November's Libro del Mes: Gracias el pavo de Thanksgiving

Gracias
El Pavo de Thanksgiving
By Joy Cowley
Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

The LBBC’s recommendation for November’s Libro del Mes, is Joy Cowley’s Gracias: el pavo de Thanksgiving.

If you’re looking for a heart-warming story that blends together some of the traditions of Latino culture with the American Thanksgiving holiday, Gracias is an excellent choice. The story of young Miguel, who receives a live turkey from his father, a truck driver, to fatten up for Thanksgiving. Only problem is, Miguel and his abuelos live in an apartment in New York city! The book follows the adventures of Miguel and "Gracias," as well as their budding friendship. I enjoyed how the book clearly demonstrates the love that Miguel’s abuelos have for him through the manner in which they allow the turkey into their lives. Turkey for Thanksgiving? Hmmmm. Well, how about pollo instead?

The book is available in English or Spanish. I have the Spanish version, which does use a few English words embedded in the text, but not many. The English version has some beginner’s Spanish sprinkled throughout the text as well. Both contain a glossary at the end.

Cepeda’s illustrations are very warm and engaging. His oil paintings bring to mind those of Ezra Jack Keats and easily capture a child’s attention.

An excellent multicultural book for Thanksgiving. It provides parents and teachers with the opportunity to discuss the importance of family, types of families, and things for which children might be thankful.

The LBBC has this and many other titles related to Thanksgiving in our bookshop. If you would like to buy your own copy of Gracias el pavo de Thanksgiving, please click here. Or you can follow the link in our sidebar to the LBBC’s on-line store. We have both new and gently used copies available.