Thanksgiving Notes

by Staff -- Publishers Weekly, 9/26/2005

Readers learn that, like the word "Aloha," "Gobble" has many meanings when spoken among feathered friends en route to The Turkey Ball by David Steinberg, illus. by Liz Conrad. This oversize board book features guests decked out in bangles, beads, top hats and bow ties. (PSS!, $6.99 10p ages 3-6 ISBN 0-8431-1456-8; Aug.)

"We're two mighty pilgrims/ coming your way./ Looking for a turkey/ for Thanksgiving Day" goes the refrain of Turkey Surprise by Peggy Archer, illus. by Thor Wickstrom. The "mighty pilgrims" in this paper-over-board tale are brothers who'd rather not harm the bird, so they bring home a pumpkin instead. (Dial, $10.99 32p ages 4-up ISBN 0-8037-2969-3; Aug.)

Following up on their Eight Lights for Eight Nights, author and artist add another title to the Let's Celebrate Series, Beyond Turkey: A Thanksgiving Feast of Fun, Facts, and Activities by Debbie Herman, illus. by Ann Koffsky. They retell the story of the first Thanksgiving and offer illustrated instructions for making a "stuff the turkey" donation can, a "horn of plenty" and more. (Barron's, $8.99 paper 48p ages 6-9 ISBN 0-7641-3063-3; Aug.)

Those seeking further holiday activities will welcome All New Crafts for Thanksgiving by Kathy Ross, illus. by Sharon Lane Holm. From wearable crafts (e.g., a "Native-American Headband") to decorations such as turkeys made from gourds and pilgrim placecards, the paper-over-board book gives simple step-by-step instructions, abundantly illustrated. (Lerner/Millbrook, $7.95 paper ISBN 0-7613-2398-5; Aug.)

Two classics get fresh treatments this fall. The Peterkins' Thanksgiving adapted by Elizabeth Spurr from The Peterkin Papers by Lucretia P. Hale (1880), illus. by Wendy Anderson Halperin, features the delightfully oddball family's predicament when their feast gets stuck in the dumbwaiter. Halperin nicely balances familial affection with humor. (S&S/Atheneum, $17.95 32p ages 7-10 ISBN 0-689-84142-6; Oct.)

James Bernardin's illustrations gussy up an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, which tells of Farmer Bassett and his family: "They were poor in money, but rich in land and love." When Mrs. Bassett learns that her mother has taken ill, Farmer Bassett escorts his wife on the long drive and, with the best of intentions, the older children set about making the holiday meal. Though a few recipes go awry, Bernardin's energetic paintings convey the warmth and love of a shared holiday event. (HarperCollins, $15.99 32p ages 4-8 ISBN 0-06-000450-9; Aug.)