May 222013
Thanks for Thanksgiving
Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks—the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what is most important is being able to share them with family!Julie Markes reminds kids and adults alike about the little details that make each day enjoyable, while Doris Barrette’s beautiful and striking illustrations bring her thoughtful words to life.
List Price: $ 6.99
Price: $ 1.72
A beautiful and meaningful way to introduce thanksgiving,
I went to the bookstore to look for a book for my toddler on thanksgiving. While I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted when I first arrived, after looking at several books, I quickly figured out what I didn’t want. First, I didn’t want a book with any TV characters. Second, I didn’t want a book that mentioned pilgrims and American Indians; that bit of history just doesn’t ring true to me and a meaningful discussion about that topic is simply not age-appropriate for a two-year-old. Finally, I didn’t want a book that was shallow.
I was fortunate to find something that satisfied what I wanted: a meaningful discussion about being thankful that a young child can grasp. This book celebrates thanksgiving by showing appreciation for the big and small things that occur in a young child’s life, from “playdates, swings, and slides” to “dancing, music, and art.” It also celebrates this time of year, thanking for autmumn and sled rides. And, it states clearly, that we should be most thankful for family.
The illustrations are realistic, yet magical and captivating.
If I were to search for a complaint it would be that the children in this book are all white. I suppose they are all from the same family and the family happens to be white, but wouldn’t it have been nice if the author and/or illustrator showed several different families of color? Perhaps this is a missed opportunity.
Still, I give the book five stars because the overall sentiment of this book is just right for toddlers and preschoolers. On the last page, there is a place to record your children’s own thankful thoughts year to year. By first showing all the things one can be thankful for and then asking a child what he/she is thankful for captures the spirit of this holiday. The book, therefore, can be used as an opportunity to model, discuss, and share thanksgiving.
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wonderful illustrations and rhymes,
This is such a simple way to talk with a young child about all the things they like and are thankful for. The illustrations are wonderful and full of life and the story is all told in rhyme so it is a joy to read aloud. My two year old and I really enjoyed reading this together.
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A Thankful Attitude,
From floating leaves to the family we love, THANKS FOR THANKSGIVING illustrates the grateful attitude in action through a child’s eyes as he observes his family preparing for the big turkey Feast and plays through the many ordinary, special moments with his family members in the traditions that impart meaning to this all-important American holiday. Elegantly simple rhymes appear on every page meshed with marvelous watercolors that capture each theme. These are pictures worth more than a thousand words about turkey and pie, school and music, play dates with siblings, friends and pets, winter activities & bedtime routine with daddy and mommy, and finally passing that moonlit night to welcome together grandparents and relatives for a round table full of food – a delicious celebration of family life and a visual appreciation for Thanksgiving.
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