POOKIE’S THANKSGIVING
written/illus. by Sandra Boynton, (Boynton Bookworks/Simon & Schuster, $6.99, Sept. 2022, ISBN 978-1-6559-2263-0), 18p, Ages, 2+

“Oh, POOO-Kie! Little POOO-KIE! It’s time to start baking! / Thanksgiving is here! / There are pies that need making!” Thus begins Pookie and Mom’s preparation for a yummy Thanksgiving dinner for their family. Their pre-baking routine begins with washing their hands and collecting the necessary utensils, then preparing two pies, 1 apple, and 1 pumpkin. While the pies are cooking, they set the table to accommodate five guests. When “Nemmy” and “Boppa” arrive, little Pookie is overjoyed to see his grandparents. “And Soon . . . DINNER’S READY! COME IN! COME IN! SIT WHEREVER YOU PLEASE! / THERE ARE TURNIPS, POTATOES, AND ONIONS WITH CHEESE!” After a delicious dinner, each one announces what they are grateful for. “I am thankful for midnight, and moonlight, and stars.” “I am thankful for saxophones, drums, and guitars.” What is Pookie thankful for? Pie, of course! Little ones will love this charming holiday tale of food, family, and gratitude.
        Themes: Animals, Families, Food, Friendship, Holidays, Series
Other books in the series: Little Pookie | What’s Wrong, Little Pookie | Let’s Dance, Little Pookie | Night-Night, Little Pookie | Happy Birthday, Little Pookie | I Love You, Little Pookie | Spooky Pookie | Happy Easter, Little Pookie | Merry Christmas, Little Pookie

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LITTLE OWL’S LOVE
written/ illus. by Divya Srinivasan, (Viking Books, 2022, $8.99, ISBN 978-0-593-69145-8), 40p, Ages 3-5

This sweet addition to the Little Owl series finds the cute little owl gently gliding through the night and encountering various things that make him happy--a mushroom patch, fireflies, frogs, bears, butterflies, crickets, shimmering stars, his friend Hedgehog who loves mushrooms too, Raccoon who loves chasing moths with him, and his little home in a tree with his mama Kids will love this gentle little bird, with his enormous eyes and big heart, as he discovers many things that make him happy and loves sharing them with his friends.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Friendship, Nature, Series
Other Books in the Series: Little Owl’s Snow | Little Owl’s Day | Little Owl’s Night | Little Owl’s Colors | Little Owl’s 1-2-3

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CONSTRUCTION SITE: A Thanksgiving Night A Thanksgiving Lift-the-Flap Book
written by Sherri Duskey Rinker. Illus. by Helen Morgan, (Chronicle Books, $12.99, Sept 2024, ISBN 978-1-7972-2672-9), 16p, Ages 3+

The construction crew from the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series, are in a happy, thankful mood, as they gather pumpkins, set a scarecrow upright, and prepare a barn’s Farm Stand for the holidays. As little ones lift the flaps, they watch the crew expressing their thanks for a beautiful fall day, for being strong, tall and small, and for each other as they prepare for a lovely harvest. As the busy workday comes to a close, the trucks give thanks for all their friends in this delightful, rhyming tale of gratitude at Thanksgiving.
        Themes: Adventure, Holidays, Humor, Rhythm & Rhyme, Motoring On, Series
Other books in the Series: Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, Construction Site: Merry and Bright, Construction Site: You’re Just Right, Construction Site: Spring Delight, Construction Site Gets Fright

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NO THANKS SAID TURKEY
written by Jeffrey Burton, illus. by Florence Weiser, (Little Simon, Simon & Schuster, $6.99, Sept. 2024, ISBN 978-1-6659-6599-6), 22p, Ages 2+

On one very special Thanksgiving Day the forest animals are getting ready for a great feast, but Turkey is missing. One by one the animals issue invitations to their dinner, but Turkey ignores and turns away from Rabbit, Bear, Doe, Fox, Bird, Squirrel, and Raccoon’s invitations, replying “No, thanks! I’ve just got so much to do!”
When Turkey joins his turkey friends to celebrate their own Thanksgiving (“maple sweets, corn, and casserole”), he surprises the other animals by inviting them also. Kids will enjoy this charming holiday tale of celebrating friendship, fun, food, and surprises.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Food, Holidays, Rhythm & Rhyme

TURKEY’S BIRTHDAY BASH (Turkey Trouble)
written by Wendi Silvano, illus. by Lee Harper, (Two Lions, Sept. 2024, $17.99, ISBN 978-1662516061), 40p, Ages 4-7

Today is Turkey’s birthday and he desperately wants a pizza party, but he feels terrible that no one remembered his special day. When he hears that something is happening in Farmer Jake’s backyard, impatient Turkey decides to take a peak. The animals help camouflage him as a cupcake, a rope-wicked candle made of trash cans, a donkey costume, and a piñata but he is always discovered. When all the animals are invited to the backyard, “Turkey’s eyes grew wide as he took in the scene. There were decorations, games, cupcakes, and ice cream.”
In this cute tale of a turkey in need of patience, kids will love the biggest surprise of all—pizza, courtesy of Gobbles Pizza Truck. Adults will enjoy the author’s play on words ”CRUST me...this is going to be the most SUPER-SPECTACULAR birthday ever!" said Turkey.”
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Food, Humor, Series
Other Books in the Series: Turkey Trouble | Turkey Claus | Turkey Trick or Treat | Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter | Turkey Goes to School | Turkey’s Valentine Surprise | Turkey’s Sandtastic Beach Day

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THE SHIP IN THE WINDOW
written by Travis Jonker, illus. by Matthew Cordell, (Viking Children’s Books, $18.99, Aug. 2024, ISBN 978-0-593-35057-7), 40p, Ages 5+

Mabel the mouse lives in a little cabin by a lake, inhabited by a father and son. One day the father begins construction on a beautiful model ship but refuses to let his son touch the “prized possession”. As Mabel watches the ship grow, she wonders if it will be seaworthy and dreams of sailing it. “I’d be the brave captain, navigating rough seas and cutting through calm waters, using the stars to guide the way.” One night she pushes the ship outside into the lake and it indeed floats, however, tragedy is not far off when the ship meets disaster and crashes upon a rock.
Readers will enjoy this seaworthy tale, the rescue operation of both ship and Mabel, and the ship’s reconstruction, this time with the help of both son and mouse.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Families, Inventions, Pets

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KNIGHT OWL AND EARLY BIRD
written/illus. by Christopher Denise, (Little, Brown/Ottaviano), $18.99, Oct. 2024, ISBN 978-0-316-56452-6), 48p, Ages 5+

After a good night protecting the castle, lighting torches, patrolling walls, and making sure the fires are burning, Knight Owl lays down to sleep but is interrupted by a little chatty bird who wants to become a brave Knight Owl and protect the castle like his hero. “You can teach me everything. I’m a super-duper learner. Look how big my eyes are!” Too tired to teach her, Knight Owl sleeps away the day, while Early Bird keeps busy painting, hanging flags, singing, making pancakes, and keeps Knight Owl awake during the night with her questions. When told to “PLEASE GO AWAY” Early Bird leaves but when she doesn’t return, Knight Owl searches the forest for her. Find out who saves who when forest wolves surround Knight Owl and how they finally work together to keep the kingdom safe.
Kids will love little overzealous Early Bird, who is a terrible owl but a very brave knight, as well as the importance of teamwork and saving the day.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Friendship, Heroes, Humor, Series
Other Book in the Series: Knight Owl

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MOUSETRONAUT SAVES THE WORLD: Based on a (Partially) True Story
written by Astronaut Mark Kelly, Illus. by C. F. Payne, (Simon & Schuster, $ 19.99, Sept 2024, ISBN 978-1-6659-1022-4), 48p, Ages 7-10

This latest installment in the Mousetronaut series finds Meteor, and his team racing into space to divert a huge rock on its deadly course to earth. The crew from (MASA – Mousetronaut Advanced School of Aeronautics) are chosen for the job as they have a small spaceship ready to leave. Their mission is successful, but it takes a dangerous turn when their heat shield and communication antenna are damaged and they make an emergency landing on the moon. Find out how these small mousetronauts, Meteor, Nova, and Newton, finally make it back to Earth and are welcomed home as wonderful heroes.
Kids will enjoy this third tale of NASA’s smallest astronauts, the foldout overview of planets and their orbits, the extensive afterword of technical data on each planet in our solar system, and marvelous illustrations, in this tale of courage, honor, and heroes and their effort to save the world.
         Themes: Adventure, Animals, Outer Space, Series
Other books in the Series: Mousetronaut: Based on a Partially True Story, | Mousetronaut Goes to Mars

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EUGENIA LINCOLN AND THE UNEXPECTED PACKAGE (Tales from Deckawoo Drive)
written by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Chris Van Dusen, (Candlewick Press, 2017, $6.99, ISBN 978-1-5362-0353-0). 112p, Ages 7-10

This fourth book of the Tales from Deckawoo Drive finds Eugenia Lincoln, a no nonsense and very practical person, who runs a tight ship with no frills and no time for “poetry, geegaws, whoop-de-whoops, or frivolity.” Her sister, Baby Lincoln, is the fun-loving and adventurous one in the family. Eugenia’s life drastically changes one day when she suddenly receives a mysterious package from the Blizzintrap Schmocker Company in New York, containing an accordion. When the company refuses to take it back, Eugenia considers selling it, destroying it, or giving it away.

When a salesman, Gaston LaTreaux, shows up in his green velvet suit and hat, offering to give her accordion lessons, Eugenia refuses, but changes her mind when he drapes the accordion around her neck and places her fingers on the keys. Maybe, just maybe, there is music in her heart after all. Find out how Eugenia becomes a joyful, accomplished accordion player and who sent the accordion to her in this fun-loving, adventure tale of frivolity and joy.
         Themes: Families, Chapter Books, Humor, Series
Other Books in the Series: Leroy Ninker Saddles Up | Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon | Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln? | Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem | Franklin Endicott and the Third Key | Mercy Watson is Missing

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THE TRAIN TO IMPOSSIBLE PLACES #1
written by P. G. Bell, illus. by Matt Sharack, (Feiwel and Friends, $12.99, 2018, ISBN 978-1-250-21142-2), 400p, Ages 8-12

Join a young girl, Suzy Smith, an 11-year-old physics enthusiast, as her world is turned upside down when a magical train, the Impossible Postal Express of the Union of Impossible Places, roars through her living room. After sneaking on board, Suzy finds herself deputized as a Postal Operative by the Postmaster Wilmot and is caught up in an amazing adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Her first assignment is to deliver a package to the evil Lady Crepuscula that contains a snow globe with a talking frog inside, who claims to be Prince Frederick. When he begs not to be delivered, Suzy has second thoughts and runs away, only to be pursued by the wicked sorceress. Find out how Suzy saves Prince Frederick, helps her new friends, saves the Impossible Postal Express, and the fate of the entire Union. There is only one problem. Someone is not being honest with her.

Kids will enjoy a train that runs on bananas, travels underwater, the Hazardous Environment Carriage, Trollville, unforgettable characters, a magical world full of good and evil, truth and consequences, right and wrong, and heart, hope, and heroes in this delightful tale of a young girl’s adventure with The Train to Impossible Places.
         Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Friendship, Heroes, Humor, Mystery, Series
Other Books in the Series: The Great Brain Robbery | Delivery to the Lost City

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THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY #1
written by James Ponti, (Aladdin Books, $18.99, Sept. 2024, ISBN 978-1-6659-3253-0), 352p, Ages 10-13

With nothing but a long, hot, Miami summer ahead,12-year-old Alex Sherlock and his13-year-old sister, Zoe start a detective agency, The Sherlock Society. Along with two friends, Lina, a bookworm and Yadi, a clever cinematographer, a retired reporter grandfather, and his fabulous aquamarine Cadillac convertible Roberta, they begin an investigation into gangster Al Capone’s long-lost buried treasure.

Their investigation leads them to the Everglades, where they discover dead animals from toxic waste, corporate corruption of a local businessman, and counterfeiting. With a grandfather who teaches the techniques of reporting, negotiation, and investigation and his 5 major “W” rules (Who, What, Where, When, and Why), an attorney for a mother, who instructs on them right and wrong, and Dad a Marine Biologist, what can go wrong? Plenty, especially when the FBI gets involved.

Kids will enjoy the clever investigations, real life felonies, daring situations, and look forward to the next book in this exciting and entertaining series.
         Themes: Adventure, Family, Friendship, Heroes, Mystery, Series

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SPY SCHOOL GOES WILD
written by Stuart Gibbs, (Simon & Schuster, Sept. 2024, $18.99, ISBN 978-1-6659-3477-0), 320p, Ages 10-13

This twelfth book in the series finds Ben Ripley and his nemesis, Murray Hill, on a plane from Alaska to Africa and sold to Rufus Shang for five million dollars. Double crossed by the principal of their old school; they are forced to work along with Chinese prisoners on a construction site in Africa. When Ben and Murray break out, their trek through the jungle is difficult with no supplies, difficult elephants, lions, hippos, and hungry hyenas.

Just as Ben begins to think that Murray has repented from his previous life, Murry knocks him into a river that flows to Victoria Falls. Find out how Ben escapes, meets up with Erica’s family, helps thwart Rufus Shang’s evil plan to steal Africa’s diamonds, and what happens to Murray again. Readers will enjoy this fast-paced adventure of family, friends, fighting injustice, and good overcoming evil. Note that there is now LGBTQ in Stuart Gibbs series.
         Themes: Adventure, Families, Friendship, Heroes, Mysteries, Series
Other Books in the Series: Spy School | Spy Camp | Evil Spy School | Spy Ski School | Spy School Secret Service | Spy School Goes South | Spy School British Invasion | Spy School Revolution | Spy School at Sea | Spy School Project X | Spy School Goes North

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THE VANISHINGS: (Left Behind: The Kids #1)
written by Jerry B. Jenkins/Tim LaHaye, (Tyndale House Publishers, $5.99, 1998. ISBN 978-0-8423-2193-8), 160p, Ages 12+

This first book in the Left Behind series for kids features four kids coping with life their own way and neglecting the advice of their Christian families on how to live their lives. 16-year-old Judd, “The Runaway” a hothead and unhappy with his life, steals money from his father and disappears. 14-year-old Vicki, “The Rebel” considered Trailor Trash by school kids, worries about her parents, and refuses to have anything to do with their faith. 13-year-old Lionel “The Liar” has trouble adjusting to his family move from Chicago’s inner city, finds church uncomfortable, and prefers being around his uncle, the bad apple of the family. 12-year-old Ryan, “The Skeptic” has a busy father who ignores him, breaks house rules, and refuses to listen to anything religious. These four wayward kids have a rude awaking.

When people suddenly disappear, leaving their clothes behind, including their families and friends, the four wayward kids come together and find a left-behind pastor, who gives them hope for a better future and explains “The End Times.”
         Themes: Biblical Values, Families, Friendship, Suspense, Series
Other Books in the Series: Second Chance | Through the Flames | Facing the Future | Nicolae High | The Underground | Busted | Death Strike | The Search | On the Run | Into the Storm | Earthquake! | The Showdown | Judgment Day | Battling the Commander | Fire from Heaven | Terror in the Stadium | Darkening Skies: Judgment of Ice | Attack of Apollyon | A Dangerous Plan | Secrets of New Babylon: The Search for an Imposter | Escape from New Babylon: Discovering New Believers | Horsemen of Terror: The Unseen Judgment | Uplink from the Underground: Showtime for Vicki | Death at the Gala: History in the Making | The Beast Arises: Unveiling the Plan | Wildfire: Into the Great Tribulation | The Mark of the Beast | Breakout! Believers in Danger | Murder in the Holy Place: Carpathia’s Deadly Deception | Escape to Masada | War of the Dragon: Miracles iinthe Air | Attack on Petra | Bounty Hunters: Believers iin the Crosshairs | The Rise of the False Messiahs: Carpathia’s Evil Tricks | Ominous Choices | Heat Wave: Surviving the Fourth Bowl Judgment | The Perils of Love | The Road to War: Facing the Guillotine | Triumphant Return: The New Jerusalem

10 FAT TURKEYS
written by Tony Johnston, illus. by Rich Deas, (Scholastic Books, 2004, 2009 Board), 28p, Ages 3-6

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THE AUTUMN VISITORS
written/illus. by Karel Hayes, (Down East Books, 2015), 32p, Ages 3-7

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BEAR SAYS THANKS
written by Karma Wilson, illus. by Jane Chapman, (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2012), 40p, Ages 3-7

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GOBBLE GOBBLE CRASH!: A Barnyard Counting Bash
written by Julie Stiegemeyer, illus. by Valeri Gorbachev, (Dutton Children’s Books, 2008), 32p, Ages 3-5

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THE TURKEY BALL
written by David Steinberg, illus. by Liz Conrad, (Price, Stern, Sloan, 2005), 10p, Ages 3-5

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ONE TOUGH TURKEY: A Thanksgiving Story
written by Steven Kroll, illus. by John Wallner, (Holiday House, 1982), 32p, Ages 5-8

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OVER THE RIVER, A TURKEY’S TALE
written/illus. by Derek Anderson, (Simon & Schuster, 2005), 40p, Ages 4-8

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OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOOD
written by Lydia Maria Child, illus. by David Catrow, (Henry Holt & Co., Inc, 1996), 32p, Ages 4-7

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RUN, TURKEY, RUN!
written by Diane Mayr, illus. by Laura Rader, (Walker Books, 2007), 32p, Ages 4-7

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STUMPKIN
written/illus. by Lucy Ruth Cummins, (Antheneum Books for Young Readers), 56p, Ages 4-7

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THANKSGIVING IS HERE!
written/illus. by Diane Goode, (HarperCollins, 2003), 32p, Ages 4-7

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THANKSGIVING MICE!
written by Bethany Roberts, illus. by Doug Cushman, (Clarion Books, 2001), 32p, Ages 4-7

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TURK AND RUNT: A Thanksgiving Comedy 1st
written by Lisa Wheeler, illus. by Frank Ansley, (Aladdin, 2005), 32p, Ages 4-7

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TURKEY GOES TO SCHOOL
written by Wendi Silvano, illus. by Lee Harper, (Two Lions, August 2021, $17.99, ISBN 978-1542023641), 40p, Ages 4-7

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TURKEY SURPRISE
written by Peggy Archer, illus. by Thor Wickstron, (Dial Books, 2005), 32p, Ages 4+

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TURKEY TROUBLE
written by Wendi Silvano, illus. by Lee Harper, (Two Lions, 2009), 32p, Ages 4-7

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T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING
written & illus. by Dav Pilkey, (Orchard Books, 1990), 32p, Ages 4-8

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THE GHOST OF SIFTY SIFTY SAM
written by Angela Shelf Medearis, illus. by Jacqueline Rogers, (Scholastic Press, 1997), 40p, Ages 4-8

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MERCY WATSON PRINCESS IN DISGUISE
written by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Chris Van Dusen, (Candlewick Press, 2007), 80p, Ages 6-9

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FEATHERTOP
written by Robert D. San Souci, illus. by Daniel San Souci, (Doubleday Books, 1992), 32p, Ages 8-11

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Over the years, we have researched thousands of children's books, and can recommend some of the best in outstanding children's literature for parents to read aloud and children to read.

Our recommendations must meet certain criteria: fun, creative and imaginative stories, delightful illustrations, and excellent for age appropriate listening and reading. We hope that you enjoyed our recommendations. If you desire further information some of the best in children's literature, please visit our website, www.tchliteracy.com.