Give Thanks to the Lord: Celebrating Psalm 92
'[Illustrator Amy June] Bates's wispy lined pencil-and-watercolor illustrations exude a warmth that is sure to be especially welcome on chilly autumn days, and a joyful spirit appreciated any time of year.'  -- PW Religion Bookline from Publishers Week <br><br> (PW Religion Bookline from Publishers Week)'Exuberant watercolor illustrations in glowing, autumnal hues are the most striking feature of this Christian interpretation of the Thanksgiving holiday. In her double-page spread illustrations, Bates creates a winning personality for the narrator of the story, an unnamed little boy with a big smile. He greets his arriving relatives, plays outside in the leaves with his cousins and enjoys a traditional turkey dinner with pumpkin pie. The boy is followed everywhere by his friendly golden retriever, whose coloring blends in with the fall palette, and Bates adds comical touches such as a close-up view of the child during the dinner with black olives stuck on each finger....The religious aspect of the text includes a prayer before dinner and a repeated refrain, based on a phrase from a Psalm, expressing thanks to God. Adults who prefer a Christian focus for a Thanksgiving story will find this volume useful.'  -- Kirkus Reviews <br><br> (Kirkus Reviews)Noted picture-book scribe Wilson again teams with Bates---the pair also created I Will Rejoice: Celebrating Psalm 118---for a follow-up project that spotlights a biblical psalm. This time around, Wilson ties in references to the titular refrain from Psalm 92 with an account of a family's Thanksgiving Day celebration. In rhyming text, a child recounts all the sounds, sights and smells of the November holiday, citing the joys of family, food and fun. Playing in piles of leaves, warming up with apple cider and settling on the couch post-feast with a full belly are among the experiences for which the child expresses thanks to God. Bates's wispy lined pencil-and-watercolor illustrations exude a warmth that is sure to be especially welcome on chilly autumn days, and a joyful spirit appreciated any time of year. Ages 4-8.  -- Publishers Weekly <br><br> (Publishers Weekly)'In rhyming stanzas, this cheerful picture book, told from a young boy's perspective, celebrates family, faith, and the idea that there's much to be thankful for. From the family members and friends who visit to playing in fall leaves to enjoying pumpkin pie, a boy relates and appreciates every aspect of his Thanksgiving Day experience. At last it's time for goodbyes, a good-night kiss, and prayers: 'It is good, so good to give thanks to the LORD.' The verse is sweet and earnest, describing lively moments as well as serene ones, such as saying mealtime grace, and the expressive watercolor-and-pencil artwork is done in a warm, bright palette. Psalm 92 inspires the book, and the familiar words are referenced at the beginning and end, and also used as a refrain. An affectionate portrayal of a child's appreciation of life.'  -- Booklist <br><br> (Booklist)