Squirrels' Thanksgiving

PreSchool-Grade 2-- An almost successful holiday story. The Squirrel parents gently let their bickering son and daughter know that they expect them to be thankful for each other on Thanksgiving. They are also told to be thankful for the aunt, uncle, and two cousins who will join them for Thanksgiving dinner. After a restless night, the children exhibit exemplary behavior toward each other. And then the cousins arrive, and these two brats take the cake for meanness. In the end, the cousins are so obnoxious at the dinner table that their parents are forced to take them home. And that's where Kroll's admirable realism breaks down. If these adults haven't learned how to control their offspring, they probably haven't figured out how to absent themselves gracefully, and it's far more likely that the hosts would simply have to tough it out until the relatives leave. Bassett's oval vignettes of watercolor and pen are expressive, full of character, and add the right touch of homey warmth. Lots of white space sets them off, leaving an uncluttered page design with large size type. With so many good points, this book still doesn't quite ring true. --Jacqueline Elsner, Athens Regional Library, GA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

On Thanksgiving Eve, Momma and Poppa Squirrel announce that the family has much to be thankful for, but Buddy and Brenda--each feeling mistreated by the other--aren't particularly thankful for siblings. The following morning, the two try their best to behave, but before long revert to the familiar bickering and pinching. When cousins Penny and Chuck appear for dinner, however, the thoughtless, nasty behavior of these spoiled squirrels makes Buddy and Brenda realize that they are, after all, blessed to have each other. Though undoubtedly the message is one from which squabbling siblings will benefit, the plodding text lacks the sparkle and verve readers have come to expect from Kroll. Bassett, who has illustrated other holiday titles by Kroll ( It's April Fool's Day! ; The Biggest Pumpkin Ever ), takes the edge off this disappointment with her sprightly pictures of the diminutive squirrel clan. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.