Across the Wide Dark Sea: The Mayflower Journey

by Jean Van Leeuwen, Thomas B. Allen (Illustrator)

A boy and his family endure a difficult nine-week journey across the ocean and survive the first winter at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts.

Genres: Picture Books, Thanksgiving, History, 1st Grade, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1995

About the author

Jean Van Leeuwen was an American children's book author, of over forty children's books, including the Oliver Pig series, and Bound for Oregon.

Reviews

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historically accurate, interesting picture book of the perilous journey in 1620. The descriptions of the crowded, smelly, leaking ship, the seasickness and the barren landscape they found when they arrive adds cred to the Pilgrims courage and determination. Soft and somber illustrations perfectly match the tone of the story. A Thanksgiving must.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jean Van Leeuwen writes fantastic picture books for children. Serious, intelligent, yet also interesting, this book tells about the perilous Mayflower journey and the Pilgrims' first hard year in the new land. Thomas Allen illustrates with lovely pastels. Great for grades K on up.

[Libby Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells of my Mayflower ancestors, the Brewsters and John Howland. I wish the author went ahead and used names in the narrative instead of general terms like “boy”, “man”, and “father”. Names are addressed in the author’s note at the end, however.

This is a great book for kids to learn in general terms about the Mayflower journey and the pilgrims’ first year in Plymouth.

[Rev Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book of a child's view of the Mayflower journey and settlement.

[Karen]

Trying to rethink how we teach the Thanksgiving story to our elementary students required reviewing our collection and this did not make the cut.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great version of the Mayflower story. Alissa loved the seedlings in the garden.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun historical read. I loved the illustrations.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about the settlers who came to the New World on the Mayflower. I love that the story is told from the perspective of a young boy and that the narrative is based on actual records.

I was elated to see that the story of how my ancestor, John Howland, fell overboard, managed to grab a topsail halyard that was trailing in the water, and was hauled back aboard safely is mentioned. He isn't mentioned by name, but it's a famous story about him. There are several websites that mention his legacy of having so many decendents (primarily due to the fact that he survived and had ten children), but my favorite is Pilgrim John Howland Society. Anytime I can show our girls a little bit of history about our ancestors, I am thrilled.

Overall, this is a very informative and intersting story and we really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Nichole Sedler]

Written by Jean Van Leeuwen, illustrated by Thomas B. Allen, published by Dial, copyright year 1995.

Summary: Told from the viewpoint of a nine year old boy who sails on the Mayflower to the New World. Touches on the hard winter, getting help from friendly Indians, the difficult journey at sea, disease and death, etc.

Response: The illustrations and layout of the book give the impression of an aged document. This would be a great read aloud book for Thanksgiving. It describes the hardships and joys of the adventure to a new land.

Possible Units: U.S. Colonial History, Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is based on the events of the Mayflower passengers who sailed from Plymouth England and named their American settlement Plymouth Plantation (Cape Cod). William Bradford wrote about the experience. This story is told from the point of view of a 9 year old on the ship. William was the leader of the religious group known as "separatists" who left England looking for religious freedom. Squanto walked into Plymouth Plantation one day saying "Welcome'. He was captured by an English sea captain, had lived in England and therefore spoke English.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This title does set a tone of what it may have been like to travel on the Mayflower from a child's perspective. The illustrations are good. The book does however lead one to believe that all on the Mayflower where seeking a new land because of religious reasons. That was not so as some of those on board were merchants and some just wanted an adventure. Not all were of the Separatist belief.

[Cana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mommy says: Jean Van Leeuwen writes fantastic picture books. Serious, intelligent, yet also interesting, this book tells about the perilous Mayflower journey and the Pilgrims' first hard year in the new land. Thomas Allen illustrates with lovely pastels. Great for grades K on up.

[Finny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mommy Says: Jean Van Leeuwen writes fantastic picture books. Serious, intelligent, yet also interesting, this book tells about the perilous Mayflower journey and the Pilgrims' first hard year in the new land. Thomas Allen illustrates with lovely pastels. Great for grades K on up.

[Chelsea Hallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about a boy and his family coming to America. Use it to get kids interested in Colonial times.

[Jalacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

that the mayflower had leaks and a bunch of people were sick and that they found new land and named it the Plymouth Colony

[Jichauni]

i need 2 read across the wide darl sea

[Najae · Rating 2 out of 5]

BORING!!!!!!