‘Tis the season to be thankful, and
we have much to be grateful for as we reflect on the hurricane season and that
we have limited damage compared to what was predicted. Often, when I feel
grateful, I look for ways to share what I have with others and spread the
gratitude as wide as I’m able. May we always have enough to share.
Thankful by Eileen
Spinelli
illustrated by Archie Preston
Spinelli’s
rhyming picture book is a listing of what makes people feel grateful. In the family-centered
illustrations, an imaginative brother and sister play at acting like a
waitress, who “is thankful for comfortable shoes,” a firefighter, a clown,
doctor, mayor, sailor – to mention a few. Additionally, an “artist is thankful
for color and light” and a “mayor is thankful for every vote.”
Preston
uses pastel watercolors outlined in black ink with lots of white space to
emphasize the expressions and activities of the characters. Text and paintings
together celebrate the ordinary daily occasions for gratitude with a playful,
quirky familiarity. This charming book can easily prompt readers to look at
their own lives with thankful hearts.
Zonderkidz, $16.99
Interest Level: Junior
Kindergarten – Grade 3
Over the River and
Through the Woods: A Holiday Adventure
by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Kim
Smith
Grandma and Grandpa’s invitation to their home
for the holiday triggers a modern version of the often-heard Thanksgiving song. End-papers at the front and back are portraits of the four diverse families of
the adult children. Dark and light skin, adopted children, same gender parents,
plus an assortment of locations where they make their homes, are a visual feast.
The
families’ journeys are equally varied; by ferryboat, airplane, subway, hot air
balloon, car, shuttle, train. The story traces each family’s trip separately as
it begins. As their paths converge near the grandparents’ home, each family
discovers a problem with their travel plans. They are rescued by an
increasingly crowded horse-drawn sleigh, accompanied by the horse’s rhyming
“NEIGH!” adding to the happy chaos.
The digital illustrations are
detailed, colorful and active. While the double page spread of the full table
for Thanksgiving dinner is demonstrably a gathering of love. This happy picture
book is perfect for traveling families headed to their own gatherings.
Sterling, $14.95
Interest Level:
Pre-School - Grade 2
Samuel Eaton’s Day: A
Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy
(Interest Level:
Junior Kindergarten – Grade 2) AND
Sarah Morton’s Day: A
Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl
(Interest Level: Grade
2-4)
Both by Kate Waters, with photographs by Russ Kendall
These
companion books separately feature a boy and girl and describe the lives of
children recreated from actual accounts. Carefully photographed with child interpreters
from Plimoth Plantation, each book takes its readers from daybreak to sunset.
It shows the children getting dressed, the work of the day, mealtimes, lessons,
and bedtimes.
The detail is a tribute not only to
the outstanding photography, but to the care that has been taken to accurately
reflect how clothing was laced, how fields were harvested, how fences were
constructed. Also, what fireplaces, tools, furniture, food, games, school
supplies gardens and many other daily use items looked like and how they were
used.
Both Samuel and Sarah were real
children who lived in 1627, which is the year that Plimoth Plantation, the outdoor
living museum features. The back matter includes information About Plimoth
Plantation, Notes About the Book, and a Glossary. Additionally, Who Was Samuel
Eaton? And, Who Was Sarah Morton? Along with; Meet Roger Burns, and Meet Amanda
Poole, who are the children who interpret Samuel and Sarah. The Samuel Eaton
book also includes information About the Rye Harvest, Of Long Clothes and
Breeches, and The Wampanoag People. Comparisons with present day are
instructive and engaging after or even during the reading of these delightful
books.
Both published by Scholastic, $7.99 (paperback)
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