My First Thanksgiving

by Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola’s simple text and bright illustrations perfectly capture the joy of this special holiday. Young readers will love learning more about the traditional celebrations of the day.

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

14 pages, Board Book

First published September 2, 1992

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Debbie W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This board book is suitable for very young children. It is geared towards the American version of Thanksgiving.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much as I love Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and other holidays, I make special effort to appreciate Thanksgiving. Reminding yourself to be thankful for the good things and people in your life is essential to building character, and Tomie dePaola's My First Thanksgiving helps readers of any age do that.

The Pilgrims faced deathly hardship after settling in America. Their colony could have perished entirely, but after surviving those rough times, they came together with the Indians for a feast to thank God for their good fortune and mutual friendship going forward. Every November we commemorate that original feast and its goals, uniting in spite of religious, political, and cultural differences. We make fun crafts and prepare a sumptuous meal to remember the material and spiritual blessings we enjoy daily.

Tomie dePaola's text and illustrations for this book are gentle and wholesome, honoring a holiday that's about being grateful for what we have instead of just looking forward to getting more. I rate My First Thanksgiving two and a half stars; we could use a greater number of books like this one.

As for this paperback edition specifically, its content doesn't differ noticeably from the board book. The very simple tone of the story seems, however, best suited to a board book, chiefly designed for toddlers.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much as I love Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and other holidays, I make special effort to appreciate Thanksgiving. Reminding yourself to be thankful for the good things and people in your life is essential to building character, and Tomie dePaola's My First Thanksgiving helps readers of any age do that.

The Pilgrims faced deathly hardship after settling in America. Their colony could have perished entirely, but after surviving those rough times, they came together with the Indians for a feast to thank God for their good fortune and mutual friendship going forward. Every November we commemorate that original feast and its goals, uniting in spite of religious, political, and cultural differences. We make fun crafts and prepare a sumptuous meal to remember the material and spiritual blessings we enjoy daily.

Tomie dePaola's text and illustrations for this book are gentle and wholesome, honoring a holiday that's about being grateful for what we have instead of just looking forward to getting more. I rate My First Thanksgiving two and a half stars; we could use a greater number of books like this one.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

The true history of Thanksgiving is complicated and ugly, which may not be an easy or comfortable thing to teach young kids. But an oversimplified and whitewashed version is not a responsible option either.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book my daughter read by herself!

[Asho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grabbed this board book for F (7 months) to hold and look at. It has a very simple and sanitized concept of Thanksgiving, but it's age-appropriate.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short and simple introduction to Thanksgiving, perfect for reading with very young children. The colorful xartoonish illustrations are classically recognizable in Tomie dePaola's inimitable style. The book highlights American Thanksgiving traditions

While Thanksgiving as a holiday has a complicated history and some would be offended that this book whitewashes it, I believe it really lingers more on the family connections and togetherness aspect of the holiday and does not delve deep into the history. For the youngest of children, I believe this is just right, with more context and perspective to be added as children get older.

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very simple introduction to the holiday, as it was celebrated in the past and today.

Veg*n parents note: Contains the line, "We eat turkey," with a large picture of a whole turkey on a plate. The possibility of other centerpieces at the holiday table isn't mentioned.

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s actually his second Thanksgiving but he still doesn’t really know what that means. On the positive side: it was a boardbook, so he could handle turning pages. But the story and illustrations were lackluster. Only ok.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute first board book

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe a board book is too early to talk about what really happened during Thanksgiving, but I think we should at least try!

[NK92 · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5 *

Has the true story of thanksgiving, writing okay to pretty good, art okay

[BreAnna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Our favorite page was with all the food. We pretended to eat it.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely simplistic. Takes about 25 seconds to read. The saving grace for me is dePaola's folksy illustrations

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe I love every Toni dePaola book ever! ❤️ Thanksgiving books are hard to find. This is a great little read.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a board book that has simple but nice illustrations that explains about the first thanksgiving with the pilgrims and Indians and then tells about how we celebrate every November and what families do to get ready.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple text and nice illustrations show what Thanksgiving is about.

[Edna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short and simple description of the first Thanksgiving and how its celebrated today in one family.

[Sebin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book I would use only for the younger grades because it allows the young reader to take a first look at the traditional holiday, Thanksgiving.

[Elanor]

All by herself!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is perfect for what I was looking for! A simple board book telling the story of the first Thanksgiving for a 2 year old or older toddlers.