Thankful for books

I have reviewed a few Thanksgiving books, but thought I should add a couple more of my favorites before the big day is here. If you haven't yet, do share a holiday book with your child. What better way to start a discussion about the meaning of Thanksgiving!

The first book I wanted to talk about is This is the Turkey by Abby Levine. It is an older book, published in 2000, but the catchy rhyme written in partial cumulative pattern and soft illustrations are perfect for reading aloud with your preschooler. Paige Billin-Frye captures the warmth of the holiday and the loving emotions felt by all, even if there is a disaster!

If you are looking for more traditional fare this holiday, check out The Very First Thanksgiving Day by Rhonda Gowler Greene. A Michigan native, Greene created a well researched story of the first Thanksgiving, expressing not only the toils faced by the pilgrims in the new world, but also the joy and thankfulness felt by them at the celebration. Yes, the story lacks a lot of detail, but it is a good, solid introduction for the very young.

Check out these books from your local library today, or pick up a copy at your favorite book seller.

I know an old lady who swallowed a pie by Alison Jackson

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Many picture books exists which follow the cumulative pattern of "There's was an old lady who swallowed a fly", but this one takes the cake... errr, Pie. Not only are the illustrations eye catching, thanks to Skippyjon Jones creator Judith Schachner, but the new twist on the old song is fun and the ending is a pleasant surprise.


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"Twas the night before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey

Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Save the turkeys!!! Most hillarious Thanksgiving book written in rhyme to Clement Moore's historical poem. A few children are off to a turkey farm on a school field trip just before Thanksgiving where they learn what happens to those turkeys! Well, they are going to do everything in their power to help save them. Pay attention to the pictures - depiction of the text!


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Llama, llama, red pajama by Anna Dewdney

Llama, Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney



rating: 5 of 5 stars
This bedtime story is destined to become a classic with its rhythic text and adorable illustrations of the increasingly frantic Baby Llama. Just what is Mama Llama doing that is so important it is keeping her from comforting Baby Llama?! Read and find out :) A great story to share with your Drama Llama!


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My review

A Snowman named just Bob by Mark Kimball Moulton

I may have never heard of Bob before, but I am now glad that I have met him.

A Snowman Named Just Bob was first released in 1999 and re-released in 2008 in a special 10 year anniversary edition. I opened the pages expecting a snowman story, yet found a touching story about friendship and love. It is good to be reminded once in a while that friendship is a simple thing - humans just tend to complicate it.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was not prepared for this book to fly off the shelves, but boy did it ever, and it still is. Jeff Kinney has found a way to reach those elusive 4th - 6th grade boys with a book that is not only entertaining, but spot on! Remember those awkward middle school years where you just didn't feel like you fit in anywhere, but at least you had your one good friend with you?! THEN the unimaginable happens! You're friend starts to become more popular than you. Welcome to Greg's world. Join him for the ride in this illustrated series that will most certainly be a hit.


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The Facttracker by Jason Carter Eaton

The Facttracker by Jason Carter Eaton

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reminiscent of Roald Dahl, Jason Carter Eaton has created characters that leap off the page with creativity and ingenuity in his first book for middle readers. The Facttracker is an intriguing tale of the just small enough boy who is in search of himself, and along the way, he and an entire town learns some valuable facts. Much like Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, life lessons are right there on the page for learning, yet they are not forced fed to the reader. Instead, Eaton’s light, conversational and fun writing style makes the just small enough boy’s journey fun and elicits giggles right along with awes, moans and many, many gasps. This extraordinary children’s book will become a much loved favorite among its readers!


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The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupry

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was required reading in one of my college English classes and one of the only required books that I actually enjoyed. You will walk away from this book a changed person.



"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."


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Bed Hogs by Kelly DiPucchio

Bed Hogs by Kelly S. DiPucchio

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you ever craved more space in bed, then you can relate to the poor little piggy in Bed Hogs. Of course, when everyone is out and he has the whole bed to himself, he's terribly lonely, but isn't that life - we never really know what we want :) Adorable illustrations coupled with fun rhyming text will make this a bedtime favorite.


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