Thanksgiving Day (National Holidays Series #8) Book

Simple text and photographs describe the history of Thanksgiving Day and how it is celebrated.

Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature

The books in the "National Holidays" series follow the same general format. There is an opening note to parents and teachers that states, "This series supports national social studies standards related to understanding events that celebrate the values and principles of American democracy." Even though this book is meant for very young readers, it is set up along the lines of books that older students would use for research and reference. It has a table of contents, a glossary entitled "Words to Know, references that include both books and Internet sites, and an index that also serves as a word list. The text consists of simple declarative sentences accompanied by full-page illustration, which are in most cases photographs. It tells readers that Thanksgiving Day is one when we all pause to be grateful for what we have, and it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. This holiday was first celebrated by the early settlers in what is now the United States. What is missing from this book is the history behind the holiday and when it became an official US holiday. The balance of the text discusses ways that the holiday is celebrated noting that for most, it is a day to enjoy a great meal (turkey and all the trimmings) with family and friends, and to relax and have fun. 2003, Pebble Books/CapstonePress,