The First Thanksgiving (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

by Jean Craighead George (Author), Thomas Locker (Illustrator) "The Pawtuxets were taken to Spain to be sold into slavery..." (more)
Key Phrases: Cape Cod, New World, New England (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-- George's consummate skill as a storyteller takes what could have been "just another" Thanksgiving book and raises it above the mundane. Beginning "in a time so long ago that only the rocks remember," she focuses on Plymouth Rock, a 200-ton boulder of Dedham granite, as the loom upon which to weave the heroic and tragic tales of the people who settled this land. The storytelling is direct, filled with details, and firmly grounded in place and time. Quickly drawn but very effective portraits of the times and the people heighten the presentation. Squanto's tragedy is movingly sketched. Readers will not miss the ironic contrast between the fate of the native population and those who came seeking a freer, more tolerant life, but George does not belabor the point, letting the events of history subtly underscore the irony. Locker is at his best with panoramic landscapes--the icy desolation of the melting glaciers; the storm-tossed ship on the ocean voyage; and the isolation of the place where the Pilgrims must bury their dead under cover of darkness, lest the "savages" know how many of them died. For all their attractiveness, however, the illustrations fail to match George's strong narrative with equal visual strength. The panoramic view distances readers from the events, softening the impact of the physical hardships and emotional pain inherent in the story. Whatever its minor flaws, though, this is a book most libraries will want to add to their collections. --Linda Boyles, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews
In a lucid, graceful narrative that begins with the arrival of Plymouth Rock (a unique European specimen left by a glacier ``In a time so long ago that only the rocks remember'') and that describes the Patuxets' settlement, its devastation by white men's disease, and Squanto's tragic captivity before going on to the Puritan venture, George returns--in specific, unsentimental detail--to the real historical events, quietly emphasizing the Native Americans' relationship with the land and the many things they taught the newcomers about using its bounty. Locker provides paintings in his usual lush, formal style; his elegant seascapes, landscapes, and sky have more drama than the small figures and limited action they dwarf, though a few scenes--e.g., the pilgrims' landing in a ``raging current''--are more like true illustrations. Actually, these gorgeous set pieces are a fine complement to George's text, making an effective backdrop for her powerful account. Correcting misconceptions and clarifying contemporary attitudes (``The Pilgrims called the celebration a Harvest Feast. The Indians thought of it as a Green Corn Dance''), this beautiful book brings fresh insight and a fairer balance to the traditional story. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 5+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (September 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698113926
• ISBN-13: 978-0698113923
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #228,975 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Cute Pictures But Grossly Inaccurate Facts!, November 27, 2003

By	Ed Stonick (Pasadena, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Jean C. George's book may look good and sound nice, but it leaves out some critical facts and totally misrepresents others. Ms. George claims that the pilgrims came to the new world to seek their fortune and leaves out the real reason--religious persecution and a desire to worship God in their own way. Pilgrim leader William Bradford wrote in his diary that his motivation was, "a great hope... for advancing the Kingdom of Christ."

She also states that Thanksgiving itself "was not a day of pilgrim thanksgiving," but "pure celebration." This would also be news to Bradford, who wrote: "Through [the Lord's] blessing [there was] a fruitful and liberal harvest... for which mercy, they set apart a day of Thanksgiving."

Ms. George is free to write whatever kinds of children's books she wants, and she has done some very good ones. But this book does a disservice to the truth. Being politically correct must never be taken to the extreme of distortions and untruths. If Ms. George can't accurately, and in a fair and balanced way, give credit to the faith and belief in God which was central to the lives of the pilgrims and the main reason they risked the dangers they did, then she should leave the writing on this important part of our history to someone else.

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book to have, February 13, 2007

By	Jamie V (Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This is another great Thanksgiving book that I read aloud to my family after we ate our Thanksgiving dinner this year. Everyone enjoyed it, adults down to my 5 year old. (the 2 yr olds could care less:) But I bought it because we homeschool our 5 yr old but it ended up being a book that everyone enjoyed listening to. We'll get this one out year after year.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Holiday Treat, November 30, 2001

By	Isabel Harding (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

Thanksgiving is given a new point of view and retelling in this very special picture book. Jean Craighead George, the Newbery Medal-winning author of JULIE OF THE WOLVES, as well as nearly 100 distinguished nature books for young readers, presents the story of the first Thanksgiving with warmth, fascinating detail, and lyrical as well as informative storytelling. Thomas Locker's colorful, classical paintings beautifully complement the author's words. The story begins with the formation of Plymouth Rock, a huge, two-million year old glacial mass that comes to rest in Cape Cod. Then the Pawtuxet tribe arrives, earning their living from the land, including Squanto, who is later captured by Englishmen and sold into slavery. Across the ocean, Pilgrims seeking religious freedom set out on a perilous voyage to America. Upon reaching the New World, they must deal with many hardships including disease, starvation, and death. Still the Pilgrims endure. In the springtime, Squanto, freed from slavery and now a member of another Indian tribe, arrives, bringing peace to the people of Plymouth. He teaches them how to grow crops, catch fish, hunt deer and turkey, showing the Pilgrims the importance of respecting the land and using it wisely. In 1621, after a bountiful harvest, a great celebratory feast takes place for three days, in which the people gather and eat and play games--the first Thanksgiving. This story is a unique portrayal of historical events, always keeping the reader intrigued and awed, with its terrific writing and inspirational illustrations. As she does in every one of her books, Jean Craighead George reminds us of the need to honor our natural resources and every living thing on the planet. In this story, too, she sends a message of peace that will inspire every person and reach beyond one day in November, to give thanks every day for what we have.