ALA Booklist (Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2003)

Thanksgiving means family, food, friends, and a reason to be grateful. All that and more is whimsically portrayed in a book that is more a chain reaction of events than a story. Still, there's plenty of bounce per ounce, which begins as a red-haired grandmother and her mustachioed husband get up and put in the turkey. Then the doorbell rings, and the tumult begins. Adults, children (many redheads), babies, and animals arrive and set the table, talk, knit, play instruments, and eat. After dinner, it's time for walking, washing, drying, a bit of crying, and dessert. The text, a line or so to a page, almost sounds as if it should be sung (Ding-a-Ling! Grandma rings. Everyone come to the table!). But it's the artwork that's the focus here, and sometimes there's so much activity, it's hard to believe that the figures are not really moving. There are several thin story lines to follow (What's that big wrapped present?), but kids probably won't pick them up until a welcome second or third reading.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 2004)

A simple text describes a large family's traditional Thanksgiving meal at Grandma's house, but the real story is told in the detailed illustrations. Personalities emerge, conflicts erupt, and emotions overflow in the cheerily colorful chaos that outlines the day from food preparation through dinner, clean-up, and dessert. This is a loving portrait of a family holiday.

Kirkus Reviews

A large extended family comes together at Grandma's house for an old-fashioned Thanksgiving. Everyone helps with the cooking, the eating, and the cleanup. There is just as much noise as there is dialogue and it's all incorporated into the text of this predictable little story. The swirling text of differing size might be a little confusing to read aloud, but small audiences will enjoy coming up with the stories behind the family's actions and expressions. Goode's signature watercolor-and-ink illustrations are full of drama, mystery, and delight as the family comes together for dinner, again for dessert, and then parts until next year. Sure to please families of any size at harvest season. ( Picture book. 3-6)

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-An appealing account of a family gathering with wonderfully warm illustrations. Grandma and Grandpa prepare for a Thanksgiving celebration and each ring of the doorbell brings a crew of happy, hungry relatives, awaiting their hugs. The pet bird and cat seem eager to join in the fun. After everyone helps with the preparations, Grandma rings the dinner bell and all convene for a memorable holiday. The humorously detailed, pen-and-ink and watercolor, cartoon artwork is exuberant, mischievous, and full of surprises. This Thanksgiving book has something for everyone.-Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.