Mayflower

From my position here in the UK, a book that is supposed to be a 'my first Mayflower' book is likely to be that whatever the reader's age. There was a lot on these few pages I didn't exactly know, beyond the barest basics. I couldn't have answered the quiz question about who was skipper, how many were on board, where they were leaving – nor about the aborted Speedwell voyage that got as far as Plymouth and gave up due to leaks. My ignorance not being the main topic of review, I still think a lot of American schoolchildren will learn from this – although they will have encountered many books that are designed specifically as 'my first…', and of course many more opportunities to take this lesson. It's a gorgeous lesson, here, too, with the simplest of touches adding atmospherics to the artwork, yet some really accurate-seeming portrayals of the ship and the community she seeded. I do wonder, expert consultant aside, if the story of the First Nations the Europeans encountered was fully given, but I did like the touch about famous names who can include these pioneers amongst those on their family tree. A really well-made volume.

Beautiful book, that tells a simple, clear story. Great for key stage one. I’ll be ordering copies for the library and classroom.

I liked this overall. Aimed roughly at ages 7- 11 this is a good first introduction to who the pilgrims were, why they left England and what happened both on the journey and when they arrived in America. It's set out well with nice illustrations and accompanying text. If your library is looking for a decent introductory text for this age group I think this would be one to consider.

This book focuses on the voyage of the Mayflower to the America, why the trip was undertaken, what conditions were like on board, the crew, navigating the seas, landing, and meeting Native People. A basic overview in which each topic is covered in a two page spread with brief text and more detailed illustrations. Attractive and informative. Also contains an interesting author’s note.

"Mayflower" by Rebecca Siegel - a non-fictional account of the Mayflower and initial colonial settlement. What's great about this book is that it is filled with well researched engaging historical facts and illustrations. This objective read will help students better understand who the first settlers were, how they went about crossing the Atlantic, what dangers they encountered, and how they settled the new land. This book is presented in a perfect sequence of illustrations and information. Ideal for students in grades 4-7.

For a children’s picture book, this is a fairly detailed overview of the Pilgrim’s trip to American. It covers the Puritan’s reasons for leaving Europe, the voyage, and how the Pilgrims interacted with the Native People of North America. It does not overly simplify or dumb down the facts for children. I really enjoyed the book and I think it is a great introduction for children into this piece of America’s history.

This educational account of the Mayflower was taken from the own author's ancestry. It gives the reason why the two groups of people (the saints and the strangers) made the harrowing journey. The perils that overcame them while at sea and once they landed. It also gives a fair account of the Native culture as well. The day of Thanksgiving came to be for the Native a day of mourning. The illustrations show the ship and the duties of of those that traveled. The tools that were used and the harrowing rescue of one John Howland who is the direct descendant of Siegel's spouse and actor Alex Baldwin.

This would be valuable resource for your young readers that would be a catalyst for learning the good and bad of our American History.

A special thank you to Quarto Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

A good look at the Mayflower including what the settlers took to the New World and their interactions with the native inhabitants. A visual, reader-friendly book.