Customer Reviews

Off to Plymouth Rock

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

 

 

My 2 and 4 year old girls love this book. A must buy if you want to pass on the true history of the first Thanksgiving. The adventure begins as the pilgrams set sail for Plymoth Rock and continues through the long cold winter. It ends with the sharing of Thanksgiving blessings. The illustrations are marvelous. Each time you turn the page you find a lovely detail you didn't notice the last time. My 2 year old didn't want me to turn the page she was so excited by the pictures. My girls loved it so much I read it at Sunday School and to my amazement 14 four year olds sat still and listened to the entire book. Don't pass this one up!

We were disappointed with this book. In the kindle version the illustrations are garbled. Redowloading doesn't fix anything the story stops in the middle at page 6 of 32. I should have bought the print version instead of the kindle version.

This book tells, through rhyming verse, the story of the first Thanksgiving from the pilgrims' perspective. The book details a dangerous trip and finally arriving; building their dreams and struggling to survive the winter. Then the Native Americans offer their help. The story concludes in thanksgiving, prayer and sharing.

Beautifully detailed illustrations fill the book. Some pages are a bit monochromatic, but overall the pages possess contrast and vivid colors.

As a bonus, this book includes a "Read-Along Activity CD." This features five tracks, each with the author reading the story in a slightly different way. It encourages interaction with children through clapping, singing and more.

What I Like: This is a highly educational book written at a child's understanding. The illustrations are great. The author does a wonderful job keeping kids' interest.

What I Dislike: While the story does mention praying and believing, it never references God. This is an American holiday without solid foundations in religion, but I still think it would have been nice to include a clearer idea of the One we are thanking. Also, the CD was not what I expected. It really is intended for formal education rather than sitting down with Mom in the living room.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

A perfect book to read to the family as you gather for Thanksgiving, Off to Plymouth Rock will appeal to ages 4 to 8 as well as the young at heart. Shared in rhyme to engage young minds, Mackall tells the story of the first Thanksgiving without talking down to her young audience.
The story begins with the pilgrims' flight from their European homeland;
Pilgrims flee!
Sail the sea,
Knowing there's no guarantee.
Leaving, grieving,
Still believing...
Off to Plymouth Rock!
The story continues by telling the tale of their perilous voyage, the terrifying winter after their first arrival, and the compassion of Massasoit, the Indian chief, who moved by their suffering helped the pilgrims to survive. Off to Plymouth Rock describes Squanto teaching the pilgrims about native crops such as corn and the joy of the first harvest. As it concludes with the first Thanksgiving we are reminded how different the first Thanksgiving was from our gatherings and yet we can see the seed with which they began.
Humble living,
First Thanksgiving-
Here at Plymouth Rock.
The illustrations are also particularly worth noting. Gene Barretta engages the reader with his drawings of two young girls throughout the story. Fear, hope, and wonder can be seen in their faces as their lives begin to intertwine. The final illustration of the book shows the girls playing together under the table near the feet of immigrant pilgrims and native Americans. One sees it is not only a look back but also a prayer for our future - that one day we may all get along and welcome one another to the table.
The edition I reviewed included a read-a-long "Activity" CD which was a disappointment, but the book is charming and will be a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving gathering. So, what are you waiting for, let's be on our way,
Off to Plymouth Rock!

This book was recommended as a good story for young children about the Pilgrims' journey to the New World. It is a nice story, but I wish I had saved my money and bought the real book instead of the Kindle edition. The Kindle edition is poorly formatted, and the illustrations are pretty small. If you're interested in this story for your children, don't waste money on the Kindle edition!

The book came quickly and was a great investment. My 2nd graders really had fun listening to it and repeating the book with me.

Off to Plymouth Rock by Dandi Mackall is the perfect story to share with your kids at Thanksgiving. The rhyme and rhythm keep the story bouncing along. It is clever, beautiful, and educational.