Seeing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on my
bucket list. It is now in its 88th year as a parade, but in 1924 it
was called Macy’s Christmas Parade complete with animals from the Central Park
Zoo. If one does the math, 2014 minus 1924 equals 90 years. In 1942, the rubber
used for the balloons was need for the war effort and the parade was suspended
for two years.
The famous balloons began as early as 1927 with
Felix the Cat, and continues today with Snoopy having the most appearances. I
thought it quaint, but in 1929 makers of the balloons installed slow release
valves for the helium. This allowed the balloons to float free for a couple of
days gradually returning to earth. A return label was sewn into the rubber for
finders to mail the character back to Macy’s in exchange for a small gift.
“Ankle Soup” by Maureen Sullivan is the story of a
French bulldog named Carlos and his special day at the Macy’s Thanksgiving
Parade. As one can guess, he spends most of the day not viewing the balloons
above but the brightly colored socks, hose, and tights of the many people who
attend or participate in the event.
He begins his day with his owner, whom he refers to
as “mistress,” lodged in a vibrant red carrying case. “I never know what my mistress
is doing. She has a routine that she’s always pooh-poohing. The way things
change make me jumpy and nervous. Could it be she’s an agent? F. B. I? Secret
Service?”
On the next page, readers will see a big yellow taxi
with Carlos on the lap of mistress in the backseat. In the skyscape, parade
balloons bob up and down with Kermit in the lead followed by three red and
white Macy’s stars. The famous clump of circus balls announces Chloe the Clown
next followed by Clifford the Big Red Dog who sticks his nose out from around a
building.
Carlos continues, “So let me describe what happened
one day. It was fall in New York, the parade underway. My mistress and I rushed
out the door, and jumped in a cab fearing soon it might pour.”
Sullivan has written three picture books featuring
her real pet, Carlos. They all share a rhythmic pace as mistress takes Carlos
on adventures around New York City. All three books are illustrated by Alison
Josephs whose style is bright colors like Mississippi artist Wyatt Waters. This
book is a fun and unique way to see the famous parade.
4 comments:
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was on my bucket list too. I finally made it a few years ago. It was such a trip! Do it if you can. And thanks for the review of this book which would never have made it my attention otherwise.
BTW, I love this one:
Balloons over Broadway : the true story of the puppeteer of Macy's Parade / written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. ; Sweet, Melissa, 1956-
Thank you, ckubala! I was looking at the title you suggested after I wrote this looking for more. I'll try to find it and one day I will get to Mew York for the event! :D
It's nice to make contact with you once again. I still look at your book displays on flickr.
I loved Balloons over Broadway! It was in our collection and I got it last year, but I loved getting the history from the book. Can you imagine carrying those balloons above your head with sticks?!? Thanks for the compliment. I am the director now and someone else is doing a way better job than me! I should upload more pictures! Happy Holidays if I don't hear from you again for a while. :)
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