PPBF: N.C. Wyeth's Pilgrims

 In honor of Thanksgiving, I'm sharing with you today a beautifully illustrated picture book on the quintessential American holiday that Sarah Hale fought so strongly for!

Source

Text by: Robert San Souci
Illustrations by: N.C. Wyeth
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Date: 1945

Themes: Pilgrims, Thanksgiving, New Plymouth Colony
Ages: 7-12
Genre: Historic Non-fiction

Jacket flap: "The adventurous saga of the settling of the Plymouth Colony is strikingly portrayed in this magnificent book. Spectacular paintings by renowned artist N.C. Wyeth gloriously bring to life the carefully researched text by well-known children's book author Robert San Souci.
     The story of the Pilgrims, including the first Thanksgiving, is a central part of American history and, over the course of time, it has taken on an almost mythical quality. Drawing upon a variety of resources, including the author's visit to the Plimouth Plantation, the text dispels some popular misconceptions about the settling of our nation as it broadens our understanding of the bravery and determination of our forebears.
     A beautiful art book as well as an informative history book, N. C. Wyeth's Pilgrims belongs in every home, library and classroom.

Then, an interesting note follows: A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to the Plimouth Plantation in support of their efforts to maintain an ongoing re-creation of the Plimouth Colony."

Opening lines: "The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were a time of religious struggle in England. The rulers wanted their subjects to follow the established church, but some people held different beliefs."

Why I like this book: It's a perfect marriage between a gifted illustrator and children's picture book author!  I am partial to realistic images AND text, which is why I was drawn to this book. Another plus is the fact that the illustrator and author together have donated some of the proceeds to benefit further research of our country's history. Something I would hope to do when I have been successfully published!

Here are some links to use in the classroom:

A simple biography of N.C. Wyeth.  And also HERE

Wikipedia

Some of Wyeth's illustrations you might recognize.

Robert San Souci's Website

Source

The Plimouth Plantation Website with children's activities.

Activities relating to Thanksgiving HERE. from Kids National Geographic

Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

A very Blessed Thanksgiving to you all. . .we have SO MUCH to be grateful for!