Children get a hearty helping of Thanksgiving in books

Thanksgiving is a celebration of two noble ideas -- thanks and giving -- that are even better when they are linked together.

Marlo Thomas, actress, author of the "Free to Be" books and the national outreach director of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, shares her own holiday memories in the foreword of "Thanks & Giving: All Year Long" which features a collection of stories, songs and poems all in the spirit of generosity.

Thomas recalls the sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie she shared with her father, actor Danny Thomas, and some of her father's wisdom:

"My father used to tell me that there are two kinds of people in the world: the takers and the givers. The takers sometimes eat better, he would say, but the givers always sleep better."

Contributors include Julianne Moore, Shel Silverstein, Deepak Chopra, Tiger Woods, Frankie Muniz and Maurice Sendak. A companion CD, which like the book raises money for St. Jude, features Sheryl Crow, Uncle Kraker, Billy Crystal, Faith Hill, Antonio Banderas, "Sesame Street's" Bert and Ernie, and Thomas herself.

Most of us have much to be thankful for. Julie Markes reminds us of the good things in life -- hopscotch, piggyback rides and warm, cozy cuddles among them -- in "Thanks for Thanksgiving," which is illustrated by Doris Barrette.

The book also reminds us to appreciate our families -- especially when everyone is gathered over a big turkey and its trimmings, fresh-baked bread and gingerbread cookies.

A pack of happy wolves come together in "Thanksgiving at the Tappletons"' only to discover that after a series of unfortunate events -- things like having the turkey slide out of Mrs. Tappleton's arms and into a frozen pond and watching a mixed-up mixer splatter mashed potatoes everywhere but the bowl -- there is no holiday meal.

After a few grunts and groans, though, Grandmother Tappleton reminds them that "turkeys come and turkeys go. ... But we're together and that's what matters."

It doesn't hurt that author Eileen Spinelli and illustrator Megan Lloyd give the Tappletons a well-stocked pantry filled with liverwurst, cheese and applesauce.

A pink-nosed goat with a can of cranberry sauce in hand is the first to arrive in "Thanksgiving in the Barn," a pop-up book by Nadine Westcott. Being the considerate guest that a goat can apparently be, he even offers to eat the can to help with cleanup.

But what's even more unusual at this feast is that the turkey is at the table, not on it.

"Turkey gives thanks in his own special way. He raises his glass, says, "You've all been so great. I'm thankful to be here and not on your plate!"

An emergency call can disrupt even the best-laid plans for a Thanksgiving celebration at the firehouse, but that's OK, the firefighters say. After all, they've got a job to do.

But while the brave men and women at Station 1 are off doing their thing in "The Firefighters' Thanksgiving" by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Terry Widener, the community does its part, too. And, as one injured firefighter finds out, when neighbors make house calls they might be carrying turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.

The whole gang is out for some fall fun in "Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch" (HarperCollins) by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrated by Pat Schories. Turns out pumpkins are great for hide-and-seek -- if you're a puppy or a bunny.