Rhonda Gowler Greene

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

This beautiful picture book retells Jesus' parable of the lost sheep found in Luke 15:3-4. It has wonderful, warm pastel artwork and delightful rhyme text. Hearts of young children for ages 4-8 will understand the simple message of a loving shepherd realizing that one of his sheep is missing and leaves the 99 sheep to look for it. This is a fun and engaging book with adorable sheep, attractive shepherd robes and peaceful pasture settings. I especially like that the heart felt theme of the show more story comforts and reassures little ones that they are loved by Jesus, the true and faithful shepherd. show less

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?

I liked this book because of the writing and illustrations throughout. The author used rhyming on every page turning learning about Thanksgiving into a fun read. All of the authors thoughts flowed well on the page, with no more than 2-3 lines on a page. The illustrations in the book took the reader to the past and showed the difference between the Pilgrims wear and the Native Americans wear. The pictures were very detailed and full of color. The big message of the story was to show what show more occurred on Thanksgiving and the customs the Pilgrims got from the Native Americans. show less