This is the Feast by Diane Shore
Its quite refreshing to browse through the simple text that accompanies these bright vibrant illustrations. In simple, straight-foward verse, Shore tells the story of the Pilgrims' voyage, first winter, first growing season, and first harvest. Each section concludes with a "thanks be to God," culminating in the first Thanksgiving Feast. The verses are suitable for reading out loud to pre-schoolers and can be read by 1st or 2nd graders on their own.
"Thanks be to God, our strength and our guide."
"Thanks be to God for the lives He has spared."
"Thanks be to God for this wise, clever man."
"Thanks be to God for this bountiful land."
"Thanks be to God, who doth us provide!"

hardback, 32 pages, full color, $16.99

N.C. Wyeth's Pilgrims, text by Robert San Souci
The murals used to illustrate this book were commissioned by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1940. The paintings are gorgeous and portray the strong character of the Pilgrims against the sharp colors of a New England fall. There is one howler in the text in which it is implied that the first Thanksgiving was a party thrown to thank the Indians. No mention anywhere in the entire text of God, though there are a few vague references to religious freedom. Wyeth knew better and put the truth into his paintings. Read The Landing of the Pilgrims in order to understand their faith, but gaze at these pictures to see what their lives were like.

paperback, 40 pages, full color, $6.95

The First Thanksgiving - STEP3 Reader
The story of the Pilgrims is vividly retold in simple language for beginning readers.
The Step 3 books are intended for grades 1-3, when children are first ready to read on their own. Of course, you can read the book out loud to a child of any age!

paperback, 48 pages, full color, $3.99

Mayflower 1620
A New Look at a Pilgrim Voyage
Plimoth Plantation and the National Geographic Society come together to tell the true story behind the legendary voyage of the Mayflower. A meticulously researched work, Mayflower 1620 offers children a compelling, fresh account of this much-told story.
Vibrant photography of a rare reenactment using the Mayflower II leads readers imaginatively into the narrative. The vivid and informative text explores the story behind the exhibits at the living-history museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Primary sources record what the voyagers wore, what they ate, and telling details of their journey. First-person accounts reveal the hopes and dreams they carried. Readers share in the long hours at sea, and in the dangers faced after landfall. Extensive end notes, a map, a detailed chronology, and a bibliography round out the full story of the Mayflower.
Readers experience a new look at this seminal historical event through the eyes of those who now regularly inhabit the world of the pilgrims—the actors who interpret the Pilgrim Voyage. This eye-opening book teaches children the value of closely reexamining everything we think we know.

paperback, 48 pages, full color, $6.95

Sarah Morton's Day
A Day in the life of a Pilgrim Girl
Sarah Morton was a real Mayflower passenger. She is mentioned in several journals and histories of the period. This wonderful little book follows her through a typical day in 1627, when she was nine years old: doing chores and spending time with her family.
The photographs were all taken at Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts, using re-enactors and living history museum settings and furnishings. The photographs come as close as is humanly possible to showing what colonial life was really like. 40 pages, text is 3rd-4th grade reading level, but content and interest level is up through high school.

paperback, 32 pages, full color, $6.99

Samuel Eaton's Day
A Day in the life of a Pilgrim Boy
Samuel Eaton was a real Mayflower passenger, only an infant in 1620. This wonderful little book follows him through a typical day in 1627, when he is seven years old: doing chores, getting to know his Wampanoag Indian neighbors, and spending time with his family.
The photographs were all taken at Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts, using re-enactors and living history museum settings and furnishings. The photographs come as close as is humanly possible to showing what colonial life was really like.
<> 40 pages, text is 3rd-4th grade reading level, but content and interest level is up through high school.

paperback, 40 pages, full color $6.99