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| ISBN: 9780763665845 Hardcover $17.99 |
At a young age, John Howland learned what it meant to take advantage of an opportunity. Leaving the docks of London on the Mayflower as an indentured servant to Pilgrim John Carver, John Howland little knew that he was embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. By his great good fortune, John survived falling overboard on the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and he earned his keep ashore by helping to scout a safe harbor and landing site for his bedraggled and ill shipmates. Would his luck continue to hold amid the dangers and adversity of the Pilgrims’ lives in New England? John Howland’s tale is masterfully told in his own voice, bringing an immediacy and young perspective to the oft-told Pilgrims’ story. P.J. Lynch captures this pivotal moment in American history in precise and exquisite detail, from the light on the froth of a breaking wave to the questioning voice of a teen in a new world.
My thoughts: This stunningly beautiful children's picture book brings a fresh voice to the usual Pilgrim, Mayflower, and Thanksgiving story. Based a real-life John Howland who as a young man-servant indentured to Pilgrim John Carver, tells his story in an easy-to-read and easy-to-listen to voice from the past.
During the harrowing journey across the Atlantic, the real John Howland actually fell off the ship, The Mayflower. It was a difficult crossing from the old world to the new world and that was only the beginning of the dangers and problems that would beset the Pilgrims once they landed in the new world.
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| Winter conditions were harsh and bitter cold with little food and much sickness |
The author and illustrator, P.J.Lynch has painstakingly represented each scene with meticulous detail, colors that invoke the darkness and troubles endured, and individual passions of the characters. Pictures that are to be treasured.
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| Wonderful minute detail in the London scene prior to sailing. |
This will be a wonderful addition to any library - home, public, school, or classroom. I envision the story being read aloud to young children and older readers reading it themselves. I can see children pouring over the pictures for hours. I can hear and see a teacher reading it aloud to a room full of students - perhaps a different section each day, and the children waiting expectantly for the next page to turn.
Yes, John Howland was a real person. One who signed the Mayflower Compact. One who lived, married, and died here in America where he helped in the early days of America's founding. A super book.
GIVEAWAY
Begins September 10 & ENDS October 1 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.
Author & illustrator, P.J. Lynch, one of the most accomplished children’s book creators working today, has won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and the Christopher Medal three times. His meticulous research brings impeccable detail to the twenty books he has illustrated, including The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski, When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and Mysterious Traveler by Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham. P.J. Lynch lives in Dublin.DISCLOSURE: I receive a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for the review. Giveaway copy is provided by Candlewick and will be sent directly to the winner.
I remember that the Pilgrims did not dress in just black, white, and brown as some book illustrations show them.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I love the illustrations in any of Jan Brett's books because they are realistic, detailed, and colorful.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Where The Wild Things Are is probably the book that stands out the most to me since I used to read it to my daughter all the time and now I read it to my son.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about the pilgrims, I do know that they feasted with the Native Americans.
ReplyDeleteRainbow Fish because the colors are so vivid.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 5 we moved to Massachusetts so I learned about the Pilgrims. When we went to Plymouth Rock my father realized he couldn't take my picture standing in front of the actual rock, so he found a different large rock & I posed there - for years I thought that was really a photo of me in front of the real Plymouth Rock!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved the Little Golden Books illustrated by Eloise Wilkins - they are just so soft & comforting.
ReplyDeleteI remember the winters were very harsh to the early Pilgrims.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a great book! We go all out on our Thanksgiving celebrations so I would love to win this book. The illustrator that I remember most is probably Eloise Wilkin. I remember studying the pictures in her books as a child. Thanks for sharing this post at Booknificent Thursday!
ReplyDeleteTina
This story is one that fits in our family history, my husband is a descendant of John Howland! Had no idea there was a book about him!! Thanks so much for featuring this book.
ReplyDeleteI do not know much about the pilgrims except that they introduced small pox to the Native Indians.
ReplyDeleteCloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Stega Nona stand out for me - the illustrations were imaginative and realistic.
ReplyDeleteOh my. Depending on which pilgrims and settlers - some were met with pretty horrible tragedies (disease, lack of food, etc.) Others had a better go at it. In any case, this book looks lovely. Definitely one for the kids.
ReplyDeleteAnd as to illustrations - I liked the Giving Tree. I know they are simple, pencil drawings, but I stared at the book for hours as a kid.
DeleteI adore the illustrations of Jan Brett, and Dr. Seuss!
ReplyDeleteBoth are so charming and memorable!
I enjoy the author/illustrator's preface-review...
ReplyDeleteHe tells of his evolving interest and knowledge in the Pilgrims' journey..his journey is interesting too!
The Pilgrims journey took several weeks, and as a teacher we read a bit each day about the trip...which helped to indicate the length across the Atlantic. Being in Elem. School, the readings were general and interesting, but I am looking forward to knowing more details and facts! What an amazing adventure!
ReplyDeleteThe Giving Tree is what stands out most in my mind because the illustrations still make me tear up!
ReplyDeleteThe Corduroy Bear was my favorite book when I was a child. I loved the illustrations. They were so soft and memorable. I smile, to this day, just thinking about it. I will be buying it for my son for his 2nd birthday this November. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
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