Off to Plymouth Rock!

by Dandi Daley Mackall, Gene Barretta

Told with the whimsical verse of Dandi Mackall, children will love to hear the story of the Pilgrims' voyage and the Native Americans' guidance that culminated in the first Thanksgiving. Gene Barretta's warm, harvest tones and lively characters add the perfect touch to this story of discovery, compassion, and faith.

Genres: Thanksgiving, Picture Books, Childrens, History, Poetry, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

A professional writer for over 20 years, Dandi Daley Mackall has written dozens of articles for popular magazines and published around 500 books for children and adults alike, with sales of over 4 million.

A frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, she lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, horses, dogs, & cats. Awards include the Edgar Award for Best YA Mystery, the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children's Literature; Distinguished Alumni Award from Mizzou; ALA Best Book; Christian Children's Book of the Year, Amelia Bloom, Mom's Choice Awards. Her YA novel, My Boyfriends' Dogs, is now a Hallmark movie.

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rhyming tale telling of the Pilgrims fleeing to North America, and the events that took place after their arrival which led to the first celebration of Thanksgiving.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author says a lot with few words. It did take me a second read before I spotted Plymouth Rock, which is even smaller than actual size. My two-and-a-half year old nephew liked the story well enough to listen to it four times on Thanksgiving evening. Of course, we did not read the actual words, we let the pictures tell us the story. He's never seen big ships, the ocean, waves, "Indians" or the types of clothing pictured in the story. We were able to find foods in the pictures that matched the foods on our plates. (This does perpetuate some myths, but I like myths, and these are correctable.)

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short but fun for young children. The rhymes are simple and only make about four lines each segment. What really wins are the illustrations - several had me cracking up and they were ridiculously adorable. What's especially funny is a well-animated turkey graces several of the pages, but then when the last shows the Thanksgiving dinner with a cooked Turkey - well, uh oh....but then I see the same animated Turkey sitting in at the table with the rest of the crowd. 0_0

I have no thoughts or idea on the CD Portion.

[Chiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pilgrims' Journey

This is the story of how the first Pilgrims reached America and thrived there.
Along the way, the Native Americans are shown as they help the Pilgrims settle down.
The book culminates with the celebration of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving.
I wish such harmony could be found in history, as well... Alas, everybody knows that the Natives were exterminated. But this is a book for children, there is no trace of those terrible events, here.

The text is a poem, lovely.
Illustrations by Gene Barretta.

For kindergartners and 1st graders.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars A very simple introduction for young children to the pilgrim's journey on the Mayflower and first year in Plymouth. It's told in rhyme and the illustrations are engaging but it's definitely very oversimplistic.

[Jeani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but very simplistic view of the journey and result of the Pilgrims' journey; geared toward K-1st (?) grades. Nice rhyming.

[Robin Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute

[Mellanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

The version of history in which they “flee” religious persecution, as opposed to “seek out a place to practice their religious extremism.”

[Kiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely not how it happened fr but cool pictures

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little book that I'm not sure I ever would've purchased for myself. At first glance, it's a little simple for kindergarten. However, it comes with a charming author read along that is like nothing I've seen before. Story is told and then retold with interactive words and motions. My class always loves this little story and it engages them over and over again.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations don't always match the text. Early on the fish and whales draw attention away from the Mayflower and text on that page. Love the rhyme and rhythm. Shares very few details of the first Thanksgiving, but it's a fun read.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The soft color palette and almost manga-like illustrations give a different look to the familiar story The rhyming verse make it perfect for a holiday read for k-4.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe the author meant off to Plymouth? I know the rock is tiny, but there is so illustration of it AND THAT IS WEIRD.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Thanksgiving book short enough for storytime!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the rhymes in this book.

[Lauren White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for grades k-2