Duck and Hippo Give Thanks (Duck and Hippo #3)

PreS-Gr 2--The third book in the series follows serious, industrious Hippo and free-spirited, playful Duck as they prepare for Thanksgiving. Hippo is looking forward to "a good, old-fashioned Thanksgiving." Duck is happy to help Hippo with preparations, including inviting their friends Elephant, Turtle, and Pig. On Thanksgiving, Hippo spends the day busily preparing for the dinner. When he is finished, he sits down to wait for his guests to arrive. When they finally do, they each have a surprise for Hippo. Their contributions, however, clash with Hippo's idea of "a good, old-fashioned Thanksgiving." In the end, Hippo is able to relax his convictions of what Thanksgiving should be and enjoy his friends for who they are. This message of appreciation fits in well with the Thanksgiving theme. Hippo and Duck both demonstrate patience and compromise in their friendship, even when the differences between the two seem destined to lead to clashes. The cartoon illustrations match well with the playful tone of the story. VERDICT A fun choice where the first two books are popular and wherever friends and family gather.--Kimberly Tolson, Millis Public Library, MA

There's room for all kinds of traditions during Thanksgiving, London suggests in this third book to feature the unlikely best friends. Hippo is dreaming of an "old-fashioned" Thanksgiving with a harvest meal. Hippo and Duck take an eventful trip to the grocery store, where they run into friends Elephant and Turtle and invite them to come along; later, they ask Pig, who serves them pizza. Dressed in a dapper striped jacket, Hippo whips up pies, acorn squash, and other Thanksgiving staples; meanwhile, Duck plans a Thanksgiving diversion. Readers may worry for Hippo when he finds himself alone at the table, but the friends arrive with an abundance of nontraditional dishes, giving him the opportunity to appreciate his friends just the way they are. Joyner's comedic vignettes convey the odd couple's tender relationship and the contrast between their personalities. Ages 4-7. (Aug.)