Duck and Hippo Give Thanks

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.[em] (Aug.) [/em]