Thanksgiving Rules

September 21, 2009
An ebullient young host named Percy assures readers that he's a “Thanksgiving Pro,” and that “when it comes to turkey day,/ there's nothing I don't know.” His “simple rules” include putting on whatever your mom wants you to wear (Rule #1: “Smile and say Pumpkin Pie”) and giving brief, polite greetings (“Rule #3: Short = Sweet”). When the buffet is unveiled, the message is loud and clear: “I officially command you to eat everything you see!” is Percy's decree. Percy's enthusiasm effectively captures the spirit of affable overindulgence. Ages 5–9.

September 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 2-In this story told in rhyme, Percy Isaac Gifford, clad in his P.I.G. sweater, presents readers with a workshop on how to get the most out of Thanksgiving, complete with 10 simple rules. ("Rule 1: Smile and say pumpkin pie.") He offers advice on everything from getting through preparations and greetings to how to load up the perfect plate. Exaggerated cartoon art gets increasingly busy as it builds toward the climactic spread featuring the entire Thanksgiving buffet and then slowly tapers back down again as the post-feast stupor hits many of the guests. Sometimes the inconsistent rhythm of the text makes reading aloud awkward. A silly ode to the holiday for larger collections."Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA"

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