Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Thanksgiving is...
Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Holiday House, 2004 ISBN: 978-0439806831
For many people Thanksgiving is all about Pilgrims and that famous Thanksgiving feast in the early 1600’s. In actual fact Thanksgiving has its roots in harvest celebrations which stretch back to the days of the ancient Egyptians, the Chinese, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Jews. Harvest celebrations were popular throughout Europe in the middle ages and it was not surprising therefore that the pilgrims brought their traditions with them when they came to America.
It is important to remember that the pilgrims were not the only ones who were present at that first feast. Native Americans were also there and they played a large part in helping the pilgrims survive during those first months and years.
Today Thanksgiving is a holiday enjoyed by Americans of all ages and backgrounds. It is a time for friends and family to give thanks for the year that has past and it is a time to eat and spend time with one another.
This excellent title in a series of books about holidays will help children understand what Thanksgiving is about and appreciate that it is a holiday with a long and illustrious history. The author has found a wonderful way to present lots of information in a cheerfully illustrated format.
