THANKSGIVING RULES

Young Percy Isaac Gifford (whose monogrammed sweater reads, aptly, “P.I.G.”) delivers a rhymed set of instructions to less-expert celebrants of the holiday. Keeping the goal clearly in mind helps to get through the less-enjoyable aspects of a family gathering, such as good clothes, helping out and greeting guests. With the able assistance of his dog, Percy gets to “The Main Event”—which is rendered with loving detail, elaborated in Rule #6 (“Don’t be afraid to eat everything”). Murfin’s mixed-media illustrations pile on the busyness as the feast gets underway and Percy loads up his plate; the bulging bellies sported by all at the end make the need for Percy’s “Overeaters’ Special” (a quick buss instead of a hug) amply evident. If the scansion sometimes labors, it’s still an unabashedly joyous celebration of seasonal gluttony. (Picture book. 4-8)