The First Thanksgiving

I'm usually quite critical of books on the traditional story of Thanksgiving. While this book is meant for young children, this book is important in that it is frank in describing the earlier history of the Wampanoag Nation and the relationship that is forged between the Pilgrims and the tribes around them. Usually, children's books talk in general about Native Americans but rarely talk about the actual nations and individuals. As a book that will give children the basics about the American celebration of Thanksgiving, this book goes beyond the normal jingoistic propaganda that was fed to earlier generations of American children. This book has nice stylized illustrations that will keep a young person's interest.

I BOUGHT THIS NOT KNOWING IF MY 4 YEAR OLD AND 2 1/2 YEAR GRANDCHILDREN WOULD SIT THROUGH THE ENTIRE READING. THEY DID AND PAID ATTENTION TO WHAT WAS BEING READ!!! OBVIOUSLY THIS BOOK IS NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN THIS SMALL TO READ BY THEMSELVES BUT IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO READ TO THEM AND TEACH THEM THE TRUE MEANINGS OF OUR VARIOUS HOLIDAYS AND THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY - THIS STORY OFFERS BOTH. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT FOR THIS AGE GROUP AND OLDER. A HINT - I READ THE STORY ALONG WITH INVOLVING THEM WITH SOME EASY THANKSGIVING CRAFT PROJECTS TO HELP REINFORCE THE STORY LINE.

I have a three year old, and this story is just right for her. It is simple enough that it keeps her attention, but it provides details such as why the Pilgrims left England, the harsh winters they had to endure, the different tribes of Native Americans they encountered and became indebted to, and it explains the harvest feast and why the pilgrims were thankful. I recommend this if you want something that gives a simple yet not overly simple explanation of the first Thanksgiving.