Thanksgiving Is Here!

Diane Goode went to a lot of large family gatherings when she was growing up, which is why when she asked herself "What happens at Thanksgiving?" the answer was "Why, everything!" This idea is important because you want to pay attention to the details in these pen-and-ink drawings with a watercolor wash that tell the story of what happens when twenty-eight friends and relatives arrive on Thanksgiving Day. It begins with Grandma and Grandpa rising early on Thanksgiving morning to get the turkey in the oven before the guests arrive to help, talk, and eat (not necessarily in that order). The story is told by young Maggie, who arrives with her family first, when it is time to peel the potatoes and roll out the dough. But then more people arrive, from Maggie's glamorous aunt and the uncle with a hairpiece that cannot stay in one place to the acrobatic cousin and the friendly dog that follow Maggie around. Intended for young readers age 3-8, being able to read the simple text of "Thanksgiving Is Here!" is only part of the fun. The main part comes from looking at the pictures and discovering what is in the surprise package, who might be interested in becoming more than friends, and several other things that can be learned only by carefully studying each and every illustration. "Thanksgiving Is Here!" is either a perfect reward for young readers who have helped prepare the food or set the table, or as a fun way of keeping them occupied while the adults have all the Turkey Day fun.

The busy, whimsical illustrations tell much of the story in this book that kids will enjoy poring over. Grandma and Grandpa are up early to wrestle the turkey into the oven. Aunts, uncles and cousins start arriving, with assorted babies, pets, paraphernalia and packages.The simple acts of peeling potatoes, setting the table, hunting for extra chairs, yakking, horseplay -- and several visual subplots --are joyfully depicted in this celebration of family gatherings.

A great book to read with children who are anticipating the Thanksgiving holiday! I will use it with children before and after that big food/family day. All the fixings are here! The family arriving, the action, the food, the children's antics, the cleaning up in the kitchen and everyone's departure. So many details for children to spot as they look at the wonderful illustrations of this action packed day. Feel the anticipation of this great family holiday and that good feeling once the day of friends and family have come and gone. A great way to discuss how you celebrate this day with your children, friends and family.

The pictures of everything that happens at Grandma's house on Thanksgiving Day make me think of my family's house at Thanksgiving. There's all the moving of chairs and finding seats and eating and sitting around waiting for the pumpkin pie, with a bunch of familiar-seeming relatives. And I love the cute little dog. This has the real spirit of Thanksgiving.