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The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving
The Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving lasted three whole days. Ann McGovern's simple text introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion we celebrate today - THANKSGIVING.
32 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1973
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304 people want to read
About the author
Ann McGovern
103 books49 followersAnn McGovern Scheiner (née Weinberger) was an American writer of more than 55 children's books, selling over 30 million copies. She may be best known for her adaptation of Stone Soup, as well as Too Much Noise, historical and travel non-fiction, and biographies of figures like Harriet Tubman and Deborah Sampson Gannett and Eugenie Clark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 17, 2022
A nice recap of the beginnings of Plymouth by the settlers which is structured by the seasons. The details of the hardships are a good introduction to children of a different time and place but this representation of "Thanksgiving" doesn't look too deeply into Manifest Destiny's myopic view in regards to indigenous people's perspectives which is unfortunate due to it's uneveness.
December 3, 2008
A beautifully illustrated and age appropriate retelling of the famous Thanksgiving story.
Ages 5-11
This book isn't just about the three day long First Thanksgiving celebration, though that is chronicled nicely; It is also about the struggles the pilgrims encountered along their journey to the new world. In an age appropriate manner, this tale briefly shares with children the hardships experienced by these first settlers and the triumph of their success. The story isn't told in a very suspenseful or riveting manner, however, it is accurate and does contain a few interesting details. The inclusion of real life comparisons of the size of the Mayflower and what life was like for the children made the book more relevant to young kids.
The full color illustrations are what make this Thanksgiving book stand out. This was an older book that was re-released with updated illustrations by Elroy Freem. Also the way the story is told from a child's perspective gave the details more meaning. Overall, a good introduction to the Thanksgiving story.
Ages 5-11
This book isn't just about the three day long First Thanksgiving celebration, though that is chronicled nicely; It is also about the struggles the pilgrims encountered along their journey to the new world. In an age appropriate manner, this tale briefly shares with children the hardships experienced by these first settlers and the triumph of their success. The story isn't told in a very suspenseful or riveting manner, however, it is accurate and does contain a few interesting details. The inclusion of real life comparisons of the size of the Mayflower and what life was like for the children made the book more relevant to young kids.
The full color illustrations are what make this Thanksgiving book stand out. This was an older book that was re-released with updated illustrations by Elroy Freem. Also the way the story is told from a child's perspective gave the details more meaning. Overall, a good introduction to the Thanksgiving story.
December 1, 2013
This version of the Mayflower and Thanksgiving stories focus' on concrete details of the Pilgrims experience. The cramped quarters on the Mayflower, sparse food, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, lack of ability to care for basic hygiene, hazardous weather and sickness give children evidences of the audacious endeavor the pilgrims undertook.
Additional chapters cover the challenges of the Winter, the hope of the Spring, the joy of Summer and Thanksgiving of the Fall. The text provides concrete details of the hard work of building, tools and resources used, dangers of fire, making of furniture, planting and harvesting. Squanto, a "man who had lived near Plymouth years before the white men came" is referenced favorably as a helper to adults and playmate to children. His enslavement in England (allowing him to learn English) and the death of his tribe (due to disease) are not referenced. Instruction of children in schooling and manners, as well as the tasks included in their work are covered. The Thanksgiving feast includes accounts of the tremendous natural food sources of the area.
Monochromatic teal gradient illustrations complement the text. This book is not perfect, but it is adequate to give a general presentation of the Pilgrims' story. See also Kate Waters' work (which i have reviewed).
Additional chapters cover the challenges of the Winter, the hope of the Spring, the joy of Summer and Thanksgiving of the Fall. The text provides concrete details of the hard work of building, tools and resources used, dangers of fire, making of furniture, planting and harvesting. Squanto, a "man who had lived near Plymouth years before the white men came" is referenced favorably as a helper to adults and playmate to children. His enslavement in England (allowing him to learn English) and the death of his tribe (due to disease) are not referenced. Instruction of children in schooling and manners, as well as the tasks included in their work are covered. The Thanksgiving feast includes accounts of the tremendous natural food sources of the area.
Monochromatic teal gradient illustrations complement the text. This book is not perfect, but it is adequate to give a general presentation of the Pilgrims' story. See also Kate Waters' work (which i have reviewed).
March 16, 2014
The Pilgrims First Thanksgiving is a great book to introduce children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading up to the historic holiday we celebrate every year, Thanksgiving. When its gets close to Thanksgiving students can do a fun literacy activities by writing a letter to the pilgrims about the hard times they went through. Or students can write about what they have learned about Thanksgiving back in the historic days and compare it to now. This book will teach literacy by having them comprehending the story and being able to compare and contrast and also learning how to write a letter.
February 9, 2011
"Shannon 1988." I don't consider myself who necessarily needed bells and whistles to get me interested in a book, but I'll admit that picture books with only one color left me pretty unimpressed.
November 20, 2022
Excellent summary of Thanksgiving for children! My boys loved this book
June 24, 2017
This story begins with men, women, children, and animals getting on the Mayflower. They were leaving their old country because they couldn't pray how they wanted. The ship was as large as two trucks, but it wasn't big enough. The children had nowhere to play and the pilgrims and sailors were crammed together. Their food was terrible, but they had to eat it anyway. There were no beds, everyone slept on the floor. They didn't have a change of clothes either. Then the storms came. Many questioned whether they would ever reach land.
The people on the Mayflower had began their voyage in September and this was November. They had been on the ship for 2 months and 3 days. The next day they saw land. The people were scared. Would they find native people? With winter coming, the Pilgrims needed to work quickly. The Pilgrims designed their town, called Plymouth. The people had to sleep on the Mayflower while they built their homes. Winter was a rough time for the Pilgrims, with many dying.
Spring was a welcomed season with warmer temps and good weather to continue building. The men built one roomed homes out of logs and sticks with grasses and vines for the roof. The homes were cold when the wind blew and wet when it rained. The only heat they had came from a fireplace. The Pilgrims made furniture for their homes, along with eating utensils.
Pilgrims planted and tended their gardens. They met a native name Squanto. This man taught them how to plant corn, hunt, and what wild plants were safe to eat. The Pilgrims learned many things from Squanto.
Children also had an important job in Plymouth. They helped cook, made soap, and gathered grass for the roofs.
By summer, the Pilgrim's gardens were bursting with vegetables. They had met more Indians and these new friends showed the children where to find more edible fruits and nuts. They taught the women how to bake cornbread and make flour.
The first Thanksgiving in America lasted three days. The Pilgrims offered wild turkeys, geese, and ducks from the forests. The Indians brought five deer. From the ocean, they brought lobsters, clams, oysters, and fish. Then they harvested their garden vegetables too. Many wild fruits were used to make dessert.
Ninety Indians joined the Pilgrims for the first Thanksgiving. The men and boys played games while the women and girls spent time cooking and serving. The people all gave thanks for their new life and new friends.
This was a very informative historical fiction book. I would use a book like this to introduce the first Thanksgiving to young children. The pictures looked historically accurate and the information appears factual.
The people on the Mayflower had began their voyage in September and this was November. They had been on the ship for 2 months and 3 days. The next day they saw land. The people were scared. Would they find native people? With winter coming, the Pilgrims needed to work quickly. The Pilgrims designed their town, called Plymouth. The people had to sleep on the Mayflower while they built their homes. Winter was a rough time for the Pilgrims, with many dying.
Spring was a welcomed season with warmer temps and good weather to continue building. The men built one roomed homes out of logs and sticks with grasses and vines for the roof. The homes were cold when the wind blew and wet when it rained. The only heat they had came from a fireplace. The Pilgrims made furniture for their homes, along with eating utensils.
Pilgrims planted and tended their gardens. They met a native name Squanto. This man taught them how to plant corn, hunt, and what wild plants were safe to eat. The Pilgrims learned many things from Squanto.
Children also had an important job in Plymouth. They helped cook, made soap, and gathered grass for the roofs.
By summer, the Pilgrim's gardens were bursting with vegetables. They had met more Indians and these new friends showed the children where to find more edible fruits and nuts. They taught the women how to bake cornbread and make flour.
The first Thanksgiving in America lasted three days. The Pilgrims offered wild turkeys, geese, and ducks from the forests. The Indians brought five deer. From the ocean, they brought lobsters, clams, oysters, and fish. Then they harvested their garden vegetables too. Many wild fruits were used to make dessert.
Ninety Indians joined the Pilgrims for the first Thanksgiving. The men and boys played games while the women and girls spent time cooking and serving. The people all gave thanks for their new life and new friends.
This was a very informative historical fiction book. I would use a book like this to introduce the first Thanksgiving to young children. The pictures looked historically accurate and the information appears factual.
December 4, 2017
Summary: This book explains the first year the pilgrims came to America. It tells us about the struggles they survived and how they led to the festivity we celebrate today- Thanksgiving.
Characteristics That Support the Genre: This book informs readers of the struggles the pilgrims went through when they came to America. It also includes the three day long first Thanksgiving celebration.
Mentor Writing Traits:
Idea- The plot and characters of the story inform students of history about the life of pilgrims when they first came to America and why. Readers learn more background information of the celebration of Thanksgiving.
Presentation- Illustrations from the story are historically accurate and do a great job of moving the story along.
Classroom Integration: This informative historical fiction book is a great way to introduce the first Thanksgiving to young children. When Thanksgiving time comes around, students can do a fun literacy activity by writing a letter to the pilgrims about the hard times they went through. Otherwise, they can write a comparison piece between Thanksgiving now from what they learned about the historical days of Thanksgiving from the story.
Other Suggestions: I would also suggest reading this book aloud to lower grades leading up to Thanksgiving time. The teacher would ask questions to see how students are comprehending the text and then have students write about what they are thankful for and why.
Book Level: 3.4, Lower Grades
Characteristics That Support the Genre: This book informs readers of the struggles the pilgrims went through when they came to America. It also includes the three day long first Thanksgiving celebration.
Mentor Writing Traits:
Idea- The plot and characters of the story inform students of history about the life of pilgrims when they first came to America and why. Readers learn more background information of the celebration of Thanksgiving.
Presentation- Illustrations from the story are historically accurate and do a great job of moving the story along.
Classroom Integration: This informative historical fiction book is a great way to introduce the first Thanksgiving to young children. When Thanksgiving time comes around, students can do a fun literacy activity by writing a letter to the pilgrims about the hard times they went through. Otherwise, they can write a comparison piece between Thanksgiving now from what they learned about the historical days of Thanksgiving from the story.
Other Suggestions: I would also suggest reading this book aloud to lower grades leading up to Thanksgiving time. The teacher would ask questions to see how students are comprehending the text and then have students write about what they are thankful for and why.
Book Level: 3.4, Lower Grades
April 20, 2020
Score: 4/10 (~2/5)
***
This book has an unacceptable narrative, but excellent illustrations. Ms. McGovern is recognized in Iran, thanks to her classic "Too Much Noise!" which is a lovely retelling of an old folktale with remarkable narrative and illustrations. But I believe this one does not have an appropriate fictional narrative style for children. The author would tell the famous history of the Pilgrims who immigrated to the new world by creating a fictional platform for children, but she just wrote a simplified history, without using any fictional techniques. That's why the first person who has a name and character, Squanto the Indian, is introduced on the 29th page; which is located in the second half of the book!
While the narrative style is considerably disappointing, the stunning illustrations of Mr. Lasker is the most precious strength of this title, and made it a book one would like to keep in library for always. I specially love the star-shaped circles of light around the lamps on pages 6 & 9, the thunderbolt on page 10, the little girls playing on the far left side of page 12, the autumn landscape on pages 14-15, the winter landscape on pages 18-19, the tree and sun which shines behind it on page 20 (look how stunningly does Mr. Lasker illustrate spring by his perfect minimalist style), the worried children lying on beds on page 23, the beautiful baby deer on page 30, the children standing at the table whom we see from behind on page 34, the lovely baby on page 40, and the great painting on page 41 which reminds me of ancient paintings of people working in gardens and farms. The stunning compositions of Mr. Lasker, with his plain minimalist backgrounds and detailed sharpened foreground figures are excellent; make me wish if this book would have a much better narrative style than what we see, which would be appropriate for its excellent illustrations.
***
This book has an unacceptable narrative, but excellent illustrations. Ms. McGovern is recognized in Iran, thanks to her classic "Too Much Noise!" which is a lovely retelling of an old folktale with remarkable narrative and illustrations. But I believe this one does not have an appropriate fictional narrative style for children. The author would tell the famous history of the Pilgrims who immigrated to the new world by creating a fictional platform for children, but she just wrote a simplified history, without using any fictional techniques. That's why the first person who has a name and character, Squanto the Indian, is introduced on the 29th page; which is located in the second half of the book!
While the narrative style is considerably disappointing, the stunning illustrations of Mr. Lasker is the most precious strength of this title, and made it a book one would like to keep in library for always. I specially love the star-shaped circles of light around the lamps on pages 6 & 9, the thunderbolt on page 10, the little girls playing on the far left side of page 12, the autumn landscape on pages 14-15, the winter landscape on pages 18-19, the tree and sun which shines behind it on page 20 (look how stunningly does Mr. Lasker illustrate spring by his perfect minimalist style), the worried children lying on beds on page 23, the beautiful baby deer on page 30, the children standing at the table whom we see from behind on page 34, the lovely baby on page 40, and the great painting on page 41 which reminds me of ancient paintings of people working in gardens and farms. The stunning compositions of Mr. Lasker, with his plain minimalist backgrounds and detailed sharpened foreground figures are excellent; make me wish if this book would have a much better narrative style than what we see, which would be appropriate for its excellent illustrations.
November 25, 2024
I was trying to find books about the first Thanksgiving I read as a small child, and came across this vintage Scholastic on the Internet Archive. I don't think I ever read it before. I wasn't missing anything.
The Pilgrims are the heroes here. And they were such friends with the Native Americans! Not exactly historically accurate. It does claim that the Pilgrims brought two dogs and one cat on the Mayflower. Two dogs did accompany the first Pilgrims, but there's no records of a cat. The drawings of the dogs were inaccurate, since they looked like Labradors. The dogs that came over was a Mastiff and an English springer Spaniel.
And the Pilgrims were kicked out of England because they were total assholes. No mention of that in this book. And why does the Pilgrim pastor look like a rabbi?
The book shows some hardships the colony faced, especially those the kids did, like turning meat on a spit, gathering grass for mattresses, or hunting for shellfish. It was also pointed out that during the first Thanksgiving, the men and boys played while the women and girls cooked and served.
'Merica.
The illustrations were better than the text, done in classic blue, black and tan. There were some tongue-in-cheek suggestions by the artist not mentioned in the text, such as a dog merrily digging a huge hole on a beach. The back cover shows a wild turkey running for its life.
The Pilgrims are the heroes here. And they were such friends with the Native Americans! Not exactly historically accurate. It does claim that the Pilgrims brought two dogs and one cat on the Mayflower. Two dogs did accompany the first Pilgrims, but there's no records of a cat. The drawings of the dogs were inaccurate, since they looked like Labradors. The dogs that came over was a Mastiff and an English springer Spaniel.
And the Pilgrims were kicked out of England because they were total assholes. No mention of that in this book. And why does the Pilgrim pastor look like a rabbi?
The book shows some hardships the colony faced, especially those the kids did, like turning meat on a spit, gathering grass for mattresses, or hunting for shellfish. It was also pointed out that during the first Thanksgiving, the men and boys played while the women and girls cooked and served.
'Merica.
The illustrations were better than the text, done in classic blue, black and tan. There were some tongue-in-cheek suggestions by the artist not mentioned in the text, such as a dog merrily digging a huge hole on a beach. The back cover shows a wild turkey running for its life.
November 30, 2020
"The Pilgrim's First Thanksgiving" by Ann McGovern with illustrations by Elroy Freem is a children's historical fiction book for elementary school aged students. This book is about not only the actual day of Thanksgiving, but the journey the pilgrims took to get to the first Thanksgiving. The story explains how the pilgrims rode on the Mayflower and traveled to start the Thanksgiving tradition. The story also goes through the hardships the pilgrims faced in order to make it there, and why they decided to start this tradition that would flourish all over the country and world. The story has colorful and realistic illustrations that really depict what life was like for the pilgrims traveling, such as the illustration of the pilgrims all sleeping together bundled up on the floor. This story can also teach children to chase their dreams and go discover something new with the people they love. The author of this book, Ann McGovern, does a good job of portraying the characters truly and honestly which will really give younger readers a sense of history.
November 27, 2017
Summary: This book informs us of what the first year in America was like for the pilgrims. It tells us the struggles they survived and how they led to the festivity we celebrate today.
Evaluation: This book did a great job in showing the students what life was like for the pilgrims and the things that led for them to come to America. The illustrations do a great job in moving the story along.
Teaching Idea: I would read this to my lower grades class in the days leading to Thanksgiving. I would ask questions as I read to gauge their comprehension of the text. After reading it, we would write about something we are thankful for and why.
Evaluation: This book did a great job in showing the students what life was like for the pilgrims and the things that led for them to come to America. The illustrations do a great job in moving the story along.
Teaching Idea: I would read this to my lower grades class in the days leading to Thanksgiving. I would ask questions as I read to gauge their comprehension of the text. After reading it, we would write about something we are thankful for and why.
November 27, 2017
Age: Upper Elementary
Genre: Non Fiction- Informational
A very real look into the life of the pilgrims. The story doesn't shy away from those sad parts or the hardships that they experienced.
I read this to my daughter on Thanksgiving and it put into perspective the real aspect of Thanksgiving.
The story really showed how much the Native Americans cared for and wanted to help the pilgrims. The true blessing of Thanksgiving.
I liked this story--it is longer and has a lot of words on the page so it is more for the upper level grades.
Genre: Non Fiction- Informational
A very real look into the life of the pilgrims. The story doesn't shy away from those sad parts or the hardships that they experienced.
I read this to my daughter on Thanksgiving and it put into perspective the real aspect of Thanksgiving.
The story really showed how much the Native Americans cared for and wanted to help the pilgrims. The true blessing of Thanksgiving.
I liked this story--it is longer and has a lot of words on the page so it is more for the upper level grades.
April 22, 2019
This story starts right when the Pilgrims first leave on the Mayflower and then documents some of the trials and joys that the Pilgrims faced up till the first Thanksgiving. As the book is geared towards children, McGovern does a wonderful job of talking about what the life of the Pilgrims was like for the children who made the dangerous journey. After the Pilgrims landed, McGovern took the reader through all of the first seasons that the Pilgrims experienced in the new land. The illustrations were not very interesting, but they presented the thoughts of the book very clearly.
November 23, 2021
This book talks about the Pilgrims and includes facts and stories. This book is entertaining and fun for the kids to read especially during Thanksgiving so they could learn history. The illustrations are nice and place you back then in the pilgrims time period. Also I like how the book talks about the struggles they went through and how thanksgiving came about. This book is very wordy to be a children's book I think young kids would get bored from reading this book but it is still entertaining.
May 7, 2022
The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern falls under the category historical fiction. This book has won no awards. The age group that this book was intended for is 4-8 years old. This book is about the first Thanksgiving. I rate this book 5 stars. The reason for this is because it gives very detailed info about the events leading up to the first Thanksgiving and then the first Thanksgiving as a whole. Lastly, I might use this book in talking about the history of this holiday.
November 23, 2020
I like this book because it teaches about the origin of THanksgiving. This is an important part of American history that should be read to young children. Learning about the pilgrims is fascinating and this book shares more information and stories about the pilgrims and their contribution to this country.
November 27, 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grades 1-2
I love how this simple story of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving showcases the struggles that the Pilgrims endured as they sailed to Plymouth rock and had to live at the Plymouth Colony. It gives a great summary of the first Thanksgiving and is a great read during Thanksgiving time.
Grades 1-2
I love how this simple story of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving showcases the struggles that the Pilgrims endured as they sailed to Plymouth rock and had to live at the Plymouth Colony. It gives a great summary of the first Thanksgiving and is a great read during Thanksgiving time.
November 13, 2023
So far, this is the best book that I have found to introduce young children to the meaning behind Thanksgiving. The story is simple yet engaging. If your child has a good attention span, you can read the whole thing in one sitting. Otherwise, it is divided into sections for each season of the pilgrims' first year in the new world.
November 16, 2021
Given that this is for elementary aged students ;) it’s fair to levy expectations based on the target market audience.
In depth for a picture book and accurate, factual and informative. Was very pleased and it provided a good sounding board for discussion and narration.
In depth for a picture book and accurate, factual and informative. Was very pleased and it provided a good sounding board for discussion and narration.
August 3, 2022
This children's book is the closest I have found to tell kids how terrible the conditions for the settlers really were. It does make it seem like the first year was the only year they suffered which wasn't the case. It was ok.
November 13, 2018
A beginning picture book about the pilgrims life when they came to the new world
November 15, 2018
J: I liked that the pilgrims became friends with the Indians.
December 3, 2018
Didn't grab my attention
Genre: Informative
Grade: 3rd and higher
Genre: Informative
Grade: 3rd and higher
October 28, 2020
Decent nonfiction
November 21, 2021
Great story about how Thanksgiving started. This is perfect to teach kids about it.
November 25, 2021
Love the illustrations! Lots of children featured in the art. details not found in other books
August 16, 2023
Great illustrations but no mention of God.
November 16, 2023
Great for a pilgrim perspective but it gets cringy during the “summer” section where the author keeps calling the Native Americans friends, while neglecting any mention of existing tension.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews