The Thanksgiving Door
on Goodreads (421)
What’s inside...
When Ed and Ann's turkey dinner burns, they think their Thanksgiving is ruined. But what appears to be a disaster becomes a blessing in disguise when Ed and Ann unknowingly intrude on an immigrant family's own Thanksgiving celebration at their new restaurant, The New World Café. Once Grandmother silences her despairing family and invites the unexpected customers to join them, they all share an evening of friendship, good food, and lots of dancing - reminding everyone that Thanksgiving is about opening one's heart in welcome to the strangers who become friends and the disappointments that bring unexpected joys. This beloved classic is now back in print from Purple House Press!
Age
6-9
Length
35 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ann
Ed
Grandma
Discussion points
What kind actions did you notice in the story? How did they affect the characters?
Why do you think the elderly couple invited everyone into their restaurant for Thanksgiving?
How did the different characters in the book feel during their Thanksgiving celebration?
Can you think of a time when someone new joined a celebration at our home? How did it make the event special?
What does Thanksgiving mean to you, and what are some ways we can show gratitude and kindness like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading 'The Thanksgiving Door' with your child, explain the significance of Thanksgiving as a time of gratitude and community. Encourage your child to think about moments when they felt grateful for someone's kindness. As you read, pause to discuss the illustrations and ask your child how they think the characters are feeling. After reading, relate the story to your own family traditions and discuss how you can welcome and celebrate with others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and hospitality
Explanation: In the story, when an elderly couple accidentally interrupts a family's Thanksgiving dinner, the family warmly welcomes them to join the celebration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be gracious hosts and welcoming to others in new or unexpected situations, fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The value of sharing cultural traditions
Explanation: Throughout the dinner, different cultures are represented through food and conversation, highlighting the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to share their own family's traditions and learn about others', promoting multicultural understanding and respect.
Example Lesson: The power of forgiveness
Explanation: After the initial surprise of the elderly couple's intrusion, all parties come together to share a meal, demonstrating forgiveness and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This story can teach children to be forgiving towards mistakes and to embrace unexpected situations as opportunities for positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Building community through kindness
Explanation: The unexpected guests are integrated into the Thanksgiving celebration, showing how acts of kindness can create connections and build community.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building relationships through positive interactions, which is essential for a supportive community environment.