Nickommoh!: A Thanksgiving Celebration (Hardcover)

~ Jackie French Koller (Author), Marcia Sewall (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Long before the days of microwavable turkey, cranberry sauce from a can, and digestion in front of TV football, the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving at Plymouth. And long before this, the Native Americans of the area celebrated the harvest during a feast called Nickommoh, which means "give away" or "exchange." This handsome book depicts the Nickommoh festivities of the Narragansett people of what is now Rhode Island. Every autumn they would have a giveaway dance during which the sachem (leader) distributed gifts such as donated food, clothing, and furs among widows, orphans, or anyone in need. But this was only one part of the festival. People feasted, played games, danced, prayed, sang, sweated in sweat lodges, and generally had a grand old time.

Jackie French Koller's solemn, rhythmic, almost chant-like writing is accompanied by the earthy browns, reds, and yellows of Marcia Sewall's striking illustrations to create a mood that feels just right for the subject. Koller first explored early New England history in The Primrose Way, and is well established as author of over two dozen books for children and young adults, including the delightful One Monkey Too Many. A glossary of the Narragansett words used in the book is included. (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly

If Squanto (reviewed above) offers background to the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving, Koller (The Promise, reviewed p. 62) demonstrates that a celebratory gathering to commemorate the harvest, Nickommoh, had long been the custom on these shores. In prose with the cadence of a drumbeat, the author reveals the rhythms of Narragansett life, devoted to the Creator, Kautantawwitt, and punctuated by praise: "They come together, together to give thanks. Nickommoh!" In marked contrast to her usual style, Sewall's (The Pilgrims of Plimoth) scratchboard and gouache illustrations convey both simplicity and complexity. Even as she portrays individualsAmen cutting poles for the great lodge, women covering the poles with bark, children playing tug-of-warAher compositions build a unity among the characters. Almost hypnotic in their power, art and text are infused with the communal spirit of Thanksgiving. Ages 6-9. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum; 1ST edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689810946
• ISBN-13: 978-0689810947
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #590,381 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book..., January 21, 2000

By A Customer

What a fascinating and beautiful look at a traditional Native American celebration. Both my young son and I enjoyed it very much. I learned something, and it gave him a good start at appreciating and understanding cultures different from our own.