An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving [Hardcover]

Louisa May Alcott (Author), Jody Wheeler (Illustrator)

Book Description

A heartwarming story set in rural New Hampshire in the 1800s. As the Thanksgiving Day festivities are beginning, the Bassetts must leave on an emergency. The two eldest children are in charge of the household--they prepare a holiday meal like they've never had before! Full color throughout.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-A picture-book adaptation of a classic holiday story that retains most of the major elements of the original, including Gram's misunderstood illness, the feigned bear attack, and the sisters' culinary foibles. While the adaptor's changes seem aimed at making the story more accessible to contemporary readers, this pared-down version unfortunately lacks the spirit of Alcott's creation. Dialogue has been edited to make it simpler and more straightforward, but much of the poetry and language of the time has been lost. Also missing are the subtle but realistic details and descriptions that create the sense of the era. Sprightly line-and-wash illustrations complement the theme of good humor and family love. The full-page spreads are framed in country patterned borders, which add to the feeling of nostalgic storytelling. Like the text, the illustrations are adequate, but lack richness and character. Michael McCurdy's version (Holiday, 1989) has more of the flavor of the original story, but offers less visual appeal to young children. A serviceable addition.
Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Review

“Wholesome, timely story.” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution )

“Bernardin’s energetic paintings convey the warmth and love of a shared holiday event.” (Publishers Weekly )

“A simple, old-fashioned look at family togetherness during the holiday.” (School Library Journal )

“Perfect illustrations.” (Newton’s Book News )

“A new version of the classic tale.” (Rocky Mountain News ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Ideals Childrens Books; 1st edition (August 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082498630X
• ISBN-13: 978-0824986308
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,066,781 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Louisa May Alcott was both an abolitionist and a feminist. She is best known for Little Women (1868), a semi-autobiographical account of her childhood years with her sisters in Concord, Massachusetts. Alcott, unlike Jo, never married: "... because I have fallen in love with so many pretty girls and never once the least bit with any man." She was an advocate of women's suffrage and was the first woman to register to vote in Concord, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful for a Wintery Day, June 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving (Paperback)

This wholesome little book warms you from the inside with it's tale of the Bassett childrens' attempt to prepare Thanksgiving dinner while their mother and father are away. The hard work of the Bassett girls, some surprises, and only a few slight failures result in a memorable holiday for the Bassett family. Although rather short, this book is appropriate for people of all ages. An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is a sweet story that will brighten a cold day for anyone from age five to age one-hundred.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warm and homey., November 29, 2008

By 

K. Childs (Rochester, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving (Hardcover)

The author of "Little Women" gives us a heartwarming, homey tale of the Basset family, who were "poor in money, but rich in love." It's Thanksgiving Day, and the kitchen is full of the bustle of food preparations. Unexpectedly, a neighbor comes by to tell Mrs. Basset that her mother is ill, so Mr. Basset drives her away in the sleigh. Though the parents don't expect the children to prepare the Thanksgiving feast on their own, Tilly, the oldest, determines to give it a try. Things don't go smoothly in the kitchen, and many dishes are smelling a little odd as they cook, when two sleighs arrive, chock full of relatives! Grandma, it turns out, is fine, and she and aunts and uncles have come to feast at the Bassets. Though Tilly is embarrassed at the parts of the meal that didn't turn out too well, most is edible and much appreciated, and the home is filled with nourishing love and gratitude.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for children!, October 4, 2005

By 

Book Lover - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving (Paperback)

If holidays make you blue and Thanksgiving even more so, then read this delightfully innocent tale and feel a sense of gratitude again. It will bring out your inner child and let you feel vicariously all the love and nurturing within this charming tale.