The Story of Thanksgiving

I bought this for a 9-month old who was our youngest Thanksgiving visitor. The story is simple, clear, and had just the right level of religious tone for me, ie: mentions thanking God without being preachy. I'm hoping it will be a special book for her for several years.

My daughter, 20 months at the time, absolutely loved this book. She got to the point where she would say all the key words before I did. I highly recommend it to any parent of a young toddler.

My five year old daughter (and to some extent my 3 y.o. son) is ready for a more advanced book than this one, but before we move on I thought I would say something about this sturdy little book that has been our foundation in Thanksgiving Day preparations for the last four years. "The Story of Thanksgiving" begins with a question about why we celebrate Thanksgiving. It then goes on to depict how the pilgrims left England to come to America. It shows pictures of sad Pilgrims boarding the Mayflower, followed by a rough ocean (at least by toddler standards) and then the thankful travelers arriving at Plymouth. (They are thankful to be on land again-LOL) After that the Pilgrims are shown briefly struggling with snow and cold, followed by a more cheerful picture of them planting. With Squanto's arrival they learn new things about the new land of America. Squanto shows them how to plant pumpkins, corn, and squash. And the book ends with a picture of Native Americans and Pilgrims at their feast; followed by a modern family at their feast. "Thank you, God, for our families, our food, and our homes" the author writes. Five Stars. A sturdy little book with child friendly artwork. The text is simple and easily understandable without needing many explanations from mom or dad. The religious aspects can be emphasized or not. Examples of text so you can judge for yourself: The Pilgrims lived in England. They could not have their own church, so they left their homes for a new land far away. From another page: The Pilgrims built their homes. Winter came. Icy winds blew. Snow fell. There was not much food to eat.

My 7 year old and 4 year old asked me to read this book every night since before Thanksgiving. It's December and they are still requesting it. The words are so simple, that they now recognize most of them and read to me! Simple words, but great story.

Nice clear pictures, short, simple, interesting story with appropriate emphasis on God's role in the pilgrim's lives (without being a "religious" book). My favorite thanksgiving book for little kids.