Based on what is known as the Iroquois Nation's Thanksgiving Address, the text of this picture book carries the "ancient message of peace and appreciation of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants" to her family. The words are still used at contemporary governmental and ceremonial gatherings of the Six Nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca and Tuscarora. Children of these Native peoples are taught the concept of greeting the world each morning by saying thank you to all living things, which is what this picture book expresses. Chief Jake Swamp has delivered the Thanksgiving Address throughout at the United Nations and throughout the world. The illustrations rendered in acrylic on canvas show images of Native people with Earth's creatures. Mr. Printup is a Cayuga/Tuscarora painter. (Ages 5-10)

"Giving Thanks" is a special children's version of the Thanksgiving Address, a message of gratitude that originated with the Native people of upstate New York and Canada and that is still spoken at ceremonial gatherings held by the Iroquois, or Six Nations.