The Very First Thanksgiving Day

Rhonda Gowler Greene authored a unique cumulative text in The Very First Thanksgiving Day.  Both Rhonda and illustrator, Susan Gaber, explain some background notes in the preface.  The illustrator’s note explains that two dogs were transported on the Mayflower, a Spaniel and a Mastiff.  Children will enjoy looking for the dogs throughout the pages.

Side note:  On Rhonda Gowler Greene’s website, you will find tips for young writers.  Check it out.

 

Savorings for reading and in writing for The Very First Thanksgiving Day:

• Cumulative text – begins with the feast and works backward to coming on the ship (it kind of reminds me of a boomerang motion)
• Poetic
• Illustrations – detailed to tell you more of the story; If you have an Elmo, this book would be a great candidate for it.  I’ve noticed a little girl, dressed in a dandelion-colored dress, holding her red-dressed doll on the majority of the pages

Sarah Morton’s Day:  A Day in the LIfe of a Pilgrim Girl   by Kate Waters      

The illustrations painted by Susan Gaber in The Very First Thanksgiving Daywere based on the Plimoth Plantation.

Russ Kendall captures the everyday happenings at present day Plimoth Plantation.  The narrative nonfiction is explained by nine year old Sara Morton.  Kate Waters brings to life the chores and thoughts of this Pilgrim girl.  Children have the opportunity to travel back in time to 1627 to the beginning of America, during the time of the Pilgrims.

Other books by Kate Waters for the Thanksgiving season:

• Samuel Eaton’s Day:  A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy
• Tapnum’s Day:  A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times 

Savorings for reading and in writing for Sarah Moton’s Day:

• Sensory – “The thump, thump of Mother’s churning keeps me company.”
• Compare/contrast – different versions of books, like the one prior to this; Life then versus now
• Nonfiction – informational text in the back