A Thanksgiving Wish

A Thanksgiving Wish by Michael Rosen has become a family story time tradition begining this year! The story relates to all ages and became a favorite the first time I read it to my eight year old daughter. I gave a copy to our minister and he used it as his sermon the Sunday before Thanksgiving! The story of family and community coming together combined with John Tompson's beautiful illustrations makes this a wonderful book! I love it!

Bubbe always made Thanksgiving dinner. Now that she has passed away the family tries to recreate that dinner at the request of the youngest member of the family. When the lights in the house blow, a neighbor comes to the rescue in helping them complete the meal and cook their dinner. In fact, a number of their neighbors help. This book has a true spirit of giving and remembrance. Good read aloud at home or for classes. Excellent writing.

Michael Rosen read this story to us last Spring at the West Coast Literacy Conference in Anahem before it was published . There was not a dry-eyed person in the room when he finished. The story of a young girl and the relationship she has with her grandmother will touch your heart. How the family overcomes difficulties and celebrates a truly memorable Thanksgiving will renew your faith in tradition as it did the young girl's. I plan to read this story to my class if I can get through it without tears. I highly recommend it as a holiday read for both children and adults.