Giving Thanks
Giving Thanks
by
Kate Marley
Some people might call them trite, sentimental, or sappy,
but there is still something very satisfying to one’s soul
about a well-written and illustrated book with a message of
hope, love and family. This month in particular, when we
put our rat race on hold for one day to give thanks, is
rather appropriate to showcase books which illustrate all
that for which we should be grateful.
Picture Books
PICTURE BOOKS
Halmoni’s Day
by Edna Coe Bercaw. c 2000, Dial.
Jennifer’s grandmother is coming to visit all the way from
Korea, and just in time for a special Grandparent’s Day at
school. Jennifer worries about how her Halmoni will fit in,
with her traditional clothes and no English. But during the
presentation, Halmoni surprises her granddaughter with a
special story that demonstrates how time, distance and
language are no barrier to family love. Beautifully
rendered oil drawings by Robert Hunt are a wonderful
compliment to this tender story.
The Gift
by Kristine L. Franklin. c 1999, Chronicle Books.
Flattered and excited by Fish Woman’s invitation to go
fishing, Jimmy Joe dreams of catching something better than
just stew fish – a mighty salmon! And while he does land a
salmon, he catches something even better after the whales
come by. Engaging and colorful artwork by Barbara Lavallee
add to the magical feel.
Thanksgiving Wish
by Michael J. Rosen. c 1999, Blue Sky
Press.
More than any other, Thanksgiving was Bubbe’s special
holiday. Determined to carry on after she dies, all the
cousins, aunts and uncles meet at Amanda’s house to try to
duplicate her special recipes, and everything else Bubbe
did to make the holiday so special. But while cloudy skies,
lost electricity, a friendly neighbor and kitchen tag with
all the dishes certainly makes the day memorable, it’s
still Bubbe’s absence and her gift of wishbones for her
grandchildren that Amanda misses. She helps start a new
tradition, inspired by the memory of Bubbe’s love.
Wonderful paintings by John Thompson have that detailed
look that might remind you of Norman Rockwell.
TRANSITIONAL BOOKS
Sky Memories
by Pat Brisson. C 1999, Delacorte Press.
Emily and her mom begin to gather their special memories of
beautiful skyscapes right before her mom discovers she has
cancer. This short but touching book is about the year
before Emily’s mom dies, and how their love, memories and
rituals sustain them in their grief. The skyscape drawings
by Wendell Minor are just simply beautiful.
Seven Wise Princesses
retold by Wafa’ Tarnowska. c 2000,
Barefoot Books.
This is a prose translation for children of “Haft Paykar”,
considered the masterpiece of Nizami, a famous Sufi poet
who lived in twelfth century Persia. Using the imagery of a
shah, seven princesses and seven colors, these stories have
an underlying theme of moral and righteous living. From
each princess, the shah hears a story that illustrates such
virtues as honesty, forgiveness, and humility. Lots of
detailed and vibrant illustrations by Nilesh Mistry are an
excellent compliment to this fine book.
FOR OLDER READERS
Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo. c 2000, Candlewick
Press.
Moving to a new place can be lonely, particularly for a
preacher’s kid. India Opal’s luck turns, though, when she
befriends an ugly stray dog with an uncanny knack for
making friends. She meets a librarian, a convict, Sweet
Pea, the local “witch” – and it’s all because of Winn-
Dixie. Set in Florida, this gentle story about change and
acceptance is perfect for kids starting to read longer
novels.
Drawing Lessons
by Tracy Mack. c 2000, Scholastic.
So much of Rory’s life revolves around her father – she has
his artistic ability and he’s been giving her lessons since
she was five. Then when he leaves one night, it seems as if
her talent has gone also; she can’t seem to draw anything.
Mingled with the pain of losing her dad are the problems of
dealing with her first year of high school and watching her
best friend get a boyfriend, but after a struggle, Rory
finds a way through it all.
Men of Stone
by Gayle Friesen. c 2000, Kids Can Press.
Anger is common for fifteen-year-olds, and Ben is no
exception. Since his father died, he’s been the only male
in a house with his mother and three older sisters, dealing
with a bully at school, and one of his best friends runs
away from an unhappy home. Into all this comes his great
aunt Frieda to stay for a little while, and turns their
scattered lives around. Ben hears stories about his father
he’s never heard before and through her stories of living
through the time of Stalin does Ben begin to find a way
around his anger and understand the right way for himself.
Despite the serious subject matter, this was a very
humorous book with great insight into a young man’s
thoughts.
Saying It Out Loud
by Joan Abelove. c 1999, DK Ink.
Mindy’s mother is dying from a brain tumor, and she
struggles to cope with her relationships - a mother she
loves dearly but finds irritating, and a father to whom she
was once close. Left mostly to herself in this difficult
time, she has time to remember happy memories of her
childhood with her parents, and how to reconcile the THEN
with the now. A sad but moving book, it highlights how easy
it is for family to drift apart when they need each other
most.
All contents © 2000, Kate Marley. All rights reserved.
