Kid's Picks: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

We are currently reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. And by "we" I mean my husband is reading it aloud to my five-year-old son, William, and the rest of us occasionally listen.

I asked Will if he likes reading the book with Daddy. "Yes." What do you like about it? "The good guys win." I'm not sure what prompted that response but I know he's begging to read the book every night after supper. That's always a good sign of an excellent book!

Just a word of caution that this book contains some language and themes (smoking!) that may not be suitable for young children. Joel mentioned to me that he's doing quite a bit of editing as he is reading, mainly for language, I think. It's a judgment call for parents to make.

William definitely does not understand everything in this book and has asked many questions as a result. We've had some good conversations about how Tom's actions are disobedient or how he isn't doing the "right" thing and what would be the "right" thing to do. We are comfortable with these kind of discussions at his age.

What about you? What classic characters have you introduced your children to?

Book Review: The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh

The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh is another well-written book describing the journey on the Mayflower and the founding of Plymouth by the Pilgrims. This book sort of tells the story from the perspective of the three Hopkins children.

I say sort of because it uses a third-person narrative voice but includes details sure to capture a child's interest. I am a little disappointed because I thought it would use the voice of one of the children to explain the story of the Pilgrims.

While the illustrations by Helen Sewell don't appeal to me, the book was awarded a Caldecott Honor Award.

Don't let my unfulfilled expectations deter you from this book. For a general outline of the Pilgrim story this is a quality book worth having in your library, though not necessarily a must-have book.

Book Review: The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern uses simple language to tell the story of the Pilgrims. Though it doesn't maintain a child's perspective throughout the book, it does emphasize details sure to interest children. Like the lack of toys on board the Mayflower. And the jobs children had in the new village of Plymouth.

I wouldn't say this book is a must have but if you are looking for a book to tell the general story of the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving on a preschool or early elementary level, this one does just that. Filled with color and activity the illustrations will also hold the interest of young readers.

You may find it helpful to know this book is a Scholastic paperback. If you are looking for Thanksgiving activities Scholastic has pages of recommendations. I wish I had found their site when I wrote my Thanksgiving lesson plans!

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving Book Review

When I started looking for children's Thanksgiving books to go with my Thanksgiving lesson plans I wanted a book that talked about the Indians (or Native Americans). But I didn't want a politically correct book that made them out to be the saviors of the Pilgrims. I wanted a book that let God do the saving THROUGH the Indians.

I discovered what I was looking for in Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas. Metaxas tells us the true story of Squanto, an Indian boy, kidnapped and taken to Spain. Through the Sovereign hand of God he eventually returns to his homeland and finds his entire village wiped out by illness. Not long after his return the Pilgrims settle on the very land his village once occupied. Squanto meets with the Pilgrims, recognizes them as followers of the True God, and helps them survive.

I found it refreshing to read an account of Thanksgiving and the Indians that acknowledged the hand of God in history. As a Christian I believe He has a plan and a purpose for everyone's life. Sometimes we can see the plan and purpose, sometimes we can't. Like Joseph of the Old Testament, Squanto spent many years wondering what purpose God had in his kidnapping. And like Joseph, God used Squanto to save some of His people.

My only negative comment is that the illustrations of Squanto seem to change from page to page. I realize he is growing up and changing cultures but his facial features and hair color should not change that much. I am a little disappointed that the illustrator did not maintain the Indian (Native American) facial features and black hair that Squanto most definitely had.

Other than that minor negative I whole heartily recommend this book to anyone, young or old, who wants to learn the story of how God used one man to rescue many.

Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember Book Review

If you can only buy one book in November, Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember is the one to buy! Barbara Rainey, wife of FamilyLife founder, Dennis Rainey, does a fantastic job informing readers of the history of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving celebrations.

She begins by explaining the origins of the Pilgrims and why they are leaving England. Then she recounts the voyage to the New World, the first winter in New England, and the first Thanksgiving celebration. Also included is a description of the role Native Americans (Squanto, Samoset, and Massasoit) played in the survival of the Pilgrims.

As a mom of young children (5 years and under) I appreciate the way Mrs. Rainey separated the story into two versions - grown-up and child. This is accomplished through two different sizes of type. "The larger-type sections contain the essence of the Pilgrim story and the parts that would be most interesting to younger children." Just reading the large type should take about 30 minutes, but I recommend dividing the sections and reading it all aloud as a family.

Another feature of this book is an included CD of Thanksgiving instrumental music. As you prepare your heart and home for Thanksgiving while listening to this CD you will recognize familiar hymns and choruses.

While not exactly a "tips" and "activities" book, Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember gives you several ideas for family traditions, as well as stimulating curiosity to learn more about the Pilgrims.

For more activity ideas be sure to read my Thanksgiving Lesson Plans here or the "pretty" jpg version here.