Packed with fascinating information, this little book focuses on food, but provides insights into other aspects of the Pilgrims' life aboard the Mayflower and at the Plymouth settlement. While the writing at the beginning is simplified to the point of choppiness, the style becomes somewhat more fluent in later chapters. A glossary, a bibliography, and recipes for a Pilgrim menu round out the book. From a selection seen in galley proofs, the illustrations appear to be reproductions of engravings and vignettes with a period flavor. An intriguing resource for the many classrooms where a Pilgrim Thanksgiving feast is an annual event. (Reviewed Sept. 1, 1991)

The book reveals much about the life of the early Pilgrims by exploring a myriad of fascinating questions about how they obtained, stored, prepared, and consumed their food. Children will be intrigued to discover that Pilgrim table manners were - necessarily - quite crude. A Pilgrim menu with easy recipes is included, and black-and-white woodcuts provide the perfect garnish. Bib.

The Pilgrims' hardships and accommodations to the New World are revealed through their diet and changing lifestyle. <p> The Pilgrims' hardships and accommodations to the New World are revealed through their diet and changing lifestyle. From the time of their voyage, when the biscuits were full of weevils, the Pilgrims' had trouble finding food they liked to eat. The first winter, when food was scarce and many died, gave way to a summer of bounty, though the newcomers were unaccustomed to many of the foods. Then--with the help of Indians--corn, deer, and turkey appeared on their tables; trade brought molasses, spices, and sugar. The evolution of diet in early America is a subject that should appeal to children; the glimpses of Pilgrim manners and home life are sure to amuse. Ten tasty, simple recipes provide directions for a full meal. Photos, b&w drawings, and index not seen. Glossary; bibliography. (Nonfiction. 6-10)*justify no*</p> "

Gr 3-5-- Penner's Pilgrims are heroes, and deservedly so. She takes the story of their crossing on the Mayflower and establishment of Plymouth Colony, and fleshes it out with all the distasteful, even disgusting, details of their struggle for survival. Everything that made life difficult in the 1600s is mentioned--the acceptance of insect infestation in one's hair, clothing, bed, and food; the lack of efficient implements for home construction; the danger of crossing the Atlantic on an open vessel; and the deadly aftermath of disease. The author makes it clear that without the Indians' help, these settlers would not have made it through their first year, dependent as they were on European agricultural methods not suited to the New World. While Penner gives a complete picture of the Pilgrims' daily life, her prime focus is on food--what the people ate; how they raised, prepared, served, and preserved it. Her writing style has a light touch that makes this interesting reading, often with a wry slant. The book concludes with a ``Pilgrim Menu'' for readers to prepare with adult supervision. The illustrations include pen-and-ink drawings and lithographs that show period artifacts and various food items. --Joyce Adams Burner, formerly at Spring Hill Middle School, KS