
ISBN: 978-0-439-78359-0
Where the Great Hawk Flies
Liza Ketchum
This is a more important book than it first appears. It is a historical novel, taking place in an America recovering from the Revolutionary War. It is a coming-of-age novel, told from two points of view--possibly irreconcilable. It also has touches of mysticism and psychology. Daniel Tucker's mother is Native American, Pequot, while Hiram Coombs' family considers itself "pure-blooded" white. And it is a study of prejudice and the consequences of hate. The two fathers know that survival can often depend on good relations with neighbors, but the boys think they know better. And the mothers could not be more different. Daniel's is a shaman--a wise woman, a peacemaker--and a healer, with knowledge of herbs and midwifery. When her father shows up unexpectedly (ostensibly to see his grandchildren) one more layer is added to the already complicated plot. Both Daniel and his sister, Rhoda, want to learn the old Indian ways from their grandfather; their father wants Daniel to help him with chores. Hiram's mother cannot forget the Indian raid two years ago, when her brother was kidnapped. She is also pregnant, but she will have nothing to do with an Indian woman, whatever her skills. Surely there will be a white woman who will help her. She has no idea how isolated she is. Her brother returns--a runaway or released? Who can tell? He has a bad case of what today would be called PTSD--Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Can he be helped? Can Hiram and his mother overcome their fear and hatred? What about the new baby? A fascinating picture of the times and the people as well as a thoughtful Thanksgiving read. Recommended. 2005, Clarion, $16.00. Ages 9 to 15. Reviewer: Judy Silverman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Booklist Book Review Stars, Sep. 15, 2005; United States
Children's Books 2005: One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2005;New York Public Library; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 2006 Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006; H.W Wilson Company; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Massachusetts Children's Book Award Winner 2006 Children's Young Adult Literature United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2007; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Kentucky
ISBN: 0-618-40085-0
ISBN: 978-0-618-40085-0
A World of Prayers
Jeremy Brooks
Illustrated by Elena Gomez
An exquisite wave of universally expressed feelings wash across the pages of this gorgeously illustrated collection of prayers, said and sung by a variety of peoples and cultures around the world. From the earliest simple mealtime graces to the most sweeping exhortations for safe journeys and protected slumbers, this aggregation of prayers is indeed universal in scope, including prayers from Holland, Japan, India, China, the United States, England, Africa, Israel, France, Scotland, Norway, Ireland, the Middle East, and Native Americans of North America. The art sweeps through the book with a sense of unity while displaying a variety of styles suited to the various cultures represented. Children will experience a glimpse of each of the country's individuality but will readily see that children everywhere pray about the same things and share concerns for the same things. People everywhere give thanks, ask for guidance, and praise the glory that is the earth upon which we all abide. My personal favorites include: "Dear Jesus, as a hen covers her chicks with her wings to keep them safe, protect us this dark night under your golden wings." (India) "The bread is warm and fresh, the water cool and clear. Lord of all life, be with us. Lord of all life, be near." (Nigeria) "The eagles give thanks for the mountains. The fish give thanks for the sea. We give thanks for our blessings and for what we're about to receive." (Native American) The illustrations really are suitable for framing--the original art must be stunning. 2006, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $16.00. Ages all. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
Chants and poems fill A World of Prayers. Chosen by Church of England priest Jeremy Brooks, these prayers range from brief Chinese and Norwegian mealtime graces to the Yoruban exhortation to "enjoy the earth gently" to the Middle Eastern hope that we be drawn "to one another in love." In his introduction, Brooks mentions the playful, simple nature of these children's prayers and encourages young people to make up their own joyful or solemn poems: "You don't need to use other people's words to pray--often it is better to use your own--but maybe some of these will help you to find your own special words." Artist Elena Gomez interprets these prayers with shimmering swirls of color and vivid patterns. The effect is as mysterious and beautiful as a dream. The Scottish "Peace of the running waves to you" shows a lass whose green and blue dress eddies into waves bearing tiny, red fish. Two Dutch bedtime chants are limned by children sleeping under a green blanket that flows into a field of tulips. A tender celebration of all cultures and faiths. 2006, Eerdmans, $16.00. Ages all. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, November 28, 2005; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-8028-5285-8
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5285-4
To return to our most recent Thanksgiving feature, click here.
Updated 10/30/06
To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.