Bestselling author, Eileen Spinelli, exemplifies what it
means to be thankful. Throughout her delightful rhyming book, the waitress, the
fireman, the dancer, the poet and many other folks give thanks for what they
do. Archie Preston's charming illustrations make this a perfect read aloud to
young children and a great reminder to adults on how much we have to be
grateful for.
As a children's librarian, I read many of Spinelli's books
to young listeners. I do believe this is one of my favorites. The simple
language, the people she chose as examples, and the beautiful rhythm make me
want to read Thankful out loud over and
over. Mr. Preston's illustrations match the story so well. I like how he flows
one page into the next from the gardener to the fireman and how the ballerina
reappears in scenes. His whimsical, colorful paintings will keep a child's
attention and delight the adult reader. Even though this is a book for all
seasons, I plan to take it to our family's Thanksgiving dinner and read it to
all the children.