Food for Thought; Helpful Hints for Writing about Thanksgiving!
The new year is fast approaching, and you may already be itching to get that tree up. But, there’s still one day of celebration we can’t forget about; Thanksgiving!
Just like Bonfire Night, Thanksgiving is a celebration unique to a few countries. Nevertheless, the underlying sentiment remains the same; coming together and getting cosy. It’s the perfect occasion to take some time and enjoy the companionship of your loved ones before the hectic rush of festivities begin.
Although Thanksgiving is predominately American, the spirit of sharing, giving thanks and enjoying delicious dinners is certainly one we can all dive into. We’ll also be including some creative writing challenges in this blog, so keep your eyes peeled!
The Tale of Thanksgiving
You may remember that in Module 2, we looked at the genre of Historical Fiction. Stories that are based in either real or fictional history are often intertwined with very particular social conventions of the time that’s being written about; they can both entertain and educate modern readers about the past.
‘Pilgrim Cat’ by Carol Antoinette Peacock
Pounce the cat stows away on the Mayflower bound across the ocean, but he was swiftly discovered and befriended by young Faith Barrett. Although the story recounts the real journey and the hardships of the settlers, the story is told through Pounce’s eyes. The recounting of history is balanced with Pounce’s quest for dinner, so a story young children would have heard a thousand times is given a brand new spin.
Illustrator: Doris Ettinger
Genre: Historical Fiction
‘An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving’ by Louisa May Alcott
Of course, we’ve got to include a mention to the queen of American children’s fiction, Louisa May Alcott. Although many may know her for her most famous novel, Little Women, her collection of short stories features the most quintessential Thanksgiving tale ever.
In her story, An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, the Barrett family prepares for a feast after a hard year of harvest and hardships on the American frontier. Even now, Thanksgiving is a busy time, but take a look at how Alcott describes the family preparing for their Thanksgiving banquet;
“The big kitchen was a jolly place just for now, for in the great fireplace roared a cheerful fire; on the walls hung garlands of dried apples, onions, and corn; up aloft from the beams shone crook-necked squashes, juicy hams, and dried venison… Savoury smalls were in the air and down among the red embers copper sauce-pans simmered, all suggestive of some approaching feast.”
Although food is the centrepiece of this passage, we can see how Alcott details every aspect of the room; the smells in the air, the personification of the fire dancing in the grate, and every inch of the kitchen from the embers down below to the beams in the roof are invoked through her words.
Alcott’s story is an oldie but a goodie and perfectly captures the thrifty perseverance of the American spirit featuring Thanksgiving preparation, blizzards and even bears!
Illustrator: James Bernardin/Jody Wheeler
Genre: Historical Fiction
Thanksgiving Turkey Time!
‘Run Turkey, Run!’ by Diane Mayr
Illustrator: Laura Rader
‘Beauty and the Beaks’ by Mary Jane Auch
One interesting aspect of writing about food is that some parents don’t feel entirely comfortable reading to their children about ‘food with faces’. Whatever your thoughts are on eating or preparing turkey for dinner, Thanksgiving books give us a unique opportunity to introduce these ideas to younger readers in a way that’s light and easy to follow.
Illustrator: Herm Auch
Food for Thought…
‘Duck for Turkey Day’ by Jacqueline Jules
This wonderfully warm book is an interesting and engaging way of introducing important themes of diversity in cultural celebration. Giving thanks and enjoying the company of your friends and family is far more important than how you decide to celebrate.
Illustrator: Kathryn Mitter
Genre: Social Issues
‘Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving’ by Joseph Bruchac
In this beautifully illustrated story, Joseph Bruchac (who is also of Native descent) recounts the tale of Squanto, a member of the Pokanoket tribe who welcomed newcomers and established traditions that would endure for centuries.
With scenes of kidnapping and hardship, this is a story that packs a fair few punches. Nevertheless, opening up hard conversations about tradition and the importance of understanding the past are perfect ways to bring history to life!
Illustrator: Greg Shed
Genre: Historical Fiction
Five Thoughts for Thanksgiving
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