[.ca] The Perfect Thanksgiving (ISBN 0312375050)

Light-hearted study in contrasts:
An attentive little girl compares Thanksgiving at her own home and that of Abigail Archer, whose family "is perfect in every way": "Their turkey is plump and golden. Their napkins are made of lace. Their table is lit with candles. They all hold hands for grace." In her house, the smoke alarm wails, sister slurps and uncle burps. Instead of homemade pie with fancy whipped-cream swirls, they have a Jell-O mold that wiggles off its plate and onto the floor. Lighthearted paper-collage illustrations contrast the serenity of one family with the pandemonium of the other. Despite their differences, however, both families are alike in their love for one another.

I'm horrified!:
As a teacher I try and pick books that students from all demographics can relate to. I chose this book, and afterwards was left to deal with a series of very emotional students who could not cope with the reality of not having a family like Abigail Archer's. Furthermore, a series of schoolyard brawls ensued when students from both sides of the Perfect Thanksgiving's demographic areas got in to a dispute. Ultimately, I would never suggest this volatile book for viewing by anyone under the age of 30.

Cute as can be!:
As a mom with many imperfect Thanksgivings behind me, I loved this book! The images of both the perfect and imperfect Thanksgivings were great. Kids probably won't "get" all of it, but the best children's writing (not to mention cartoons) always has a few inside jokes to keep us grownups interested. You will not find a more fun book about Thanksgiving.