Thanksgiving tales

First graders enjoyed hearing about the two families portrayed in The Perfect Thanksgiving by Eileen Spinelli.  Abigail Archer's family was perfect in every way- from the perfectly cooked turkey to the well-mannered guests, to the mother who was all dressed up and baked homemade pies.  The narrator of the story explained that her family was just the opposite: burned turkey, loud and crazy family, and a mother dressed in blue jeans who bought pies from the store. But both families had one thing in common--the love for their family.

The contrast between the two families was amusing, and when I asked if their Thanksgiving feast day was more like Abigail's or the author's, most seemed to think their family was perfect just like Abigail's!  Hmmm, I find that hard to believe, but if they say so! Happy Thanksgiving everyone (no matter how your family celebrates!)

Turk and Runt is a fun story about two turkey brothers.  Turk was big and strong and could dance and play football, and Runt was, well the runt of the family.  Turk was obviously the parents' favorite, and it was their hope that he would land the role of a lead dancer or be chosen for the football team.  When a dance instructor, and later the football coach, came to the turkey farm, Turk put on a show with his amazing dance and football moves.  The instructor and coach were very impressed with Turk and were all set to choose him, until Runt spoiled it by running around wild and acting crazy and then sneezing and coughing to make the turkeys appear sick.  So Turk wasn't "chosen," much to his parents' disappointment.  But it appears only Runt knew that Turk wasn't really being chosen for his talents, but rather for how attractive he would look on a Thanksgiving table! So Runt saves the day!

The Thanksgiving Door is a wonderful story by Debby Atwell.  The story begins with an older couple getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving alone, but Ann burns the dinner.  Her husband Ed suggested they walk down the street to see if the new restaurant down the street is open.  It is called the New World Cafe, and the door is open! So Ann and Ed head in, but the children in the kitchen don't want any guests today that will ruin their Thanksgiving party that day.  They say they are going to bang pots and pans together to scare them away, but their grandmother stops them and tells them anyone is welcome.  They treat Ann and Ed like family, and the couple is surprised when the family who owns the restaurant clears the tables and begins to dance.  The older couple joins in the fun, and they have the time of their life and make some wonderful friends.  The traditions, dress, and decorations depict an immigrant family spending their first Thanksgiving here in our country, and it's a wonderful reminder that people from different cultures and ages can become the best of friends.