Book Matters: Books to read around the Thanksgiving table

Book Matters: Books to read around the Thanksgiving table


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SALT LAKE CITY — This year as you gather the family and food around the Thanksgiving table, don’t forget to pick up a few books to help celebrate the season. Learn what it was like at the first Thanksgiving or why turkey became the bird of choice. Relish a heartwarming tale or soak up some little known facts. Make this your new Thanksgiving tradition and fill your family with more than succulent side dishes and heavenly pies. Each book will delight family members of all ages.








1. "An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving" by Louisa May Alcott and illustrated by Jody Wheeler.

Louisa May Alcott, beloved author of "Little Women," also crafted this endearing Thanksgiving tale. This illustrated adaptation is a great addition to any holiday library. One cold evening, as the Bassett family prepares for the much-anticipated feast, a stranger calls to say that Mrs. Bassett's mother is ill and she must come right away. The Bassett children wave goodbye to their parents and then set to work making Thanksgiving their way, having a few unexpected adventures along the way.

2. "The Thanksgiving Door" by Debby Atwell

A delightfully different kind of Thanksgiving book, this charming story is bursting with the true meaning of the season. When Ann burns Thanksgiving dinner, she and her husband walk down the street to a new restaurant. The door opens, the couple walks in and, although uninvited guests, are soon wrapped in the hospitality of an immigrant family. "The Thanksgiving Door" is well-written and the folkloric illustrations enjoyable.

3. "1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving" by Catherine O'Neill Grace

This visually stunning book was created by National Geographic in cooperation with the Plimouth Plantation, a living history museum in Massachusetts. National Geographic photographers re-created time-period scenes in amazing detail. "1621" also takes a new look at the history of the Pilgrims, detailing the events from all perspectives and putting aside myths.

4. "A Pioneer Thanksgiving: A Story of Harvest Celebrations in 1841" by Barbara Greenwood and illustrated by Heather Collins

Have you ever wondered what Thanksgiving was like in pioneer times? Greenwood's well-researched and beautifully told story is a feast of historical facts as well as an enjoyable story. When young Sarah discovers that her grandma is very sick, she decides to make Thanksgiving extra special and takes her younger sister with her to find cranberries for her granny's favorite treat. As a result of her simple effort, the Robertson family discovers a whole new meaning of the holiday.

5. "Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian Corn: The Story of Thanksgiving Symbols" by Edna Barth and illustrated by Ursula Arndt

Every holiday has its popular symbols and traditions. But where did they come from and what do they really mean? In this eloquent and carefully researched book, author Edna Barth answers these questions and tells some rarely shared stories. Fascinating and engaging, this book will grab the attention of everyone at the Thanksgiving table.

6. "Molly's Pilgrim" by Barbara Cohen and illustrated by Daniel Mark Duffy

This classic Thanksgiving story is based on the real-life experiences of one of the author's ancestors. This book is about Molly, a young girl and recent immigrant who helps her school class realize that it takes all kinds of pilgrims to make a true Thanksgiving. Humble but beautiful illustrations complete this touching story.

7. "10 Fat Turkeys" by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Richard F. Deas

If there are tiny people gathered around your Thanksgiving table, then you will want to have this one handy. Kids will relish this hilarious and wacky story of 10 goofy turkeys and their silly antics. The rhyming text is funny and quick to read. The illustrations are wild and bright.

8. "It's Thanksgiving!" by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by Marylin Hafner

Kids of all ages will gobble up the 12 wonderful poems in this fun holiday book. Written by children's poet laureate Jack Prelutsky, this book is a Thanksgiving staple and perfect for reading over a heaping plate of turkey, mashed potatoes and pie.


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About the Author: Teri Harman -----------------------------

Teri Harman writes and reads from home amid the chaos of three young children. Her biweekly column, Book Matters, appears on ksl.com and in the Deseret News. For more book fun, visit book-matters.com.

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