Round the Turkey

September 23, 2002
Kimmelman's (Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights) round-the-table expressions of gratitude in verse bog down with forced rhymes and cloying characterizations. As a large family gathers, young Jesse sets the tone: "They're coming for turkey/ and stuffing and pie,/ for hugs and for kisses/ and handshakes and 'hi.' " Once seated for the meal, Nana suggests they each express their thanks. Cousin Milo describes holding the flag at the school assembly ("Everybody came:/ the principal, the teachers,/ and Mayor What's-His-Name"); Susan talks about her speech therapist ("Every Thurthday, all latht year,/ I went to thee Mith Vandermeer"). Cote's (The Can-Do Thanksgiving) spot illustrations, as simpering as the text, do little to flesh out the speakers. Ages 5-8.

January 1, 2003
Twenty members of Jesse's family (including the dog) take turns giving thanks in rhyme around the Thanksgiving table. What could be a series of banal, sentimental platitudes prove interesting due to Kimmelman's thoughtful characterizations and willingness to acknowledge life's intricacies (e.g., divorce and adoption). The illustrations have an unpolished, cartoony quality but capture the affectionate mood.

(Copyright 2003 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

September 15, 2002
Gr. 2-4. This rhyming book nicely captures the Thanksgiving tradition of taking turns expressing gratitude for events of the past year. Young Jesse says that he is glad that his family is hosting the joyous gathering. Then each guest around the table gives thanks for a wide range of things: a new baby brother, an adopted baby daughter, a home run in Little League, a rescued cat, a new phone, the food, the magical snowfall outside, and even a new fiance. Grandpa is just glad to be alive: "Heart's a-beating, hear just fine. / Lots of grandkids to call mine." With humor and warmth, Kimmelman's verse savors the individual voices in the loving family; even lisps are preserved. Cote's small round paintings alternate between scenes at the table and events in the speakers' stories, while endpapers provide a colorful family tree. An excellent choice for families or teachers who want to discuss the true meaning of Thanksgiving.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)

September 1, 2002
K-Gr 2-Through rhymes, the members of an extended family take turns sharing what they are grateful for on Thanksgiving. This collection of short poems begins and ends with young Jesse, who interjects comments throughout in italics. The first page features a family tree with each of the characters' portraits. The illustrations are lively and colorful, and show the many situations for which the individuals give thanks. The concept has potential, but falls flat in its execution. Peggy's selection is filled with "Yakity-yaks" and teen-speak ("I'm thankful, you know, /for my new phone, see?/Briiing! Gotta go./That's prob'ly for me!"). Mark and Aunt Julie's poem is written in alternating lines about how they met in a coffee shop after having a morning full of mishaps. Jesse asks, "Is Aunt Julie getting married again, Mom?" "She sure is, Jesse." The poems are all over the map in terms of subject, length, and rhythm, and have only the illustrations to tie them together. One poem is about how Aunt Terry and Uncle Dave went far away to adopt Kaitlyn. It is accompanied by Asian symbols, but the country and culture of their daughter are not identified. Although the idea of each family member giving thanks may sound like a worthy subject, this attempt lacks child appeal in tone and structure.-Genevieve Gallagher, New York Public Library

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.