Thanks for Thanksgiving [Hardcover]

Julie Markes (Author), Doris Barrette (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks—the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what is most important is being able to share them with family!

Julie Markes reminds kids and adults alike about the little details that make each day enjoyable, while Doris Barrette's beautiful and striking illustrations bring her thoughtful words to life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Julie Markes lives with her husband, Eric Schine, and their two sons, Charlie and Nicholas, in Brooklyn, New York. Her books include Thanks For Thanksgiving; I Can't Talk Yet, But When I Do ...; Good Thing You're Not An Octopus!; Sidewalk 123; and Sidewalk.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (August 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006051096X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060510961
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #878,025 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Julie Markes, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, has worked as a photographer for the Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press. A former world traveler, she now finds her inspiration much closer to her home in New York City, where she lives with her husband, Eric Schine, and their sons, Charlie and Nicholas. Good Thing You're Not an Octopus! is her first book for children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and meaningful way to introduce thanksgiving, October 31, 2006

By 

sskein (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thanks for Thanksgiving (Hardcover)

I went to the bookstore to look for a book for my toddler on thanksgiving. While I wasn't quite sure what I wanted when I first arrived, after looking at several books, I quickly figured out what I didn't want. First, I didn't want a book with any TV characters. Second, I didn't want a book that mentioned pilgrims and American Indians; that bit of history just doesn't ring true to me and a meaningful discussion about that topic is simply not age-appropriate for a two-year-old. Finally, I didn't want a book that was shallow.

I was fortunate to find something that satisfied what I wanted: a meaningful discussion about being thankful that a young child can grasp. This book celebrates thanksgiving by showing appreciation for the big and small things that occur in a young child's life, from "playdates, swings, and slides" to "dancing, music, and art." It also celebrates this time of year, thanking for autmumn and sled rides. And, it states clearly, that we should be most thankful for family.

The illustrations are realistic, yet magical and captivating.

If I were to search for a complaint it would be that the children in this book are all white. I suppose they are all from the same family and the family happens to be white, but wouldn't it have been nice if the author and/or illustrator showed several different families of color? Perhaps this is a missed opportunity.

Still, I give the book five stars because the overall sentiment of this book is just right for toddlers and preschoolers. On the last page, there is a place to record your children's own thankful thoughts year to year. By first showing all the things one can be thankful for and then asking a child what he/she is thankful for captures the spirit of this holiday. The book, therefore, can be used as an opportunity to model, discuss, and share thanksgiving.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful illustrations and rhymes, January 11, 2007

By 

Karyn W "blckwidow8" (Kansas City, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Thanks for Thanksgiving (Hardcover)

This is such a simple way to talk with a young child about all the things they like and are thankful for. The illustrations are wonderful and full of life and the story is all told in rhyme so it is a joy to read aloud. My two year old and I really enjoyed reading this together.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Thankful Attitude, October 10, 2010

By 

Reflection Haiku "Lily Wang, Author" (California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thanks for Thanksgiving (Paperback)

From floating leaves to the family we love, THANKS FOR THANKSGIVING illustrates the grateful attitude in action through a child's eyes as he observes his family preparing for the big turkey Feast and plays through the many ordinary, special moments with his family members in the traditions that impart meaning to this all-important American holiday. Elegantly simple rhymes appear on every page meshed with marvelous watercolors that capture each theme. These are pictures worth more than a thousand words about turkey and pie, school and music, play dates with siblings, friends and pets, winter activities & bedtime routine with daddy and mommy, and finally passing that moonlit night to welcome together grandparents and relatives for a round table full of food - a delicious celebration of family life and a visual appreciation for Thanksgiving.