November 2018

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving
Written by Eric Metaxas
Illustrated by Shannon Stirnweis

It is like the story of Joseph from our sacred Scriptures,” he said. “Like you, Joseph was also taken from his home and sold as a slave. But God had a plan for him.

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving begins in 1608 when Squanto is a young Patuxet boy who is excited to see strangers with shiny beads in huge ships. Yet tragically he is captured and sold into slavery in Spain. How does Squanto get back to his homeland in the New World? Will he ever see his family again?

Squanto’s story is a sad one and may be difficult for young readers; however, his story is an important lesson to all of us. He shows readers how to choose forgiveness over bitterness and retribution; how to learn new things no matter the situation; and how to share one’s knowledge with those who are struggling, regardless of their skin tone or race. His story shows the providence of God in saving Squanto and then how He uses Squanto to save an entire village.

While this book may be difficult for young children, it certainly is an important story for children and adults alike. It contributes to a better understanding of the difficulties faced by early American settlers and their Indian neighbors. It encourages readers to reflect on the real historical events which led to the Thanksgiving Day holiday. It demonstrates again the many things for which we as Americans have to be thankful during the Thanksgiving holiday.  

Remember, when you enter Amazon through this link and make a purchase, a portion of the sale will be donated to Book Drive for Kids. Thank you for your support!

Pilgrim Cat
Written by Carol Antoinette Peacock
Illustrated by Doris Ettlinger

“A cat just jumped on our boat, Father!” Faith Barrett exclaimed as she waited with her family and the other passengers to sail.
“Every ship needs a few good mousers!” said her father.
Pilgrim Cat is a delightful story of the Pilgrims’ voyage to the New World from the perspective of young Faith Barrett and her new friend, Pounce, a stray cat. In an appropriate style for young children, it tells of the hardships they faced – seasickness, harsh winter, and fevers which ravished the passengers.

Spring comes and with it Squanto, who shows the Pilgrims how to plant and grow food in this new land. Through each new challenge and adventure, Pounce is Faith’s loyal companion but one day near the harvest, he disappears. Faith is sorely disappointed! What has happened to Pounce? Will he return?

Children love Pilgrim Cat because of its descriptive storytelling and the playful interaction between Faith and Pounce. Parents and educators love it because it is a faithful re-telling of actual events of the Pilgrims’ voyage and settling in Plymouth. Farming details down to the actual vegetables and foods that were grown are shared. It is a wonderful introduction to the actual day-to-day events of life in 1620. It presents the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians as friends and grateful neighbors at their harvest celebration. Pilgrim Cat is a great story for introducing, even the youngest readers, to the real story of America’s Thanksgiving holiday.

Remember, when you enter Amazon through this link and make a purchase, a portion of the sale will be donated to Book Drive for Kids. Thank you for your support!