The Squirrels' Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving Eve, Momma and Poppa Squirrel announce that the family has much to be thankful for, but Buddy and Brenda--each feeling mistreated by the other--aren't particularly thankful for siblings. The following morning, the two try their best to behave, but before long revert to the familiar bickering and pinching. When cousins Penny and Chuck appear for dinner, however, the thoughtless, nasty behavior of these spoiled squirrels makes Buddy and Brenda realize that they are, after all, blessed to have each other. Though undoubtedly the message is one from which squabbling siblings will benefit, the plodding text lacks the sparkle and verve readers have come to expect from Kroll. Bassett, who has illustrated other holiday titles by Kroll ( It's April Fool's Day! ; The Biggest Pumpkin Ever ), takes the edge off this disappointment with her sprightly pictures of the diminutive squirrel clan. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)