BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing

TITLE: The Great Thanksgiving Escape

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Mark Fearing

PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2014

SYNOPSIS:

It’s another Thanksgiving at Grandma’s. Gavin expects a long, boring day full of pesky toddlers, but his cousin Rhonda has a different idea: make a break for it to the swing set in the backyard! Gavin isn’t so sure, especially when they encounter vicious guard dogs (in homemade sweaters), overly affectionate aunts, and worst of all, the great wall of butts. Can they avoid all the obstacles and find some fun before turkey time?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I read this book to my afterschool students this week. Thanksgiving in the US is less than three weeks away and all this month, I’m focusing on turkey themed holiday books to share. The fabulous illustrations immediately caught everyone’s attention, including mine, and the kids were all laughing as I’m sure some of them have lived through the same holiday get togethers. What made it even better was the fun, engaging storyline author, Mark Fearing, wrote to accompany his artwork. This will surely become an instant hit in many households this Thanksgiving! 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.

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