Giving Thanks is a special children's version of the Thanksgiving Address, a message of gratitude that originated with the Native people of upstate New York and Canada and that is still spoken at ceremonial gatherings held by the Iroquois, or Six Nations. Full color.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The flat planes and saturated colors of Printup's highly stylized acrylic paintings form a handsome backdrop to this ancient Iroquois message of thanksgiving, adapted for children by a chief of the Mohawk nation. A salute to Mother Earth and all her beauty, the "good morning message" is traditionally delivered at the beginning of each day and at special ceremonies. Its simple, timeless language bears witness to the Native American reverence for the natural world and sense of unity with all living things ("We give thanks to green grasses that feel so good against our bare feet, for the cool beauty you bring to Mother Earth's floor"). The gifts of the earth ("good foods... our life sustainers"; "Grandfather Thunder Beings") are richly depicted in paintings of wildlife and bountiful harvests. Horizontal bands of color suggest receding landscapes, pristine skies and oceans. This eye-catching book, a debut for both author and artist, would pair well with Susan Jeffers's Brother Eagle, Sister Sky for a story-telling session. All ages.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?Drawing on Six Nation (Iroquois) ceremonial tradition, the text speaks concise thanks to Mother Earth, to water, grass fruits, animals, to the wind and rain, sun, moon and stars, to the Spirit Protectors of our past and present, "for showing us ways to live in peace and harmony," and to the Great Spirit, giver of all. The simplicity and familiarity of the message do not diminish the moving effect of the lengthening catalog of blessings. At first glance, the art, while colorful and very legible, seems overly conventional; closer inspection, however, reveals an interesting use of pattern in the faces of both humans and animals, variation between distant landscape and close-up still-life composition, and a satisfying buildup of momentum to the dramatic, fire-lit night scene of the final invocation to the spirits. The entire text is reproduced in Mohawk on the last page (without a pronunciation guide, alas). A brief prefatory note makes the very valuable suggestion that the giving of thanks should be a daily, rather than a rare, activity. This book is not just for the "Native American shelf": its contribution is more inspirational than ethnographic.?Patricia (Dooley) Lothrop Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By Jen B
Format:Paperback
What a lovely, touching book. I think I'll read this at the table this Thanksgiving, although it is a book for everyday thanks, not really for Thanksgiving, the American holiday.
I was disturbed by the one critical review and I cannot help responding to it.
Yes, this book is written as a Native American message, and while I am not Native American, I love wisdom, spirituality, love, and reverence from all traditions. It doesn't threaten my beliefs, nor will it confuse my child, for me to share knowledge of other cultures. How sad to refuse that opportunity, in fear.
I was very saddened to hear a reviewer say that since they follow/love Jesus, the book wasn't for them. When one's spirituality becomes so divisive, I think it is time to wonder if Jesus, or Mohamed, or Buddha, or any person of God would really want us to disregard beauty and prayer from other traditions, and to separate ourselves from each other. It really bothers me to see such a stance. It is this kind of attitude that gives religion a bad taste for many.
This is a book with Native American words of thanksgiving, which one could easily discern from the title. If you don't want to see beautiful pictures of Native American people and nature, don't buy it. If you don't want to read an uplifting message because it didn't come from your tradition, don't buy it.
If you do want to teach your children to love, unconditionally, and to treasure this earth and the animals and people on it, this book is for you. I love it and am going to buy a copy for each of our friends.
I was disturbed by the one critical review and I cannot help responding to it.
Yes, this book is written as a Native American message, and while I am not Native American, I love wisdom, spirituality, love, and reverence from all traditions. It doesn't threaten my beliefs, nor will it confuse my child, for me to share knowledge of other cultures. How sad to refuse that opportunity, in fear.
I was very saddened to hear a reviewer say that since they follow/love Jesus, the book wasn't for them. When one's spirituality becomes so divisive, I think it is time to wonder if Jesus, or Mohamed, or Buddha, or any person of God would really want us to disregard beauty and prayer from other traditions, and to separate ourselves from each other. It really bothers me to see such a stance. It is this kind of attitude that gives religion a bad taste for many.
This is a book with Native American words of thanksgiving, which one could easily discern from the title. If you don't want to see beautiful pictures of Native American people and nature, don't buy it. If you don't want to read an uplifting message because it didn't come from your tradition, don't buy it.
If you do want to teach your children to love, unconditionally, and to treasure this earth and the animals and people on it, this book is for you. I love it and am going to buy a copy for each of our friends.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I am an early childhood teacher who wanted to read books having to do with gratitude. Believe it or not, there are very few children's books on the subject, other than anthologies of children's prayers. It is a wonderful book to read for Thanksgiving, with an ecology unit, or simply to promote wonder and thanksgiving. I am delighted to be able to incorporate this book into my classroom.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I was blown away by this book and was proud to add it to my bookshelf. I am glad that publishers are letting REAL Native American writers and artists tell our own stories our own way. The Thanksgiving Address is a central component of Mohawk culture and I was proud to see this in the hands of my children. This and SKYWOMAN by Joanne Shenandoah, Douglas George, John Fadden and Dave Fadden have set a new standard in the publishing of Native American culture and art. Now, if only some publisher would accept the challenge to do the same with Native American history...(hint hint!)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
giving thanks: a native american good morning message
This book was purchased for a great granddaughter who is very much interested in studying and learning about native american tribes. She is enjoying the book very much.
Published 4 months ago by njf
5.0 out of 5 stars
Students love it!
Students love it! They enjoy the detail and creative quality. I enjoy the Mentor Text and how students can use to supplement the Social Studies lesson. :-)
Published 5 months ago by burkaholic
5.0 out of 5 stars
lovely, simple, profound
We bought this book for our young granddaughter who is Native Ameican. It has come to be a favorite of our adult friends and one we have given multiple copies of to multiple... Read more
Published on March 4, 2011 by bakerwoman
5.0 out of 5 stars
The perfect complement to any Native American lesson plan
Thanksgiving is just days away and elementary students are learning about Native Americans and the importance of giving thanks. Read more
Published on November 21, 2010 by Lori Calabrese "Children's Books Examiner"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Giving Thanks
This is another great book that teaches children to appreciate the earth, which God or the Creator has given us. The pictures are beautiful and so is the message. Read more
Published on December 3, 2009 by Melana Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars
we love it!
i bought this book for our family to read as my daughter began studying native american culture in 2nd grade. Read more
Published on September 26, 2009 by Robert W. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!!!
I bought this little book for my children to use as a nightly tribute to our gracious Mother Earth and it was all I expected and wanted it to be. Read more
Published on March 29, 2008 by B. Giurintano
5.0 out of 5 stars
Giving thanks......
The title speaks for itself. A beautiful native american for a child. Great read. Would certainly order again from Amazon.com.
Published on January 12, 2008 by Lauren F. Stone
5.0 out of 5 stars
Giving Thanks
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message (Reading Rainbow Book)
This is a beautiful and inspiring way to help children become more aware of our interconnectedness... Read more
This is a beautiful and inspiring way to help children become more aware of our interconnectedness... Read more
Published on December 26, 2007 by Anonymous
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Again again"
My 29 month old loves this book. We read it over and over. What I love most about the construction of the book is that is has a sewn binding--no dangerous staples! Read more
Published on December 6, 2007 by liseetsa mann
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