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November Picture Book Play- A Review and So Much More
By Kimberly M. Hutmacher
I vividly remember my daughter asking about the very first
Thanksgiving. Sure, I had heard the story of the feast shared by the
Native Americans and the Pilgrims, but I'm humbled to say that I
couldn't recall many details. A much better, more appropriate answer
came in the book P is for Pilgrim: A Thanksgiving Alphabet. You'll
find that book and a few others that reveal the true spirit of
Thanksgiving reviewed below, along with a few ideas for Thanksgiving
fun! Enjoy!
Featured Books
Written by Carol Crane
Illustrated by Helle Urban
Sleeping Bear Press
310 North Main Street, Suite 300
Chelsea, MI 48118
40 Pages
ISBN: 1585361348
Across the Atlantic Ocean,
A lone ship on a vast sea.
Ablaze with new hope,
All praying to be free.
Carol Crane's delicious verse and Helle Urban's vivid illustrations
take us back in time to the first Thanksgiving and the rich history
that surrounds it. No one does alphabet books as well as Sleeping
Bear Press. They seem to have one for almost any interest. What makes
their books special are the simple rhyming picture book texts that
engage very young audiences and the more in-depth, detailed sidebars
that capture the interest of older children and adults. I'm not
ashamed to admit that I always learn something new when I pick up one
of their titles!
Written by Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Diane de Groat
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10003
32 Pages
ISBN: 0899197930
While setting the table with candles and a paper turkey for
Thanksgiving dinner, Mrs. Moose wondered aloud, "I wish we had a
real turkey. Everyone always has a turkey for Thanksgiving. Everyone
but us." Mr. Moose saw how disappointed his wife was and decided
to set about making his wife's wish come true. With the help of some
of his forest friends, he tracks down a nice plump turkey. Turkey is
forced to Mr. And Mrs. Moose's house where he thinks he'll become
their dinner. However, he soon realizes that he's mistaken when Mrs.
Moose offers Turkey a chair at their table rather than a roaster in
their oven. Just as Mr. And Mrs. Moose wish to share their
Thanksgiving bounty with everyone, you will want to share this book
with every child.
Written and Illustrated by David Milgrim
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10003
32 Pages
ISBN: 0618274669
Follow one little girl through her Thanksgiving Day. She takes time
to appreciate simple things that help her along in everyday life.
From her warm boots and the beautiful music made by the birds, to the
neighborhood park and the sliding hill, we see this child express her
thanks, and in the end, share some of what she has with others. David
Milgrim's subtle text is offset by his gorgeous illustrations that
were executed in digital oil pastel.
Playtime
1. Make handprint turkeys. Help each child trace his/her hand
on a piece of paper. Add an eye and a beak to the thumb (turkey's
face) and two legs where the wrist would be. Ask them to color each
remaining finger (feathers) a different color and the rest of the
body brown.
2. Use this time to help children reflect upon all that they
have to be thankful for. Remind them that there are others who aren't
so fortunate. Discuss ways that the children can help others. Plan a
coat, toy or can food drive.
More reading for Thanksgiving.
Written and Illustrated by Marc Brown
Written by W. Nikola-Lisa
Written by Sharon Dunn Umnik |
You may not reproduce this article in part or in whole without prior
written permission from Kimberly M. Hutmacher.
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