N.C. Wyeth's Pilgrims

by Robert D. San Souci, N.C. Wyeth (Illustrator)

The adventurous saga of the settling of the Plymouth Colony is strikingly portrayed in this magnificent book. Spectacular paintings by renowned artist N.C. Wyeth, gloriously bring to life the carefully researched text by well known children's book author Robert San Souci. The story of the Pilgrims, including the first Thanksgiving, is a central part of America's history and, over the course of time, it has taken on an almost mythical quality. Drawing upon a variety of resources, including the author's trip to the Plimouth Plantation, the text dispels some popular misconceptions about the setting of our nation as it broadens our understanding of the bravery and determination of our forebears. A beautiful artbook as well as an informative history book, N.C Wyeth's Pilgrims belongs in every home, library, and classroom.

Genres: Picture Books, Thanksgiving, History, American History, Holiday, Nonfiction, Childrens

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Robert Daniel San Souci (October 10, 1946 – December 19, 2014) was a multiple award-winning children's book author, who resided in San Francisco, California. He often worked with his brother, Daniel San Souci, a children's book illustrator. He was a consultant to Disney Studios and was instrumental in the production of the film Mulan, for which he wrote the story. He studied folklore in graduate school. He died after suffering a head injury while falling from a high height in San Francisco in December 2014. He was only 68 years old.

Reviews

[Barbara Radisavljevic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This account of the Pilgrims' coming to the New World until the time of their thanksgiving feast is illustrated by N. C. Wyeth. This account is fairly secular, the only mention of religion being that the Pilgrims were Separatists hoping to find religious freedom. We are left with the impression that the Pilgrims held their feast to say thank you to the Indians, with no mention of God or prayer in the daily life of the Pilgrims. The art, however is beautiful.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 3 out of 5]

No doubt, N.C. Wyeth is the draw for this book. The clean lines and vibrant colors beckon any eye to come in and stay a while.

The text was ponderous. I recommend the adult pre-reading this book and narrating the pictures with his/her own words.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary children's author Robert D. San Souci, perhaps best known for his folkloric retellings, here spins the nonfiction story of the sailing of the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony. His text, quite extensive for a picture book, is accompanied by reproductions of celebrated American artist and illustrator N.C. Wyeth's series of murals depicting the Pilgrims and their settlement. The narrative covers the voyage across the Atlantic, the first period anchored off the coast of Massachusetts, when the Pilgrims were still living mostly onboard ship, the choice of a settlement and slow exploration, first meetings with local Native Americans, the building up of the settlement and first year, and concludes with the first Thanksgiving feast. The book closes with a note from San Souci regarding the history, and the sources he used, as well as a note on N.C. Wyeth...

I love N.C. Wyeth's artwork, so when I discovered that Robert D. San Souci—an author whose work in other veins I have enjoyed—had penned a picture book history of the Pilgrim settlement and first Thanksgiving, one that made use of Wyeth's murals depicting those subjects, I immediately sought it out. I was not disappointed, finding it a good general history of the subject, and a visual treat that rewards a slow and leisurely examination. The paintings here are lovely, both in their overall composition, and in many of their details. I think my favorite scene was a more domestic one, in which a Pilgrim woman is spinning, and her suitor, hat in hands, is speaking to her. Of course, as is pointed out in the note at the rear, this scene would not have been realistic for the first year depicted in the text, when conditions would have been far more primitive, but it is beautiful all the same. Recommended to fellow admirers of N.C. Wyeth's work, as well as those seeking a basic picture book introduction to the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pilgrim focused narrative, reads like a condensed retelling of Thanks and Thanksgiving book. Only gives brief overview on Squanto—his life, background, even influence upon their survival. Mentions he helped navigate cut trade and lived among pilgrims until his death in 1622. Notes in end of book by author clarify a few mistakes in the artwork and research choices. The illustrations are full of life and hope, though not entirely accurate to history. No mention of mayflower compact. 

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end of this beautiful book is information about the author and illustrator. N.C. Wyeth's illustrations are really commissioned murals. His art raises the mundane to the sacred. “To elevate the little into the great is genius.” – N.C. Wyeth (This quote is not from the book, but was found during my study of his murals).

[Jorgina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course, beautiful illustrations as one could expect from N.C. Wyeth. The story is familiar But has a unique telling by the author. A wonderful rendition. But it lacks a text that is easy to read out loud to children.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were a time of religious struggle in England. The rulers wanted their subjects to follow the established church, but some people held different beliefs.

A good choice for a motivated reader. And, a good intro to N.C. Wyeth. (But the art is misleading --e.g., it would be impossible for people to stay as clean and starched as they appear in these paintings.)

[William Xil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libro corto, educativo y exquisito en cuanto a las ilustraciones de quién tiene el título el libro. Trata acerca del viaje de los Peregrinos (Separatists y Strangers), de las razones que los motivaron a dejar Inglaterra, de sus retos en el viaje, su llegada y establecimiento en América.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely N.C. Wyeth illustrations and interesting text. The end papers are decorated with entries from the original travelers on the Mayflower! The authors note and about author sections are also interesting. I didn't know that Wyeth died in a car accident..how sad!

[Josh Peatfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

Main issue was the oversimplification of Squanto's trip to England. Also don't love calling Native Americans "Wild Men," a common issue in the books I'm reviewing.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reproductions of beautiful, idyllic paintings by N C Wyeth are accompanied by a reasonably fair historical summary of the arrival and first years of the settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good non-fiction book about the pilgrims - it would be good for a second or third grade school research/learning. However, not a picture book in the traditional sense.

[Tym · Rating 4 out of 5]

The paintings were gorgeous and they did convey a lot of the hardships the Pilgrims faced but was still a bit sanitized in their relations with the local Native Americans

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part history, part fine art, this is one of my favorite books about the Mayflower, Plymouth Plantation, and the native Americans (including Squanto).

The text is, admittedly, heavier than many other installments. But the factual presentation goes a long way to explaining the challenges and triumphs of the Plymouth experience. The epilogue is equally welcome and explains the long history of the Thanksgiving holiday.

I also appreciate the clear explanation of the religious motivations of the Separatists as well as their blending with the Strangers to bear the work and burden of the colony and sharing the designation, Pilgrims.

NC Wyeth's bright and happy illustrations are not completely factual, yet they provide a vibrant depiction of the successful survival of the colony. Highly recommended.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fitting story to be illustrated by the renowned artist, N. C. Wyeth. (Any book you find illustrated by him you should probably grab as it's sure to be good ;)).

Ages: 8 - 12

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a string of Thanksgiving books that I read to my daughter and my second graders. These will be quick reviews based on the reactions of my daughter and students. I put the date the same for each book, but I really read them in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, and on Thanksgiving Day. Under the how many times I've read it category, that will be how many Thanksgivings I've used this book.

I love Robert San Souci and I love N. C. Wyeth. How can I go wrong with this book. It's a bit heavy for most second graders. Best for older kids or family read aloud, I think. But, I kept it in the pile. Even the lowest readers really enjoyed the art. It gave me a great chance to expose my class to an incredible artist.

[Kathy Roderer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely picture book with original mural scenes that romantically depict all the best of the life of the Pilgrims of Plymouth. While the paintings show some historical inaccuracies, they may nevertheless be greatly appreciated for their artistic value. It is probably a little too long and sometimes dry to be used as a read aloud. There are several two-page spreads that have dense print and little illustration. It is, however, a well-done and well-written story, which every child should have an opportunity to enjoy.

[Newmoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful art, good historical retelling of some of the pilgrim's story. It doesn't read like a story as much as it reads like a historical text. Not good for younger children, but good for mid-elementary school children or adults who want a very quick reminder of some of the historical details.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so much more than a children's book. Beautifully illustrated by N. C. Wyeth, Robert San Souci tells the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims coming to America and their first year in the New World.

[Winnie Thornton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember the pictures more than I do the text.

[Renae Deckard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are amazing!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course the Illustrations are gorgeous and the text is hardly needed.

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 18388 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 6.6 - AR Pts: 0.5
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations by N. C. Wyeth. The first Thanksgiving. The Plymouth Colony.