Eating The Plates: A Pilgrim Book Of Food And Manners (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The Pilgrims were safe in Holland..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-- Penner's Pilgrims are heroes, and deservedly so. She takes the story of their crossing on the Mayflower and establishment of Plymouth Colony, and fleshes it out with all the distasteful, even disgusting, details of their struggle for survival. Everything that made life difficult in the 1600s is mentioned--the acceptance of insect infestation in one's hair, clothing, bed, and food; the lack of efficient implements for home construction; the danger of crossing the Atlantic on an open vessel; and the deadly aftermath of disease. The author makes it clear that without the Indians' help, these settlers would not have made it through their first year, dependent as they were on European agricultural methods not suited to the New World. While Penner gives a complete picture of the Pilgrims' daily life, her prime focus is on food--what the people ate; how they raised, prepared, served, and preserved it. Her writing style has a light touch that makes this interesting reading, often with a wry slant. The book concludes with a ``Pilgrim Menu'' for readers to prepare with adult supervision. The illustrations include pen-and-ink drawings and lithographs that show period artifacts and various food items. --Joyce Adams Burner, formerly at Spring Hill Middle School, KS
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

The Pilgrims' hardships and accommodations to the New World are revealed through their diet and changing lifestyle. From the time of their voyage, when the biscuits were full of weevils, the Pilgrims' had trouble finding food they liked to eat. The first winter, when food was scarce and many died, gave way to a summer of bounty, though the newcomers were unaccustomed to many of the foods. Then--with the help of Indians--corn, deer, and turkey appeared on their tables; trade brought molasses, spices, and sugar. The evolution of diet in early America is a subject that should appeal to children; the glimpses of Pilgrim manners and home life are sure to amuse. Ten tasty, simple recipes provide directions for a full meal. Photos, b&w drawings, and index not seen. Glossary; bibliography. (Nonfiction. 6-10) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (November 29, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027709019
• ISBN-13: 978-0027709018
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,016,515 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real "taste" of Pilgrim life!, July 29, 1997

By A Customer

If you are a teacher, if you home school your children or even if you're just a mom like me that loves history and wants to share it with her children---Eating The Plates is a great place to get started. I loved this book! Young and old alike will learn what it might have actually been like to have come across the ocean on the Mayflower. I have shared it with children from kindergarten age through junior high(and I myself as well as other adults have enjoyed it). They were all held spellbound and came away having learned a great deal of respect for the people who settled our country and whom we often take for granted--the Pilgrims. They were real people with hopes and dreams! Lucille Recht Penner makes them and their struggles come alive. The recipes at the end of the book were especially fun to try. I highly recommend this book

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating reading..., July 17, 2001

By	"[e-mail]" (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eating the Plates: A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners (Paperback)

I couldn't put this book down until I was done. Although it was a mere 107 pages long, it was full of fascinating tidbits. My 3 children (ages 3 to 9) begged me to read more from the book as a reward for getting ready for bed in record time! This will be a book that will be in our collection from now on! Never before have I had such a healthy respect for the brave Pilgrims of Plymouth. Eating the Plates will add a special dimension to our study of the Pilgrims.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ditch your "Biscuit's First Thanksgiving" for this., November 25, 2005

By	letterm "letterm" (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eating the Plates: A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners (Paperback)

This puts that first Thanksgiving meal in context: it's a fascinating story of the Pilgrims, their voyage to what would be Plymouth, MA, and the first hard years there. My five and six year olds sat rapt and silent for the whole thing, and it's a long book. Early American Pilgrim life was cold, buggy, stinky, and the kids had to keep wolves away from the precious planted corn hills, using a pile of rocks to defend themselves and the corn. Great, great book. I'm so sick of the usual twaddle: this one earns its stars.