Thanksgiving Day Thanks

Sam the bear, previously seen in A String of Hearts (2010), struggles to figure out what “one special thing” he’s thankful for as his classroom gears up for a Thanksgiving celebration. Sam’s classmates are grateful for football, shopping, and marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, and as Sam considers his answer, Elliott incorporates an array of holiday activities into the story that will be a boon for teachers and families alike: creating placemats from wax paper and autumn leaves, donating to food drives, and making bead necklaces to represent wampum, among others. Munsinger is, as usual, attentive to the emotions of her anthropomorphic animal cast, and at Sam’s lowest (when his parade-ready balloons nearly fly away), a classmate’s quick thinking—and good aim—help save the day. While Sam’s eventual realization of what he’s thankful for (his family) won’t surprise anyone, Elliott does a commendable job of including a great deal of information about Thanksgiving history into the story and in endnotes, including a bit of Wampanoag vocabulary and some guesses as to the menu of that first 1621 feast. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)

“K-Gr 2–Bright, cheery, and expressive illustrations perfectly complement this sweet story about Sam's holiday dilemma. The bear cub's class is getting ready for Thanksgiving by making projects and sharing what they are most thankful for. Poor Sam can't think of what to do for his project or what makes him feel grateful. After much thinking, he attempts to re-create the Thanksgiving Day Parade, but a strong wind ruins his project. Luckily his friend Mary Ann, a resourceful squirrel, uses her arrow-shooting skills to rescue one balloon and save the day. This prompts Sam to finally realize what he is thankful for: time spent with his family and wonderful friends. This book will foster discussion about family traditions and gratitude. The author's note is an age-appropriate summary of the first Thanksgiving; it's followed by a page of interesting facts related to the holiday and its inception." –Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA?(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.