Staff Review: "Thanksgiving for Emily Ann" by Teresa Johnston

"Thanksgiving for Emily Ann" may remind you of your house around the holidays.  It's loud and messy and she's been kicked out of her own bed to make room for the guests.  It's hard to be thankful for things like that, and she get's mad.  But once Emily Ann takes a step back and watches her family laugh and play together, she knows that's what Thanksgiving is all about.
I feel like Emily Ann sometimes.  I like things to be kind of quiet and scheduled.  Holidays are not like that at all.  But it doesn't matter because being together means it's noisy and hectic and you try your best to squeeze in as many stops as possible.  The giggling and squealing and being displaced is all part of the fun!

Emily Ann makes her family special turkey place mats that look very much like this example.  That's a great activity to remind you of all the people you are thankful for.
--Angie RH, Headquarters

Staff review: "Sarah Gives Thanks" by Mike Allegra

Why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday in November?  When did America decide to celebrate Thanksgiving?  What are we supposed to be thankful for? 

"Sarah Gives Thanks," by Mike Allegra, is the true story that answers these questions.  Patriot, mother and author Sarah Josepha Hale knew that America needed to be thankful.  Not about Puritans, Native Americans, turkeys or an extra day off from school!  She knew that the country needed Thanksgiving because it promoted "family, friendship, gratitude and religion".  She used her position as editor of a woman's magazine to spread her ideas and encourage others to be thankful.  Sarah's suggestion was rejected by four presidents for 36 years!  Because of her determination, President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, and we have celebrated it every year since.  This book would be a great family read aloud, best suited to children 6 years and older.  Remember Sarah this year on November 22 as you celebrate with your loved ones. 
--Angie R., Headquarters

Staff Review: "Setting the Turkeys Free"

Its turkey time! “Setting the Turkeys Free” by W. Nikola-Lisa and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max is a great book to kick off November. While not actually a Thanksgiving book itself, it fits right in with them.

A young boy uses a little paint, some glitter, and a lot of imagination to create a family of turkeys. But, then his imagination gets the best of him, and his turkeys find themselves in trouble. The boy must think quickly to save the turkeys he loves.

This book is a wonderful way to get kids to use their imagination and make up stories of their own. Request a copy of “Setting the Turkeys Free” from St. Louis County Library and get ready for some turkey trouble of your own.

“Setting the Turkeys Free” activity:

In the book the turkeys are made with paint and embellished with sequins, feathers, and even toothpicks. For a less messy version, just trace your child’s hand on a piece of paper and let them color their turkey however they would like. They can then glue on any embellishments they want to make their turkeys extra special.

--Shelley A., Weber Road