The early American settlers called it Thanksgiving, which is now owned as American Thanksgiving. However, the First Peoples (Native Americans) have a different spin on that first event of shared thankfulness. They knew it as Keepunumuk. This great children's story from the First Peoples' perspective is cosily told by N8hkumuhs (Grandmother) telling the story to her young grandchildren Maple and Quill. In the telling the reader will learn what is meant by "The Three Sisters" and their importance to the Wampanoag..

It is a good thing there is a pronunciation key at the outset of the story of the Wampanoag language terms used in the story. Also of interest, at the end, is some background information of the Wampanoag tribes, their traditions and harvest feasts. There is even a recipe sampling of their food and one gets to meet the actual Maple and Quill. Combined, along with the excellent colorful illustrations, makes this a wonderfully educational experience. The only cautionary measure I'd interject is against the encouragement given to impressionable children to give thanks to the tribal groups' guardian spirits and to elements of creation instead of to the Creator, Himself. In this, parental guidance may be needed. Other than this, I have no qualms about this book and believe it to be a refreshing look at the roots of the yearly festival.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

February 2022

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

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Keepunumuk is a Wampanaog telling of the first thanksgiving. The story, told in Wampanaog tradition, shows how the First Peoples helped settlers avoid starvation during their first winter on First Peoples' land.

This story is beautifully told, and beautifully illustrated. Prior to the telling of the story, information about the Wampanaog, including a language guide, is provided. The information provided is presented clearly, in an easy-to-digest format, and helps those who are not familiar with Wampanaog language and tradition immerse themselves in the story.

The story itself is simultaneously rich and heartbreaking. The story hints at the tragic events that the First Peoples faced (and continue to face) as a result of colonization. However, this story shows that First Peoples are still here and that their voices are still strong.

Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the ARC of this book.

Keepunumuk provides a glimpse into the original history of Thanksgiving sharing Wampanoag outlook on the event. The story begins on a beautiful day during harvest season. Maple and Quill are picking what to eat for lunch while chatting with their grandmother. Their conversation takes turn and they end up discussing the very first thanksgiving ever to be celebrated. The Wampanoag tribe otherwise known as People of the First Light were the first to live in modern day Massachusetts and have lived there for more than 12,000 years before the pilgrims colonized their land. Prior to the English settlers' arrival, an epidemic of unknown disease ravaged the Native American population. They were in a weakened condition from the grief of losing loved ones and the process of rebuilding their community. Watching the pilgrims struggle to survive on a foreign land with little knowledge, the native people extended their support after initial hesitation, taught them how to hunt and plant crops, what to fish for and saved them from dying out of hunger. An alliance was formed with belief that it would be beneficial for both parties. in Autumn of 1621 they had a bumper crop and celebrated the good news arranging a grand feast for three days. But the aftermath of their union was disastrous. The native people suffered terribly at the hands of the pilgrims. Many of them died, others were imprisoned and enslaved. It's a pity that only a few people know the truth behind the celebration. As a person who live faraway from America and had no idea why in the world people need thanksgiving day to thank parents, I am shocked beyond belief. The writers have done a tremendous job hinting at the dark past in an understandable and child friendly way. I love that they have included Wôpanâak words and concepts in the story staying true to the roots. There is a glossary at the very beginning defining the words. So no worries. The illustrations by Garry Meeches are gorgeous, exquisite and vividly portrays the scenes. I hope they will further continue this project as a means to preserve other Wampanoag stories in danger of disappearing. It would be a great delight to read them. Sending my gratitude to Netgalley and the authors for providing me an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

In today's world in which we have come to recognize that it is important to hear the voice of all the players in an event, I was excited to see that this story, Keepunumuk (KEE puh-nuh-muk: Weeâchumun's (we-AH-chuh-mun) Thanksgiving Story was written by someone from the Wampanoag tribe (a tribe that was living in the area when the pilgrims arrived) and the Chickasaw tribe. It was illustrated in the style of the Eastern Woodlands tradition. It was written in the storytelling tradition and uses many words from the Wampanoag language. There is a glossary which tells how to pronounce the words and what they mean. The pictures and the style of writing draws you in to the heart of the story. You come to realize the desperate situation the newcomers are in and the ways that the land and First People helped them to survive.
This is one of the most difficult reviews I have ever written. There were things I loved about the book yet others that caused me concern. It is an informative retelling of the Native Americans spiritual connection to the land, its crops and animals. It compassionately takes the reader through the story of our Thanksgiving, a day that many Native Americans call a day of mourning. Fortunately and unfortunately there is no explanation as to why it is known as a day of mourning. While the intended audience is pre school through 2nd grade I believe it is best shared with an older audience, one able to begin processing why it was/is a day of mourning for Native Americans. To do this more information needs to be available to understand what went wrong . If shared with a younger audience the giving nature of the First People and their spiritual connection to the land should be emphasized. The last pages of the book offer information about the Wampanoag Tribes, the storytelling tradition, the Wampanoag Harvest Feasts, the Wampanoag Tradition of Giving Thanks and a recipe.

Beautifully illustrated, this Wampanoag telling of the first Thanksgiving is a welcome perspective. Readers listen along as Grandmother tells the story to two children, and shows them how the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash) and the First People (native, Wapanoag) helped the newcomers (colonizers) despite their troubling ways. The story focuses on the First People and the Three Sisters, while acknowledging that there is an alternative story that the children might have heard. Helpful glossary and pronunciation guide.
Glad to see that both authors and the illustrator are Native Americans.

Danielle Greendeer (Mashpee Wampanoag) and team tell this story of the First Thanksgiving through a Wampanoag perspective. The book integrates Wampanoag words and uses a Wampanoag storytelling format. This book does such a great job at flipping the story's perspective and providing an introduction to why this day isn't celebrated by some, but it's done in a way that's still sensitive to young readers. Kudos to the authors for this book!

I lovely story of giving and supporting one another. It's an alternative narrative which shares how listening the earth and those who inhabit it are truly one. We are all here for one another and if one is struggling the other helps out.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Keepunumuk by Danielle Greendeer; Anthony Perry; Alexis Bunten is an educational children's book that tells the true story of Thanksgiving. According to the description, the story revolves around "two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe (who) learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving." Unlike the traditional Thanksgiving story, where the Pilgrims are heroes, the Wampanoag tribe is centered here.

Overall, Keepunumuk is a wonderful children's book that centers Native Americans. Personally, I think it's so important to read books written by Native Americans about Native Americans. Native peoples have faced so much at the hands of colonizers, and I think it's so important for their truth to come out. One highlight of this book are the information pages at the end of the book. I can this book being used in classrooms all over, and I think it should be taught every Thanksgiving. If you're intrigued by the description, or if you're looking for Native American texts for children, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in August!

I am Native American and i do use thanksgiving as a day of mourning. This book honestly gave me mixed feelings. I feel as though yes it’s history but this book left out so much which i can assume is because it’s for children. Nonetheless despite what we did for pilgrims their tribe was slowly killed and more. So yes we were kind people but I don’t think it’s right to paint the pilgrims as kind. Thats just not the whole picture.

"Many Americans call it a day of Thanksgiving. Many of our people call it a day of mourning."

Keepunumuk is a children's story about Thanksgiving told from the perspective of the Weeachumun's perspective. N8hkumuh (Grandmother) tells the story of their ancestors to her grandchildren and the first harvest involving the pilgrims.

Through breathtaking illustrations an important part of history is brought back to life. This book can educate not only children but also adults of the First Peoples and Thanksgiving. The book also involves an introduction, glossary and a recipe. I would highly recommend this be introduced by teachers to their curriculum for young children.

This is a wonderful children's book that depicts the first Thanksgiving, otherwise known as Keepunumuk from the Indigenous perspective. It is informative but was not too graphic for younger audiences. The art style was unique, looking like paintings on canvas. Overall I enjoyed this book.