Customer Reviews

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message (Reading Rainbow Books)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!)

Chief Jake Swamp and Erwin Printup Jr. combine their talents to create a book that will be an instant bedtime favorite. The traditional Mohawk thanksgiving address is translated into easy to understand words (the original address, written in Mohawk is included at the back of the book). Richly colored illustrations bring the words to life and invite more than a fleeting casual glance. Chief Jake Swamp has brilliantly captured the essence of his heritage without losing site of his target audience. Each portion of the address is simply stated, and easy to understand. "Giving Thanks" could easily have become redundant, but the words are translated in such a way that encourages children to "join" their parents in reading out loud. Erwin Printup Jr. has created illustrations that capture the eye of both young and old. While the younger set will find the pictures simple and pretty, the older set will often find a picture within a picture. The style of Mr. Printup's illustrations is perfect for this type of book, and could easily stand alone in art gallery. These two Native Americans have allowed the rest of the world to see an important part of their heritage. The pictures and words will be remembered long after the last page is turned

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.

A simple but truly beautiful and wonderful book. To read with your children every morning and express thanks to the world, promoting connectedness and deep respect of all things. Teaching our children these important words will doubtlessly take us through these rough times and make the world as beautiful and peaceful as it was intended to be.

This is a simple book to read through for younger children. Written by native Americans it is a "thanksgiving" book from their point of view, why native americans have always celebrated thanksgiving. It has no mention of pilgrams or not fully proven, overly romanticized stories as most thanksgivings are but simply a beautiful description of the season, the great harvest and respect for the world around them. A book of why the Native Americans Gave thanks during this beautiful season.

Charming illustrations and meaningful text intrigued my 2 1/2 yr old granddaughter. We read the book over and over. Teaching children to be thankful for all of creation is our responsibility and this little book is a lovely way to get the message across to young...and old...alike.
M. Kate

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. This is a must-have book for any child's collection.

i bought this book for our family to read as my daughter began studying native american culture in 2nd grade. i especially liked it, as i am quite fond of the topic of gratitude and i have been fortunate to participate in a number of native american traditions and rituals over the years. so, this book provided me with an opportunity to do my favorite thing - tell my children stories about the time that i ... well, this book is beautifully illustrated and masterfully written for young children to better understand native american culture. the values of tradition, honor, respect, faith are consonant with all cultures and traditions and this makes a nice adjunct for anyone with other beliefs who wishes to better understand this tradition. as such, the one reviewer who gave this a "3" ought to be separated in the mind of the review-reviewer who sees a dozen "5" stars and a single "3". this is worthy of an A+ and it comes highly recommended!!!

The title speaks for itself. A beautiful native american for a child. Great read. Would certainly order again from Amazon.com.