Thanksgiving Fun for Everyone
by Anne Stephens
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to appreciate all that you have and be grateful for family and friends. With all of the hustle and bustle of preparing your holiday feast, quiet moments may be few and far between. Take some time with your family and enjoy some of these great books that share the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
An Outlaw Thanksgiving by Emily Arnold McCully
(ages 7 and up)
In November of 1896, Clara Maher and her mother become trapped in a snowbound train in Wyoming. When a friendly passenger invites them to celebrate Thanksgiving with his friends, Clara realizes her father’s advice to her is more than true, “Keep your eyes peeled coming west. Out here, you never know what will happen next!” An exciting story of the times, children will learn about the Thanksgivings of the late 1800s, with some surprising mysteries along the way. The tale is captivatingly written and filled with illustrations that only add to the adventure!
The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell
(ages 5 and up)
When Ann burns the Thanksgiving dinner, Ed suggests they go to the new restaurant to eat. Once they arrive, they see that the immigrant owners are also preparing their own special holiday dinner. Ed and Ann will be the guests of honor in a celebration they won’t forget! With simple phrases and vibrantly painted pictures, the author creates a story of the warmth of sharing and generosity during the Thanksgiving season. No matter how the holiday is celebrated, the important thing to remember is giving thanks.
The Very First Thanksgiving Day by Rhonda Gowler Greene
(ages 3 and up)
This is the food, gathered and blessed, the corn and sweet berries, the wild turkey dressed, shared on the very first Thanksgiving day. Written in cumulative rhyme, the story of one of our nation’s oldest traditions is brought to life, recalling the great feast shared with the Indians who taught them how to live in the new land. With colorful paintings and simple phrases, this book will show even the youngest readers the importance of giving thanks.
Thanksgiving Day Thanks by Laura Malone Elliott
(ages 4 and up)
At Sam’s school, the class is making a Thanksgiving feast. Everyone is thinking of one special thing they are thankful for — everyone but Sam! When Sam’s special project is in danger, can the class save it, and will he find out what he is truly thankful for? Well written, Thanksgiving Day Thanks encourages young readers to think about what they are grateful for in their own lives. Detailed and friendly pictures help make this book into a sweet story of the joys of gratitude during the Thanksgiving season.
Thanksgiving in the White House by Gary Hines
(ages 4 and up)
Jack the Turkey is Tad Lincoln’s special pet, but when Tad hears that Jack is to be the main course in the first official Thanksgiving dinner, Tad is determined to save the life of his pet turkey. Can he convince his father, President Abraham Lincoln, to pardon Jack? Beautifully written and colorfully illustrated, the story of the first official Thanksgiving will provide enjoyment for readers of all ages as they hear the antics of Tad and his great endeavor to convince President Lincoln to pardon his turkey friend.
The Firefighters’ Thanksgiving by Maribeth Boelts
(ages 4 and up)
Firefighter Lou has planned a great meal for his fellow firefighters on Thanksgiving Day, but the calls keep coming in. When Lou is hurt, how will the firemen have their special holiday dinner? Told in lyrical rhyme, The Firefighters’ Thanksgiving is a wonderful story which encourages us to remember those who cannot celebrate with their families, yet still find ways to enjoy this special time. Bright paintings and marvelous text combine to make this story one that children can truly enjoy.
About the Middlebury Library
The Middlebury Library completed a major expansion last year and, among the renovations, added a quiet reading area with a fireplace, an expanded children’s area, a teen room, five study rooms and a café, an additional meeting room, an expanded conference room with kitchenette and a cataloged Connecticut History and Genealogy Room.
Book discussions for every age, summer reading programs and extensive online databases through iCONN are just a few of the many offerings the library provides throughout the year. For upcoming programs and current events, go to www.middleburypubliclibrary.org.
The Middlebury Public Library is located at 30 Crest Road. For more information, call 203-758-2634.
Anne Stephens is a librarian at the Middlebury Public Library.