An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

by Louisa May Alcott

Overview

Louisa May Alcott was an American novelist best known as author of the novel Little Women. In the mid-1860s, Alcott wrote passionate, fiery novels and sensational stories. She also produced wholesome stories for children, and after their positive reception, she did not generally return to creating works for adults. Alcott continued to write until her death.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617209123
Publisher:	Wilder Publications
Publication date:	04/12/2013
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.06(d)

About the Author

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) is the author of the beloved Little Women, which was based on her own experiences growing up in New England with her parents and three sisters. More than a century after her death, Louisa May Alcott's stories continue to delight readers of all ages.

James Bernardin is a versatile and prolific illustrator of many acclaimed books for children. He has illustrated Laura Numeroff's Would I Trade My Parents?, Eve Bunting's Too Many Monsters, and Candy Chand's The Twelve Prayers of Christmas. He has also created artwork for numerous book covers, including Mary Pope Osborne's Tales from the Odyssey series.

James lives on Bainbridge Island in Washington State with his wife, Lisa, and two sons, Wyeth and Bryson.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Publishers Weekly

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.

School Library Journal

A simple, old-fashioned look at family togetherness during the holiday.” — School Library Journal

“Bernardin’s energetic paintings convey the warmth and love of a shared holiday event.” — Publishers Weekly

“A new version of the classic tale.” — Rocky Mountain News

“Wholesome, timely story.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Perfect illustrations.” — Newton’s Book News

From the Publisher

Wholesome, timely story.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A new version of the classic tale.

Rocky Mountain News