An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving | Book Review

Review of An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
The Children’s Book Review

What to expect: Thanksgiving, Fall, Family, and Tradition

Although Transcendentalist author Louisa May Alcott is primarily known as the creator of Jo March, the determined heroine in her classic novel Little Women, she penned over thirty books in her lifetime. Her short story An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is a heartwarming selection for the holiday season.

When the good-natured Barrett family are beginning to make preparations for their Thanksgiving celebration, Mrs. Barrett is called away suddenly to attend to her ailing mother. She puts her eldest daughter Tilly in charge of cooking the feast in her absence. Tilly undertakes this colossal challenge with confidence and the help of her siblings but fails to pay attention when stuffing the turkey with catnip and neglects to add sugar and salt to the plum pudding.

As her little sister Prue is prettily setting the table, her brothers discover a bear coming toward the house. Wielding axes and rifles out the door, the boys are shocked to find Tilly’s sweetheart in disguise. Disaster averted, Mrs. Barrett returns with cousins and aunts and uncles in tow and the happy news that their Grandma is well. The entire family savors the delicious dinner, despite its few shortcomings, and praises Tilly and her siblings for pulling off a Thanksgiving they will always remember. The Barrett family has much to be thankful for- their family and friends, good health, and love and laughter.

Old-fashioned or not, you’ll enjoy reading this delightful tale with your family.

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About the Author

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) is the author of the beloved Little Women, which was based on her own experiences growing up in New England with her parents and three sisters. More than a century after her death, Louisa May Alcott’s stories continue to delight readers of all ages.

For More Thanksgiving Books for Kids, Try These:

• 12 of the Best Thanksgiving Books for Kids
• 12 Kids’ Books on Showing Thankfulness and Being Grateful
• The Pie List

Nicki Richesin reviewed An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving. Discover more books like An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Fall, Family, Louisa May Alcott, and Thanksgiving.