Gobble, Gobble, Tucker!

August 25, 2014
McGuirk’s white pup Tucker returns in his fourth holiday board book (following Ho, Ho, Ho, Tucker!, Tucker’s Spooky Halloween, and Tucker’s Valentine), and like most humans, he’s excited about the food that Thanksgiving involves: “He wants to help, too, especially if someone drops some food!” Tucker also helps out with cleaning and crafting, plays around with his canine cousins, and is (briefly) anxious when it seems like the “big meal” is happening without them. (Rest assured, there are plenty of leftovers for all dogs in attendance.) McGuirk sticks to a simple, celebratory narrative, and her gouache cartoons and hand-lettered text give the book a homey feel that’s just right for the holiday. Ages 2–5.

This brief introduction to Thanksgiving stars a winsome white terrier named Tucker (Ho, Ho, Ho Tucker! 2005, etc.). Tucker wakes up to the smell of turkey on Thanksgiving Day and hangs out in the busy kitchen, hoping to sneak a bite. Later, he helps to clean and prepare the house for the day's festivities. When Tucker's canine cousins Tiger and Murphy arrive, they beg for food before being shooed outside to play football. Finally, the big meal is served. The dogs wait patiently, their rear ends and tails shown sticking out from under the table, until they are served their own feast at the end of a wonderful day. The story is best suited to toddlers and preschoolers just being introduced to the holiday, as the very simple plot highlights the bare bones of the celebration, including careful preparation and the coming together of family and friends for a special meal. Oddly, there is no mention of giving thanks. The illustrations, rich with vibrant fall colors, gently falling leaves, and cheerful pups and people, help to set a warm atmosphere of familiarity and fun. A meandering tale about a special day that Tucker fans will gobble right up. (Board book. 2-4) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2015
This brief introduction to Thanksgiving stars a winsome white terrier named Tucker (Ho, Ho, Ho Tucker!, 2005, etc.). Tucker wakes up to the smell of turkey on Thanksgiving Day and hangs out in the busy kitchen, hoping to sneak a bite. Later, he helps to clean and prepare the house for the day's festivities. When Tucker's canine cousins Tiger and Murphy arrive, they beg for food before being shooed outside to play football. Finally, the big meal is served. The dogs wait patiently, their rear ends and tails shown sticking out from under the table, until they are served their own feast at the end of a wonderful day. The story is best suited to toddlers and preschoolers just being introduced to the holiday, as the very simple plot highlights the bare bones of the celebration, including careful preparation and the coming together of family and friends for a special meal. Oddly, there is no mention of giving thanks. The illustrations, rich with vibrant fall colors, gently falling leaves, and cheerful pups and people, help to set a warm atmosphere of familiarity and fun. A meandering tale about a special day that Tucker fans will gobble right up. (Board book. 2-4)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.