Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
P is for Pilgrim: A Thanksgiving Alphabet
Illustrator: Helle Urban
Nonfiction Picture Book Series
For ages 6 to 8
Sleeping Bear Press, 2003 ISBN: 978-1585361342
One wonders if the pilgrims ever imagined that their voyage would be the beginning of, and the inspiration for, so much. In this unique alphabet book the world of the Pilgrims and their effect on the history of this country is shown in rhyming couplets, illustrations, and highly informative text.
For each letter of the alphabet the author discusses a topic using rhyme and text. For example the letter P is for pumpkin, the fruit that is eaten during many Thanksgiving feasts and which is also a symbol of the harvest season. We see a picture of child sitting on a glorious golden pumpkin, we read the lilting rhyme that goes with the art, and then in the side bar, there is more information about pumpkins and how important they were to the pilgrims.
It is probably these sidebars which are the most surprising and interesting part of the book, for they help us understand the lives of the Pilgrims and the significance of their achievements in the bigger picture of America today.
