Story Time Monday

I had a hard time deciding what to read for Story Time yesterday, but when I finally decided, I was quite satisfied with my choice.

Of course it had to be about Thanksgiving, but I found that I didn't warm to any of the many possible books about this holiday. Stories featuring worried turkeys were definitely out, and so were books about Pilgrims and Indians, since the children had heard many of them in their classrooms as they prepared for their "first Thanksgiving" feast.

I was happy when I found Abby Levine's funny and thoughtful story, "This is the Turkey." Using the rhythm of "This is the House that Jack Built,"the story follows little Max as his family prepares dinner, receives family and neighbors (with a racial diversity that was very suitable for my particular audience), and puts the dinner on the table. In his excitement little Max gets tangled in his Mom's feet as she carries the turkey to the table, the turkey goes flying, and it ends up in the fish tank! I stopped at this funny and dramatic moment to ask the kids what they thought would happen to Max. I was surprised to find that many of them thought that Max was in big trouble and would be punished! Luckily, Max's family knew that eating turkey isn't what makes Thanksgiving. They comfort Max and tell him that they have everything they need to enjoy the holiday - - their family and friends and enough other food to eat. After dinner everyone plays games, visits, and otherwise enjoys each others' company. When the day is over and the guests are leaving, Max proclaims that this was the "best Thanksgiving ever!"