Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade-A Thanksgiving Parade by Trinka Hakes Noble, illustrated by David C. Gardner

This book is set in early 1900’s, near end of World War I. It is not a funny nor overly light-heated story given the state of affairs but at its core is an admirable, warm and kind girl, Rettie, who is sharp, mature and able to recognize/seize opportunities to keep her family together and not just rely on the pennies from the Ragamuffin Parade. What surprised me was that the Ragamuffin Parade was an actual  event in New York City and the inspiration beyond the eventual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, started in 1924. These types of a-ha moments are one of the main reasons I love reading and reviewing all kinds of books.

This is a great story to add to your rotation. It is slim pickin’s when it comes to Thanksgiving focused books. Those out there are more oft about turkeys, inaccurate pilgrim stories or pumpkins, but the author has given us a real Thanksgiving story, with a focus on gratitude and connection to modern day tradition. I hope that there will be future books featuring Rettie.

I received a copy of this book to review from Sleeping Bear Press but I was not financially compensated, nor required to say something positive, in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my experience and observations while reading this book.