Thanksgiving with Me

I absolutely ADORE this book! As a K-8 elementary school librarian, I love to share this book with all my classes during the Thanksgiving season. I must admit, I always get a "catch" in my throat at the last page! It reminds me of my "red-headed little brother"! Margaret Willey captures true family attachments - the attachments that last through years and miles. Even though I see recommended ages to Grade 2, my 4th and 5th graders ask me to read this book every year. I highly recommend this book!

In fast-paced rhyming text, at the young girls' request, the mother rattles off memories of her six uncles while they wait for their arrival for Thanksgiving dinner. The uncles are described by their looks, actions, and personalities. A cute story that seems to end too soon. It is nice to see both the girl and her mother happily anticipate the arrival of the six lively relatives. It is refreshing to see family relationships described in a positive manner. The illustrations are colorful and detailed-lots to look at and enjoy.

A nice change from the usual "What size turkey should I buy?" and "What should I wear?". Don't get me wrong--I'm not against pilgrims, but this is a fresh book to cherish. Whimsical art. Rythmic storyline. A welcome addition to our library and my library at home. Margaret Willey, it's been a long wait for this children's book!

I've enjoyed reading all of Margaret Willey's young adult novels. Illustrator, Lloyd Bloom,captures the essence of a "rollicking" Thanksgiving. Enough worrying about the size of the turkey and what to wear--let's get back to the basics!