Round the Turkey

September 23, 2002
Kimmelman's (Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights) round-the-table expressions of gratitude in verse bog down with forced rhymes and cloying characterizations. As a large family gathers, young Jesse sets the tone: "They're coming for turkey/ and stuffing and pie,/ for hugs and for kisses/ and handshakes and 'hi.' " Once seated for the meal, Nana suggests they each express their thanks. Cousin Milo describes holding the flag at the school assembly ("Everybody came:/ the principal, the teachers,/ and Mayor What's-His-Name"); Susan talks about her speech therapist ("Every Thurthday, all latht year,/ I went to thee Mith Vandermeer"). Cote's (The Can-Do Thanksgiving) spot illustrations, as simpering as the text, do little to flesh out the speakers. Ages 5-8.