BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: The Thanksgiving Bowl by Virginia Kroll

TITLE: The Thanksgiving Bowl

AUTHOR: Virginia Kroll

ILLUSTRATOR: Philomena O’Neill

PUBLISHER: Pelican Publishing Company, 2007

SYNOPSIS:

When Grandma Grace’s Thanksgiving bowl topples off the table and into the lives of others, it becomes a useful found object for all who encounter it. From one Thanksgiving to the next, the bowl makes its way upstream and downstream, through sandboxes and snowstorms, carrying goodwill and offering creative inspiration. By the time it makes its way back to Grandma Grace’s backyard, it has been a vessel of gratitude for many creatures, echoing and fulfilling its original purpose’holding the annual ‘I Am Thankful For’ lists of the family.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Now that Halloween is behind us, I have a large stack of Thanksgiving Day books to peruse and enjoy. I like reading everything from the classics to modern tales and this one is no exception. I love the concept behind this story. One yellow bowl is used every Thanksgiving to collect words of gratitude as a family gathers around the holiday table to make some memories and eat Grandma’s good cooking. But one Thanksgiving, the bowl mysteriously heads off on an adventure of its own. Along the way we learn how other creatures end up being very grateful for this same little bowl. Author, Virginia Kroll, created an exceptional storyline to teach young readers the value in appreciating all the “little” things that come their way and not just during the holidays. A great addition to any library!

RATING: ***** 5 Stars *****

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like, but could elements have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

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Jack is afraid of the THING in the closet. Monty is afraid of the LUMP in the bed. One day boy and monster both decide they no longer want to fear what hides in the dark. Both have a plan, but will be surprised by what they discover after A BUMP IN THE NIGHT.

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.