Publishers Weekly
James Bernardin's illustrations gussy up an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, which tells of Farmer Bassett and his family: "They were poor in money, but rich in land and love." When Mrs. Bassett learns that her mother has taken ill, Farmer Bassett escorts his wife on the long drive and, with the best of intentions, the older children set about making the holiday meal. Though a few recipes go awry, Bernardin's energetic paintings convey the warmth and love of a shared holiday event. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-A picture-book adaptation of a story first told in St. Nicholas magazine in 1881. On a farm in New Hampshire in the 1800s, the Bassett children attempt to make Thanksgiving dinner when their parents are suddenly called away because their grandmother is ill. Tilly forgets to put sugar and salt in the plum pudding. Instead of marjoram and savory, Prue puts catnip and wormwood in the stuffing. The parents soon return along with aunt and uncle and cousins in tow. There was even a mistake about Grandma, who arrives in perfectly fine health. The turkey is inedible, but the apple slump is perfect (recipe included). This is a simple, old-fashioned look at family togetherness during the holiday. The colorful, full-page art is stronger than the story and gives a warm glow to the occasion through Bernardin's use of a golden-colored palette reminiscent of a room filled by the light of a fireplace and candles. However, how many times does this lackluster story need to be re-illustrated? Libraries that own previous renditions such as the one illustrated by Jody Wheeler (Ideals, 1993) or the version with wood engravings by Michael McCurdy (Holiday House, 1989) may not need another.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wholesome, timely story.
Rocky Mountain News
A new version of the classic tale.
