Today let’s take a look a three children’s picture books that reflect Thanksgiving in very different ways.
Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson and illustrated by Matt Faulkner is a rip-roarin’ look at the history of Thanksgiving, revealing some facts that many will probably find to be surprising. My library’s copy was tucked away in the holiday section, but it could just as well have been placed in biography, since it centers on the life of Sarah Hale. History buffs will enjoy it, as well.
Suggested activity: write a letter.
A winner of multiple awards, Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet was located in biography in my library, but it could have been shelved in holidays as well. Ever wondered about the huge balloons in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? This book tells how Tony Sarg made the Macy’s Parade what it is today.
Suggested activities: watching the Macy’s Parade, and then playing with helium-filled balloons. Older children may like sculpting balloon animals.
If you are interested in a more reflective book, Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message (Reading Rainbow Book) by Chief Jake Swamp and illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr., captures the essence of, well, Giving Thanks.
Suggested activity: to celebrate the beautiful illustrations in this book, draw a picture or make a painting of something you are thankful for.
Thanksgiving seems to have come too quickly this year. Hopefully these three picture books will help get children in the mood for the holiday.
Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. We invite you to join us. For more information and a schedule, stop by Booktalking to see who is hosting each week.
The round-up today is at Perogies and Gyoza.
What a great trio of books! I am especially drawn to Giving Thanks, and would like to see what the First Nations’ take on Thanksgiving is.
Thanks so much for participating in Nonfiction Monday!
Jen,
Giving Thanks very much is about appreciating the gifts of the natural world.
Thank you for hosting Nonfiction Monday this week!
Hi Roberta, I’m intrigued by Thank You, Sarah — I’m off to search for it. And, I like that you suggested letter writing as an activity. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!