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Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story
Celebrate food and family with this heartwarming Thanksgiving picture book. We will share the risen bread. / Our made-with-love Thanksgiving spread. / Grateful to be warm and fed. / We will share the bread. In this spirited ode to the holiday, set at the turn of the twentieth century, a large family works together to make their special meal. Mama prepares the turkey, Daddy tends the fire, Sister kneads, and Brother bastes. Everyone—from Grandma and Grandpa to the littlest baby—has a special job to do. Told in spare, rhythmic verse and lively illustrations, Sharing the Bread is a perfect read-aloud to celebrate the Thanksgiving tradition.
"A warm and wonderful holiday treasure." — Publishers Weekly , Starred
"A paean to the pleasures of Thanksgiving, with rhymes so musical readers may just burst into song." — The Wall Street Journal
"A delightful holiday book that shows the heartwarming tradition of food and family." — Booklist
"A warm and wonderful holiday treasure." — Publishers Weekly , Starred
"A paean to the pleasures of Thanksgiving, with rhymes so musical readers may just burst into song." — The Wall Street Journal
"A delightful holiday book that shows the heartwarming tradition of food and family." — Booklist
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2015
8 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Pat Zietlow Miller
30 books250 followersPat Zietlow Miller knew she wanted to be a writer ever since her seventh-grade English teacher read her paper about square-dancing skirts out loud in class and said: “This is the first time anything a student has written has given me chills.” (Thanks, Mrs. Mueller! You rock!)
Pat started out as a newspaper reporter and wrote about everything from dartball and deer-hunting to diets and decoupage. Then, she joined an insurance company and edited its newsletter and magazine.
Now, she writes insurance information by day and children’s books by night. She has 11 picture books available and 12 more that will be coming out in the next few years.
Her books in print are: SOPHIE’S SQUASH, WHEREVER YOU GO, SHARING THE BREAD, THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE, SOPHIE'S SQUASH GO TO SCHOOL, WIDE-AWAKE BEAR, LORETTA'S GIFT, BE KIND, REMARKABLY YOU, MY BROTHER THE DUCK and WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE.
Pat has one wonderful husband, two delightful daughters and two pampered cats. She doesn’t watch much TV, but she does love "Chopped." Pat lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
Pat started out as a newspaper reporter and wrote about everything from dartball and deer-hunting to diets and decoupage. Then, she joined an insurance company and edited its newsletter and magazine.
Now, she writes insurance information by day and children’s books by night. She has 11 picture books available and 12 more that will be coming out in the next few years.
Her books in print are: SOPHIE’S SQUASH, WHEREVER YOU GO, SHARING THE BREAD, THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE, SOPHIE'S SQUASH GO TO SCHOOL, WIDE-AWAKE BEAR, LORETTA'S GIFT, BE KIND, REMARKABLY YOU, MY BROTHER THE DUCK and WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE.
Pat has one wonderful husband, two delightful daughters and two pampered cats. She doesn’t watch much TV, but she does love "Chopped." Pat lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
November 8, 2017
The art is warm and cozy with warm earth colors. You can almost smell the food. It is also warm in the sense that the story is about a family that is very close and working together for the Thanksgiving meal. Everyone is contributing.
It's a nice warm rhyming story about the importance of family at Thanksgiving. It has an old fashioned style and cloths - with old fashioned kitchen-ware too.
It's a nice warm rhyming story about the importance of family at Thanksgiving. It has an old fashioned style and cloths - with old fashioned kitchen-ware too.
September 13, 2015
Upon my first reading, I completely fell in love with this collaboration from Pat Zietlow Miller (Sophie's Squash) and Jill McElmurry (Little Blue Truck). Thanksgiving was always an important holiday within my family, as it was one of the celebrations that always brought my extended family together. Like in Sharing the Bread, Thanksgiving was characterized by action, a crowded, busy kitchen, and the faces of parents, siblings, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. The illustrations depict a turn of the century setting, making this a great pairing for A Fine Dessert!
November 21, 2015
Sharing the Bread by Pat Zietlow Miller and Jill McElmurry shares an old-fashion Thanksgiving story of a family working together to prepare for the feast. Delightfully illustrated it shows a classic 19th century American family at Thanksgiving. Everyone in the family participates in preparing for the big event. The children make festive placemats and grandma bakes the pies. The text is simple and geared for those four to eight years of age. The colorful illustrations combined with catchy sentences make it easy to read to children of all ages. It's the perfect book to bring to your next Thanksgiving celebration. It shares working together, celebrating and family. I loved that each person no matter how small had an important job to do.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
February 27, 2015
Your next traditional Thanksgiving picture book. Reminiscent of Ox-Cart Man.
November 16, 2019
Mama, fetch the cooking pot. / Fetch our turkey-cooking pot. / Big and old and black and squat. / Mama, fetch the pot. / Daddy, make the fire hot. / Tend it so it's blazing hot. / Ready for the cooking pot. / Daddy, make it hot." So begins the rhyming text of this sweetly engaging Thanksgiving read-aloud, which offers a celebration of the family gathering and love that this holiday often brings. An extended family - parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles - each have their tasks in preparing for the big meal, as does the instructive narrator, who makes decorations. In the end, all gather together to feast, and give thanks for their blessings...
As its sub-titled would indicate, Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story is an old-fashioned story. At least, it is old-fashioned in the sense that it takes place sometime in the nineteenth century, and features older technology, dress and cooking methods. On the other hand, the love and family togetherness is by no means old-fashioned, and can still be found (I hope!) today. Author Pat Zietlow Miller's text here reads well, while illustrator Jill McElmurry's artwork, done in gouache, is absolutely lovely. Recommended to anyone looking for old-fashioned Thanksgiving picture-books that celebrate the customs and traditions of the holiday, rather than the story behind it.
As its sub-titled would indicate, Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story is an old-fashioned story. At least, it is old-fashioned in the sense that it takes place sometime in the nineteenth century, and features older technology, dress and cooking methods. On the other hand, the love and family togetherness is by no means old-fashioned, and can still be found (I hope!) today. Author Pat Zietlow Miller's text here reads well, while illustrator Jill McElmurry's artwork, done in gouache, is absolutely lovely. Recommended to anyone looking for old-fashioned Thanksgiving picture-books that celebrate the customs and traditions of the holiday, rather than the story behind it.
November 15, 2015
First of all... I LOVE the holidays so when I was given the opportunity to review Sharing The Bread then I immediately accepted. Sharing The Bread is a beautiful description of the meaning behind Thanksgiving. It has simple yet beautiful illustrations that will appeal to not only the young audience but everyone.
Sharing The Bread expresses how to have the whole family involved in the process and traditions that go along with Thanksgiving. Each member of the family has their own job and they all work together to bring Thanksgiving to the family.
My favorite quotes from the book state:
"Food and loved ones. We are blessed."
"Fold, shout, sit and pray,
All together on this day."
Sharing The Bread expresses how to have the whole family involved in the process and traditions that go along with Thanksgiving. Each member of the family has their own job and they all work together to bring Thanksgiving to the family.
My favorite quotes from the book state:
"Food and loved ones. We are blessed."
"Fold, shout, sit and pray,
All together on this day."
November 9, 2015
I love to check out the new holiday picture book offerings - especially Thanksgiving, which has become so over-shadowed by Christmas and Black Friday! So it was fun to peek at this new picture book today.
Sharing the Bread is set in the late 19th century, is simple and sweet, with lovely rhyming, rhythmic verses. Everyone in the family has a job to do in preparation for the meal. The only religious overtones are at the end when the double-page spread depicts the entire family holding hands around the table. "Fold. Shout. Sit. Pray. All together on this day." A lovely book.
Sharing the Bread is set in the late 19th century, is simple and sweet, with lovely rhyming, rhythmic verses. Everyone in the family has a job to do in preparation for the meal. The only religious overtones are at the end when the double-page spread depicts the entire family holding hands around the table. "Fold. Shout. Sit. Pray. All together on this day." A lovely book.
October 12, 2015
Mostly good. The rhymes vary, with quite a few using a rather lazy approach (the exact same word at the end of the first and second lines and also at the end of the fourth - the better ones use three different words):
Uncle, swing the cider jug.
Swing that gallon cider jug.
Pour a drink in every mug.
Uncle, swing the jug.
versus:
Auntie, mash potatoes now.
Just like Grandma taught you how.
Top with butter from our cow.
Auntie, mash them now.
Uncle, swing the cider jug.
Swing that gallon cider jug.
Pour a drink in every mug.
Uncle, swing the jug.
versus:
Auntie, mash potatoes now.
Just like Grandma taught you how.
Top with butter from our cow.
Auntie, mash them now.
November 2, 2015
A fun one to read aloud because of the rhyming. It shows the family preparing Thanksgiving dinner.
November 10, 2015
I liked the rhyming text that describes how the members of a family (probably late 1800s) prepare for Thanksgiving.
December 22, 2015
Darling! Really enjoyed this rhyming portrayal of a family coming together to prepare and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Wonderful pictures too.
November 21, 2019
As the title indicates, this is an old-fashioned story, but at its heart, it's a timeless tale about family. I loved how each member of the family is shown making the Thanksgiving meal possible, and it brought back busy kitchen memories from my own childhood.
Pat Zietlow Miller's rhyming text is wonderful and McElmurry's illustrations pair nicely. This would work well as a read-aloud in both a storytime and around the family table. Sharing the Bread is a simple and sweet addition to any Thanksgiving collection.
Pat Zietlow Miller's rhyming text is wonderful and McElmurry's illustrations pair nicely. This would work well as a read-aloud in both a storytime and around the family table. Sharing the Bread is a simple and sweet addition to any Thanksgiving collection.
November 18, 2018
I expected a cute old-fashioned, simple story of Thanksgiving with this book.
On the first page I knew I wouldn’t like the writing. I really don’t like repetition.
“Mama, fetch the cooking pot.
Fetch our turkey-cooking pot.
Big and old and black and squat.
Mama, fetch the pot.’
On the second page I realized the first two lines ended with the same word, the third one ended with a word that rhymed, and the last one ended with the same word used in the first two lines.
‘Daddy, make the fire hot.
Tend it so it’s blazing hot.
Ready for the cooking pot.
Daddy, make it hot.’
The line ‘Daddy make it hot’ was a bit uncomfortable to read.
As I read along, with this kid just telling everyone what to do, he just came across as bossy and annoying to me. Telling everyone do this, do that.
Based on the cover, it looked like there was only the mom, dad, boy, and girl. Suddenly there was a brother. Then there’s grandparents. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s more characters, more people for the boy to boss around. He was just a pest to me.
An aunt comes into the picture, an uncle.
The line that really annoyed me was:
‘Brother, baste the turkey well.
Baste that turkey well.’
It just doesn’t make for good reading.
Also, another line was annoying and not pleasant to read.
‘Grandpa, cook the berries, please.
Boil those bright red berries, please.
Add some lemon--just a squeeze.
Grandpa, cook them, please.’
Please wasn’t the word to use. It’s just weird to beg someone to cook berries.
At times the phrasing made the kid sound demanding.
‘Grandma, make the pie.’
‘Auntie, mash potatoes now.
Just like Grandma taught you how.
Top with butter from our cow.
Auntie, mash them now.’
The rhyme with the uncle wasn’t pleasant either.
‘Uncle, swing the cider jug.
Swing that gallon cider jug.
Pour a drink in every mug.
Uncle, swing the jug.’
Swing isn’t the right word to imply he’s pouring it. It sounds like he’s going around swinging the cider jug.
There’s even a baby thrown into the mix. Not even the baby is excempt from this boy’s demands. He asks the baby to be a sleeping mouse.
The boy finally pitches in, but it’s to make paper pilgrim hats as placemats. There were a couple scenes with the boy appearing to wash dishes and another time he was stirring something, but other than that and making paper hats, he just told everyone else what to do. He would be getting on my nerves if I was them.
It ended with everyone sitting down at the table, saying ‘We will share the risen bread.
Our made-with-love Thanksgiving spread.
Grateful to be warm and fed.
We will share the bread.’
It was a nice note to end on.
The tone made me read in this sing-songy voice, annoying voice, and it didn’t help things out. It just made the whole thing annoying, but that’s how the book read to me.
The writing ruined this for me. Without the repetition, it could have been good.
The illustrations were ok. I really liked the way the fire in the coal stove looked, like gold dust. And the herbs hanging on the wall were cute.
On the first page I knew I wouldn’t like the writing. I really don’t like repetition.
“Mama, fetch the cooking pot.
Fetch our turkey-cooking pot.
Big and old and black and squat.
Mama, fetch the pot.’
On the second page I realized the first two lines ended with the same word, the third one ended with a word that rhymed, and the last one ended with the same word used in the first two lines.
‘Daddy, make the fire hot.
Tend it so it’s blazing hot.
Ready for the cooking pot.
Daddy, make it hot.’
The line ‘Daddy make it hot’ was a bit uncomfortable to read.
As I read along, with this kid just telling everyone what to do, he just came across as bossy and annoying to me. Telling everyone do this, do that.
Based on the cover, it looked like there was only the mom, dad, boy, and girl. Suddenly there was a brother. Then there’s grandparents. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s more characters, more people for the boy to boss around. He was just a pest to me.
An aunt comes into the picture, an uncle.
The line that really annoyed me was:
‘Brother, baste the turkey well.
Baste that turkey well.’
It just doesn’t make for good reading.
Also, another line was annoying and not pleasant to read.
‘Grandpa, cook the berries, please.
Boil those bright red berries, please.
Add some lemon--just a squeeze.
Grandpa, cook them, please.’
Please wasn’t the word to use. It’s just weird to beg someone to cook berries.
At times the phrasing made the kid sound demanding.
‘Grandma, make the pie.’
‘Auntie, mash potatoes now.
Just like Grandma taught you how.
Top with butter from our cow.
Auntie, mash them now.’
The rhyme with the uncle wasn’t pleasant either.
‘Uncle, swing the cider jug.
Swing that gallon cider jug.
Pour a drink in every mug.
Uncle, swing the jug.’
Swing isn’t the right word to imply he’s pouring it. It sounds like he’s going around swinging the cider jug.
There’s even a baby thrown into the mix. Not even the baby is excempt from this boy’s demands. He asks the baby to be a sleeping mouse.
The boy finally pitches in, but it’s to make paper pilgrim hats as placemats. There were a couple scenes with the boy appearing to wash dishes and another time he was stirring something, but other than that and making paper hats, he just told everyone else what to do. He would be getting on my nerves if I was them.
It ended with everyone sitting down at the table, saying ‘We will share the risen bread.
Our made-with-love Thanksgiving spread.
Grateful to be warm and fed.
We will share the bread.’
It was a nice note to end on.
The tone made me read in this sing-songy voice, annoying voice, and it didn’t help things out. It just made the whole thing annoying, but that’s how the book read to me.
The writing ruined this for me. Without the repetition, it could have been good.
The illustrations were ok. I really liked the way the fire in the coal stove looked, like gold dust. And the herbs hanging on the wall were cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2015
Told in rhyme, this picture book is a celebration of a family preparing Thanksgiving dinner together. The nineteenth century American traditions echo our modern ones closely. Readers will see the turkey go into the wood-burning oven. Dough for the bread is kneaded and allowed to rise. There is cranberry sauce made on the stove and a pumpkin pie with hand-whipped topping. Mashed potatoes are added to the feast as well as a jug of cider. Soon everyone is gathered around the table and prayers are said together. It’s an American Thanksgiving done in true traditional style.
The rhyming stanzas evoke a feeling of a jaunty folksong as they tell the story of a family making their Thanksgiving dinner. The rhymes create a great rhythm to the book, that will have toes tapping if they are read with enough snap and vigor. The rhyme and rhythm combine to create a strong framework for the book, one where there is a building anticipation for the meal and for the family to all arrive. There are extended family present, including adult siblings, aunt, uncle and grandparents. Throughout, there is lots of work to be done but it is all done in good cheer and everyone lends a hand.
McElmurry’s illustrations have a folkart quality to them that works well. Done in paint, the illustrations are simple and warm, inviting you back in time to share a meal that is familiar to everyone. There are lots of period details in the images such as water pumps, dried herbs in bunches on the wall, a wash tub, and large cast iron pots and pans.
Warm and flavored with tradition and love, this book is as gratifying as a fresh loaf of bread. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
The rhyming stanzas evoke a feeling of a jaunty folksong as they tell the story of a family making their Thanksgiving dinner. The rhymes create a great rhythm to the book, that will have toes tapping if they are read with enough snap and vigor. The rhyme and rhythm combine to create a strong framework for the book, one where there is a building anticipation for the meal and for the family to all arrive. There are extended family present, including adult siblings, aunt, uncle and grandparents. Throughout, there is lots of work to be done but it is all done in good cheer and everyone lends a hand.
McElmurry’s illustrations have a folkart quality to them that works well. Done in paint, the illustrations are simple and warm, inviting you back in time to share a meal that is familiar to everyone. There are lots of period details in the images such as water pumps, dried herbs in bunches on the wall, a wash tub, and large cast iron pots and pans.
Warm and flavored with tradition and love, this book is as gratifying as a fresh loaf of bread. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
August 31, 2015
Told in rhyme, this picture book is a celebration of a family preparing Thanksgiving dinner together. The nineteenth century American traditions echo our modern ones closely. Readers will see the turkey go into the wood-burning oven. Dough for the bread is kneaded and allowed to rise. There is cranberry sauce made on the stove and a pumpkin pie with hand-whipped topping. Mashed potatoes are added to the feast as well as a jug of cider. Soon everyone is gathered around the table and prayers are said together. It’s an American Thanksgiving done in true traditional style.
The rhyming stanzas evoke a feeling of a jaunty folksong as they tell the story of a family making their Thanksgiving dinner. The rhymes create a great rhythm to the book, that will have toes tapping if they are read with enough snap and vigor. The rhyme and rhythm combine to create a strong framework for the book, one where there is a building anticipation for the meal and for the family to all arrive. There are extended family present, including adult siblings, aunt, uncle and grandparents. Throughout, there is lots of work to be done but it is all done in good cheer and everyone lends a hand.
McElmurry’s illustrations have a folkart quality to them that works well. Done in paint, the illustrations are simple and warm, inviting you back in time to share a meal that is familiar to everyone. There are lots of period details in the images such as water pumps, dried herbs in bunches on the wall, a wash tub, and large cast iron pots and pans.
Warm and flavored with tradition and love, this book is as gratifying as a fresh loaf of bread. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
The rhyming stanzas evoke a feeling of a jaunty folksong as they tell the story of a family making their Thanksgiving dinner. The rhymes create a great rhythm to the book, that will have toes tapping if they are read with enough snap and vigor. The rhyme and rhythm combine to create a strong framework for the book, one where there is a building anticipation for the meal and for the family to all arrive. There are extended family present, including adult siblings, aunt, uncle and grandparents. Throughout, there is lots of work to be done but it is all done in good cheer and everyone lends a hand.
McElmurry’s illustrations have a folkart quality to them that works well. Done in paint, the illustrations are simple and warm, inviting you back in time to share a meal that is familiar to everyone. There are lots of period details in the images such as water pumps, dried herbs in bunches on the wall, a wash tub, and large cast iron pots and pans.
Warm and flavored with tradition and love, this book is as gratifying as a fresh loaf of bread. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
November 4, 2016
I have a lot of bias towards holiday books, because I have always loved them so much. But this story did a really great job talking about the history behind Thanksgiving in a fictional way. It is deemed a historical fiction book because although a lot of the story could have happened because the historical facts are accurate, the story itself is not. I chose this book out of the many options at the library on historical fiction, because it was about Thanksgiving and that time of the year is coming up. This book really got me into the mood to go home and see my family and eat lots of food!
The book itself had design elements that really brought the whole story together. I loved the illustrations and how they added so much to the text. The illustrations were unique and had a cartoon style to them. They used colors that a person would normally associate autumn and Thanksgiving with. The way the text was written really engaged myself as a reader and I did not want to put this book down. I would recommend this book for any age around this time of the year in autumn, and especially for a teacher who is teaching their students about the different traditions for Thanksgiving.
The book itself had design elements that really brought the whole story together. I loved the illustrations and how they added so much to the text. The illustrations were unique and had a cartoon style to them. They used colors that a person would normally associate autumn and Thanksgiving with. The way the text was written really engaged myself as a reader and I did not want to put this book down. I would recommend this book for any age around this time of the year in autumn, and especially for a teacher who is teaching their students about the different traditions for Thanksgiving.
September 6, 2015
Rhyming text describes one family's preparations for a Thanksgiving feast. Although the gouache illustrations and some of the references to tending the stove fire make it clear that this is an experience occurring much earlier in time--say, the nineteenth century--in some respects, this is what many families still do around holiday time as every member of the family does his/her share. The hard work is especially visible on the faces and clothing of Grandma and Mother. In the end all the hard work is worth all the effort since the dining table is spread with all sorts of delicious foods, including turkey, mashed potatoes, and bread while the family pets sit patiently nearby, waiting for their own treats. The author and illustrator have captured a particular time and place with which many readers will be able to relate. Certainly, holiday preparation is a lot easier now with modern conveniences, but there are many things that remain the same, including perhaps the reason for gathering together.
November 15, 2015
Rhyming text that carries you along, repetitive rhythm that helps young readers predict what will come next, and warm family scenes in each illustration make this book a winner. Whether it is read over and over at home for the holidays, or used as a read-aloud in class or library story time, readers of all ages will enjoy the sight of an extended family making their holiday meal preparations. As an educator, I especially like the short summary every few pages featuring all the verbs used in the previous rhymes - what a way to call attention to the actions in the story. The illustrations themselves will generate tons of discussion about the wood stove, the hand pump at the sink, and the historical clothing shown. It will also be a good jumping off point for comparing and contrasting what each child is accustomed to seeing at their own Thanksgiving meal.
A wonderful read for so many reasons. I highly recommend it!
I won a copy in a Curious City DPW giveaway, and I am counting my blessings that I was so lucky.
A wonderful read for so many reasons. I highly recommend it!
I won a copy in a Curious City DPW giveaway, and I am counting my blessings that I was so lucky.
Read
January 9, 2016I love the illustrations and rhyming text. I'm not sure about some other key details. Is the family presented with consistent historical details? If you had that stove, is this they style of dress you would wear? Would your aunt have glasses like that? Would grandpa REALLY cook the cranberries? Would an 19th century family really show affection in these sweet ways? I really don't know enough about history to know if they illustrations are accurate; the author and illustrator did not include any notes or historical information.
My feeling is that this is a sweet and lovely book that doesn't explore the idea of Thanksgiving beyond having a great meal as a family. And while that makes for a lovely story, it leaves a gap in telling a complete and meaningful story about what Thanksgiving is.
Great Kirkus review: "It may be a romantic view, but it is nevertheless a very appealing one."
My feeling is that this is a sweet and lovely book that doesn't explore the idea of Thanksgiving beyond having a great meal as a family. And while that makes for a lovely story, it leaves a gap in telling a complete and meaningful story about what Thanksgiving is.
Great Kirkus review: "It may be a romantic view, but it is nevertheless a very appealing one."
November 10, 2015
Sharing The Bread transports readers back to the 19th century and follows one family as they prepare a magnificent and yummy Thanksgiving meal!
Told through sparse, lyrical rhymes, Sharing The Bread is a heartwarming and charming picture book. The simple, yet descriptive, rhymes are sweet and amusing in their sing-song flow. Little readers will easily be able to memorize their favorite lines and “read along”. From putting the turkey into the oven to making all the fixings and setting a gorgeous table, Sharing The Bread explores it all, and it does so with a lot of heart!
The bright, captivating illustrations wonderfully capture the story and will engage little eyes, as young readers have fun pointing out all the clever details.
Sharing The Bread is a beautiful and entertaining story that does a wonderful job of capturing the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Told through sparse, lyrical rhymes, Sharing The Bread is a heartwarming and charming picture book. The simple, yet descriptive, rhymes are sweet and amusing in their sing-song flow. Little readers will easily be able to memorize their favorite lines and “read along”. From putting the turkey into the oven to making all the fixings and setting a gorgeous table, Sharing The Bread explores it all, and it does so with a lot of heart!
The bright, captivating illustrations wonderfully capture the story and will engage little eyes, as young readers have fun pointing out all the clever details.
Sharing The Bread is a beautiful and entertaining story that does a wonderful job of capturing the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
October 31, 2025
The rhyming text for this charming Thanksgiving story is rich and tightly metered. It's use of periodic shifts in pattern keep readers engaged and signal transitions in the story. It has just the right blend of formality and charm to suit the era portrayed and will wear well through the repeated readings that are bound to occur. Kids will be chiming in before you know it.
Time spent exploring the illustrations will reveal rich details as well as subtle relationships and many clues as tto the time period reflected. I can imagine manny classroom activities, including compare/contrast with personal experiences and modern day life.
Time spent exploring the illustrations will reveal rich details as well as subtle relationships and many clues as tto the time period reflected. I can imagine manny classroom activities, including compare/contrast with personal experiences and modern day life.
November 16, 2015
With gentle rhymes and old-fashioned pictures, this book celebrates a family coming together to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. "Sister, knead the rising dough. / Punch it down, then watch it grow. / Line your loaves up in a row. / Sister, knead the dough." I love how each family member contributes and kids will like all the ways they're involved. As the kitchen fills with family members sharing the cooking tasks and anticipating the feast, readers see the dinner coming together—and may be surprised at how familiar it feels. The old-fashioned illustrations don't appeal to me as much as they might to others, but I suspect that's because I don't connect to the Victoriana setting.
August 11, 2017
Sharing the Bread is a gem of a holiday picture book, aptly depicting the “old-fashioned Thanksgiving” described in the title. Set in nineteenth-century America, an entire family prepares for the autumnal feast, each contributing in their own way. The illustrations feature the available technology of that time, from a wood-burning stove to oil lamps and jugs of cider. Muted hues also add to the authenticity of this portrayal of the time period, with splashes of beautiful jewel tones for punches of vivid color. Finally, the prose is set to an easy-to-follow rhyme scheme sure to please at Thanksgiving storytimes for children of all ages. A recommended library addition.
November 25, 2015
This is a cute rhyming story about Thanksgiving, but honestly there wasn't much substance to it. The inside jacket flap claims it's about a "19th century Thanksgiving" but there's no reference to that within the story, nor is there an author's note with possibilities about how to compare and contrast the differences in traditions. I'll keep this one as a nice Thanksgiving story, but not much there to use in the classroom.
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December 8, 2015Stepping back in time Sharing The Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story (Schwartz & Wade Books, September 22, 2015) written by Pat Zietlow Miller with illustrations by Jill McElmurry gives readers a look at a family preparing a holiday meal. Like integral parts on a well-balanced machine fused together with love, they work together. We begin with Mama.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
November 22, 2016
A thanksgiving story about making dinner for the family. Everyone has their own part to bring the meal together. The illustrations are historical and warm. The text is set up in verses and fun to read. For storytime, I added ASL signs for the members in the family as well as the title of the book. As we read the story, on a family group page, we counted all the family members. Such a wonderful Thanksgiving story to share!
2016 storytime theme: thanks
Reviewed from a library copy.
2016 storytime theme: thanks
Reviewed from a library copy.
November 15, 2015
A great Thanksgiving holiday book!
"Mash. Top. Pour. (And rest.) Food and loved ones. We are blessed."
I love the 'poetry' of the story, which includes each family member, from Mama and Daddy to children and extended family, helping in some way with their Thanksgiving celebration. A great addition to anyone's Thanksgiving collection.
"Mash. Top. Pour. (And rest.) Food and loved ones. We are blessed."
I love the 'poetry' of the story, which includes each family member, from Mama and Daddy to children and extended family, helping in some way with their Thanksgiving celebration. A great addition to anyone's Thanksgiving collection.
December 30, 2015
The spare, rhyming prose fairly sings, and brought back many happy memories of standing around my grandma's stainless steel bucket with siblings breaking the homemade bread into bite-sized pieces for the stuffing. Thank you for the beautiful words, and the picture at the end of the family holding hands, which has special meaning in our family--mountains, valleys, hooray!
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April 4, 2016This is one of the best Thanksgiving children's books that I have seen. It has a sing-song quality to it that I think children would really like reading. It also has a lot of repetition in it that makes it an easy read. It is based in the early 1800's when settlers would have been past the first Thanksgiving but still celebrating as early settlers.
May 20, 2016
Sharing the Bread is a story of the family sharing the making and eating of the Thanksgiving dinner. Simple rhymes and patterns make this book an exciting read for PK-2nd grade students. The wonderfully colorful and old-fashioned art accentuating the story only adds to the book. This is a great book to use during the weeks before Thanksgiving.
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