The Story of Thanksgiving

by Robert Merrill Bartlett, Sally Wern Comport (Illustrations)

Turkey and cranberry sauce. Pumpkin pie. Family and friends around the table. That's what Thanksgiving means to us today. But has it always been this way? Everyone knows that in 1621 the English Pilgrims and the Native American Wampanoags gathered together for a feast. But do you know what they ate and what games they played? And do you know how George Washington and Abraham Lincoln helped make Thanksgiving into the holiday that we know today? From ancient Greece to medieval England to colonial America, people all over the world have celebrated their good fortune at harvesttime. Find out how their traditions have contributed to our modern Thanksgiving. And try your hand at making some delicious pumpkin muffins for your Thanksgiving table!

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

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

1898-1995

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to believe this story so much...but just to return to it is a way to connect with a time when the world seemed so much fairer than it really is.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long before our time the first Thanksgiving took place to honor those in charge of harvests. Demeter in Greece and Ceres in Rome were the reason for celebration.
The history of the first Thanksgiving, The United States starting and traditions of the holiday are explained as well.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of the pilgrims with illustrations throughout.

Ages: 7 - 10

Cleanliness: Mentions Greek and Roman gods/goddesses, dancing, beer and wine.

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[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, offers the story of Thanksgiving that is more thorough than the Charlie-Brown version we all remember from growing up. This story shows some of the items that were unique to the Americas and items the Pilgrims sent back to Europe to bring some money into their colony.

[Susan]

Has a reference to Mary Chilton

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm related to the author so I'm a bit biased! However, I find that it lacks a Native American perspective. This could be because the author's ancestors came on the Mayflower and he was very proud of that fact!
Overall, if it is coupled with another picture book that tells the other side of the story more it would be a nice edition to any collection. It is basically informative and the illustrations are very nice.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deals mainly with the tradition of a feast after the harvest. It even covers the ancient Greeks and Romans up today's "harvest" feast of Thanksgiving. In the back of the book is the complete text with the melody of the song "Over the River and Through the Woods" and a recipe for pumpkin rolls. This was a doable read for us to share with our 3-year-old.

[Mary T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how it included harvest festivals before the Mayflower. Good overall history of Thanksgiving.

Curriculum Tie-Ins -Thanksgiving, ancient Greece, ancient Hebrews, Mayflower, Pilgrims, Wampanoag, Squanto, Samoset, Washington, Lincoln

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We really liked reading this. We learned some facts I had never heard about or if I did, I forgot. The illustrations are done in chalk pastels and they give a lovely, soft and warm narration.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shares how different cultures give thanks with an emphasis on America’s 1st Thanksgiving celebration.
11/12/19 Read with Naomi, Julia, Tommy, and John Henry
11/26/20 Read by myself

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provides a good overview of Thanksgiving.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the specifics in the story. Good info about the original celebration in America and those in other cultures.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great if your looking for a detailed history of Thanksgiving for children.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far to long for a children's picture book.