Publishers Weekly
An ebullient young host named Percy assures readers that he's a “Thanksgiving Pro,” and that “when it comes to turkey day,/ there's nothing I don't know.” His “simple rules” include putting on whatever your mom wants you to wear (Rule #1: “Smile and say Pumpkin Pie”) and giving brief, polite greetings (“Rule #3: Short = Sweet”). When the buffet is unveiled, the message is loud and clear: “I officially command you to eat everything you see!” is Percy's decree. Percy's enthusiasm effectively captures the spirit of affable overindulgence. Ages 5–9. (Sept.)
Children's Literature
- Heidi Hauser Green
Friedman's title for this work is a double entendre that both cheers for the holiday and hints at the guidance provided within in. In rhyming verse, narrator Percy Isaac Gifford (yes, pig) announces that he is a Thanksgiving expert whose list of 10 rules is essential information for everyone. From "smile and say pumpkin pie" to "life is sweeter when you eat sweets," Percy dashes through the holiday jotting off bits of wisdom to enhance the most foodcentric day of the year. Readers may begin to feel nauseated by the time they reach his "Official Thanksgiving Decree," urging the reader to eat "EVERYTHING" and listing more than three dozen types of foods that might be found on the Thanksgiving buffet. But they will feel better once they pass the dessert page and find rule #10, "A hug makes the heart grow fonder." Even food-hound Percy knows that Thanksgiving isn't just about the buffet, but a "day to show your loved ones what they mean to you." There are no pilgrims to be found in the pages of this book, and no stiff history lessons. Instead, readers get a rollicking good romp through food and family festivities. Teachers may find this lively book useful for launching discussion of students' own holiday practices or favorite Thanksgiving foods. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2—In this story told in rhyme, Percy Isaac Gifford, clad in his P.I.G. sweater, presents readers with a workshop on how to get the most out of Thanksgiving, complete with 10 simple rules. ("Rule 1: Smile and say pumpkin pie.") He offers advice on everything from getting through preparations and greetings to how to load up the perfect plate. Exaggerated cartoon art gets increasingly busy as it builds toward the climactic spread featuring the entire Thanksgiving buffet and then slowly tapers back down again as the post-feast stupor hits many of the guests. Sometimes the inconsistent rhythm of the text makes reading aloud awkward. A silly ode to the holiday for larger collections.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA
Kirkus Reviews
Young Percy Isaac Gifford (whose monogrammed sweater reads, aptly, "P.I.G.") delivers a rhymed set of instructions to less-expert celebrants of the holiday. Keeping the goal clearly in mind helps to get through the less-enjoyable aspects of a family gathering, such as good clothes, helping out and greeting guests. With the able assistance of his dog, Percy gets to "The Main Event"-which is rendered with loving detail, elaborated in Rule #6 ("Don't be afraid to eat everything"). Murfin's mixed-media illustrations pile on the busyness as the feast gets underway and Percy loads up his plate; the bulging bellies sported by all at the end make the need for Percy's "Overeaters' Special" (a quick buss instead of a hug) amply evident. If the scansion sometimes labors, it's still an unabashedly joyous celebration of seasonal gluttony. (Picture book. 4-8)
