Arthur's Thanksgiving
By: Marc Brown
This is an "Arthur Adventure" from the television show Arthur. It's time for the big Thanksgiving play at Arthur's school and Arthur is named the director much to everyone's shock and dismay. His first job is to assign parts for everyone and so at school he is getting bribed by his classmates because they all want specific roles. His biggest challenge is finding someone to play the turkey which is the most important role, but no one wants to play it. Even his family turns him down.
Meanwhile, at rehearsals nothing is going right. People are complaining, forgetting lines, and messing up the set. Everyone keeps asking Arthur if he has a turkey yet and so he rented a live turkey as a last resort-- that didn't work out so well. Francine gave Arthur an ultimatum, either there is a turkey or there is no play. Finally the day of the play came and everything was going smoothly and right until it came time for the part of the turkey. Arthur walked out on stage in the turkey costume and the audience started laughing at him but he still had a speaking part. So he stumbled through "The turkey is a symbol, a symbol of... of..." "Of togetherness and Thanksgiving!" from a chorus of voices behind him.
When he turned around all of his classmates and family were all wearing turkey costumes in support of him.
I loved Arthur the show when I was little, and now I love the books and the show. I think that this is a good story for kids to relate to, because most schools do some sort of play and everyone has to deal with getting a part they might not like. This is also great because it shows the kids that even if you are super brave and you get embarrassed if you do the right thing than you will be rewarded or at least backed up. That is a bit of a fantasy look, but it will help kids come to terms with some self esteem situations.
I used to really love Arthur as a kid. This would be great for a Kindergarten classroom around this time of year. I think the studetns would be really interested too because some of them have probably seen or heard of the television show.
ReplyDeleteGreat book talk! The kids would love Arthur! This would be a great share for Thanksgiving day..I think I might use these for my annotated bibliography! I think the kids would love it if you even have them do their own classroom play as an activity
ReplyDeleteI love Arthur! And this book is great. I really like the story because it shows that in the end you will always have your friends and family by your side. I would use this book during Thanksgiving and maybe after reading the book the class can do an art project and make turkeys.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great book for Thanksgiving! Is Arthur still on tv? I wonder if it is what children are still watching. But either way its relatable and fun! Its a great way to introduce thanksgiving and start some fun art projects.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments. I loved the show growing up. It is just full of characters that are very relatable for children. I was excited to see that a thanksgiving book was offered in the franchise. I wonder if they cover other holidays..
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