Rhonda Gowler Greene

Slightly more accurate, respectful, and educational than many similar books, but still a fail. There's got to be something better out there. Let's consider something from the pov of those people who were subjected to conquest next, eh, rather than those 'blessed' to be living in this new land?

A line is thin. A line is narrow—curved like a worm, straight as an arrow. Squares, circles, triangles, and many more shapes abound in this lively book. With jaunty, rhyming text, young readers are invited to find different shapes on each busy, vibrant page. Once you start looking, you won’t be able to stop! The perfect book for little ones beginning to distinguish shapes.

I had mixed feelings about this book after reading it. While I loved the author’s writing entirely, I was not fond of the illustrations. The writing of this book is engaging and clever, in that it rhymes throughout the book and the rhymes are both strategic and fitting to the story/plot. I also liked how the author began each page either with “This is…”, or “These are…”, as if to label the paintings. I did not like the paintings however, because despite the warm fall colors show more used which are appropriate to the Thanksgiving setting, the people in the illustrations lack facial expression. In a few illustrations that are portrayed overlooking a surplus of people from far away, the people’s faces included in the picture, though clearly visible, do not have eyes or noses or mouths. I understand that the painter might not have wanted the reader to focus on the people’s faces in the illustrations, but considering the age level this book is intended for, I think children expect to see faces full of expression in stories. This adds to the feeling of the book and keeps the reader engaged in the story. Also, on other pages that have close-up paintings of people and their faces, I don’t feel that the expressions are as dramatic as they should be. Most of the people represented in the pictures have identical facial expressions that lack emotion. The characters should all be excited for Thanksgiving, as this will in return excite the reader for the holiday. The big idea of this book is to inform readers about how Thanksgiving came about. show less

I don’t usually enjoy historical fiction stories, but I did enjoy this story. I liked how the plot was organized in order of when the events occurred. It also covered every topic from the pilgrims to the first turkey. It introduced all the facts about Thanksgiving in a fun and interesting way that flowed nicely and was not just throwing facts in your face. The author used very descriptive words throughout the book since he wanted you to fully understand the aspects of Thanksgiving and to show more feel like you were living in the moment. One of the best ways to learn about something is if you can picture yourself actually looking at it, touching it or being there. For example, “these are the houses built in straight rows that stood in the hot sun and the harsh winter snows and sheltered the pilgrims who farmed the new land.” The images really enhanced the story and were appropriate for a historical fiction story. The illustrations were paintings, but they were realistic and detailed. You were able to see the expressions on the pilgrim’s faces when they were hiking through the snow and the detailed Thanksgiving food on the table. The big idea of this story is to show the readers the importance of the first Thanksgiving Day and everything it encompassed. You got the feeling of accomplishment, family and tradition. show less