How Many Days to America?

September 22, 1988
The latest in the series of Bunting's holiday books, this places the story of the Pilgrims in contemporary times. In an unnamed Caribbean country, a boy and his little sister watch from under the bed as the soldiers come to their house. When the soldiers leave, their father says that it is time to leave for America, where they will be free. In a small, crowded fishing boat many families set sail for the new land; the trip is a long and terrible one. There are moments of beautythe children see a whaleand moments of fearthey are boarded and robbed by pirates. And when they at last arrive in America, they are welcomed and fed, because it is Thanksgiving Day. Eloquently told, with lush, affecting illustrations, here is a Thanksgiving story that knows no one season or race, but is for everyone all year 'round. Ages 5-9.

October 1, 1990
A family flees its native country in a small boat and lands in America on a particularly appropriate holiday; PW called this ``a Thanksgiving story that knows no season or race, but is for everyone all year 'round.'' Ages 3-8.

October 1, 1988
Gr 1-4 -A brown-skinned mother hides her son and daughter under the bed when soldiers come to their home in the night. Afterwards, the father declares that they must flee immediately, taking with them only the things they can carry. Their journey is difficult, and they encounter many obstacles before they finally sight land and are towed ashore by a boat. They have landed in America, it is Thanksgiving Day, and this band of refugees is safe and free at last. Bunting's simple tale focuses on the hardships of the journey and on the American ideals of freedom and safety. She wisely leaves aside the issues of politics in the homeland or in this country. Her prose is poetically spare, as her runaways move "silently along the secret streets." Peck's richly colored crayon drawings yield added enjoyment each time they are perused. The mood changes from dark shades of desperation during the journey to the lighter tones of joy as the travelers at last find their refuge. Other titles on this subject that are equally valuable are Barbara Cohen's Molly's Pilgrim (1983) and Gooseberries to Oranges (1982, both Lothrop). A poignant story and a thought-provoking discussion starter. Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, McKinney, Tex.