The Perfect Thanksgiving
What’s inside...
" Our smoke alarm is wailing.
Our turkey, burnt as toast.
Dad spills the gravy down his shirt-
a less-than-perfect host".
Enter two families who couldn't be more opposite. Family one seems just perfect-with a plump golden turkey, gorgeous whipped cream swirls atop their pie, and lace napkins on the table. Family two, on the other hand, seems far from it! The turkey burns, the Jell-O wiggles and jiggles right to the floor, and Dad's shirt serves as napkin. What could these two very different families possibly have in common?
Full of whimsy, good spirit, and certainly familial love, this laugh-aloud picture book is sure to add spice to any Thanksgiving feast.
Why read this book
- Showcases the value of family and togetherness.
- Heartwarming illustrations captivate and engage young readers.
- Encourages gratitude and appreciation in children.
- Delightful read aloud for Thanksgiving festivities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you like best about the family’s Thanksgiving celebration in the story?
How do you think the family felt when things didn't go as planned?
Why is it important to be thankful, even when everything isn't perfect?
Can you think of a time when something didn’t go as you expected, but you still had fun?
What are some things you are thankful for this Thanksgiving?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the story by asking them to draw their favorite scene.
Relate the book's themes to your own family traditions by comparing and contrasting what happens in the book with your own Thanksgiving experiences.
Discuss the concept of gratitude and ask your child to think of unique ways to show thankfulness during the holiday season.
Use the book’s illustrations to guide a discussion on how visual cues help tell a story and convey emotions.
Praise your child for their insights and make connections to the positive messages about family and gratitude expressed in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of being thankful for what we have, regardless of how perfect or imperfect it may seem.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate their own possessions and life circumstances, fostering a positive attitude and contentment.
Example Lesson: Family Unity
Explanation: The narrative showcases different family members coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving, demonstrating that family unity is not about perfection but about togetherness.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value family gatherings and to contribute to creating a warm, inclusive family atmosphere.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Imperfections
Explanation: The book portrays various imperfect situations in a Thanksgiving celebration, teaching kids that perfection isn’t necessary for joy and love.
Real-World Application: Children learn to accept imperfections in their lives and in others, helping them to foster resilience and adaptability.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: Characters in the story share what they have during Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of generosity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to share with others, whether it is sharing food, toys, or their time, enhancing their social skills and empathy.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Diversity
Explanation: The book includes a range of characters from different backgrounds, showing children the value of diversity in a celebration.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children recognize and celebrate differences in the people around them, promoting inclusiveness and respect for others.