Gracias

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Miguel has two worries about Thanksgiving: Will his Papa, a trucker, make it home in time? And will his pet turkey become the entree? This crackling tale is set in New York City, where Gracias, the turkey, takes walks on a leash, is stolen, recovered and, when blessed by a priest, is thankfully deemed unroastable. Cepeda (The Cat's Meow) captures the story's sunny disposition with gaily composed, Latin-flavored oil paintings. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

A turkey, a gift from Papa, arrives with instructions to fatten it up for Thanksgiving. Since their N.Y. City apartment is not a farm, Miguel and his abuelo build a cage and Miguel reads up on the care and feeding of turkeys. The neighbors know about the bird and help in the care of the turkey. The problem is who can eat a turkey who has a name, follows you to church, and is blessed by the Priest? Chicken anyone?

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-Miguel, a Puerto Rican boy in New York City, receives a surprise package from his absentee truck-driving father-a gigantic wooden crate with the message: "Fatten this turkey for Thanksgiving. I'll be home to share it with you. Love from Pap." What ensues is a humorous story of Miguel's increasing attachment to the bird he nicknames Gracias. His new amiga follows him everywhere, even to Mass. Will Miguel be able to save Gracias from being seasoned and cooked? Can Pap make it home in time for the holidays? This picture book, illustrated with colorful oil paintings, offers a heartwarming narrative that captures the boy's close-knit sense of community and family.-Selene S. Vasquez, New York Public Library