The First Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims called the celebration the Harvest Feast. The Pawtuxet Indians thought of it as the Green Corn Dance. But the first Thanksgiving was much more than that.

Join Newbery Medalist Jean Craighead George and beloved illustrator Thomas Locker as they trace the passage of time from the melting of the glaciers that created Cape Cod and Plymouth Rock, to the moment the Pawtuxet Indians and the Pilgrims met and feasted on the bounty of the New World.

From the simple text to the lush illustrations, the story of a harvest feast turned beloved tradition will captivate readers young and old.

“Correcting misconceptions and clarifying contemporary attitudes, this beautiful book brings fresh insight and a fairer balance to the traditional story.”—Kirkus Reviews

Jean Craighead George (1919–2012) was the author of more than 100 beloved books for young people, including the Newbery Medal–winning Julie of the Wolves and the Newbery Honor–winning My Side of the Mountain. She was a lifetime naturalist and was beloved by generations of nature-loving children. Two of her children, Craig and Twig, helped complete her last novel.

Thomas Locker has written and illustrated many award-winning books for children, including the companion titles Water Dance and Mountain Dance. He lives in Stuyvesant, New York.