The Very First Thanksgiving Day

Writer Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrator Susan Gaber's 2002 acrylic-painted picture book is adapted in this iconographic-animated tribute to the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Narrated by Thérèse Plummer, the short offers a traditional view of the smiling skillful Indians and hard-working Pilgrims, while the cumulative rhyming narrative touches first on the celebration (the “food gathered and blessed…the wild turkey dressed”), before stepping back to take in Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower in full sail, and the rough trip across the ocean, ultimately coming round again to the first Thanksgiving. Featuring sound effects including birds chirping and kids giggling, this program's fractured chronology will likely prove confusing to the target age group of 3-6, and the rhyming narration is both repetitive and rather bland. Also including a read-along option, this is an optional purchase. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)