This is the Feast

Mimicking that first rolling passage across the Atlantic, this is a lilting poem, each stanza beginning with a call to notice an aspect of the story and ending by giving thanks to God. Beginning with that stormy journey of the Mayflower and ending with the three-day celebration of thanksgiving for God's providence and protection, this book will lead your little ones to give thanks for God's rich provision as well.

Megan Lloyd's vibrantly colored illustrations draw us in to the events of 1620 and 1621, bursting with fall colors, and brimming with bounty and ripe harvest. The courage and tenacity of the settlers in the face of adversity seems to be reflected on their faces as they work and play together.

Although a fine introduction to this period of history,

some may find the verses a little too saccharine for their taste, eg, “...as they sailed on the Mayflower, plodding but strong, her sails filled with dreams as she journeyed along,” and “This is Thanksgiving, a time to remember the friendships and freedoms we all share together.”

As I read, it strikes me that this would make a great culinary and/or botanical learning experience for preschool. Learn the names of many of the trees, plants, and animals that the Pilgrims first encountered in the New World: oak tree, maize/corn, birch tree, herring, elm tree, codfish, cucumber, spinach, beans, pumpkins, squash, maple tree, wild turkeys, deer, plums, cranberries, chestnuts, wild fowl, lobsters.

Pictured, but not mentioned: goats, chickens, apples, oysters, savory pies, cheese, onions, bread, clams, potatoes, cabbages, cakes, cats, and dogs. Also, a white substance is being scraped into the food in two pictures (salt?)

CONTENT CONSIDERATIONS:

Pilgrims lean over bowls and pots during the rough voyage of the Mayflower.