Milly and the Macy’s Parade

Illustrated by Brett Helquist

Come one, come all! It’s time to celebrate! When a spirited little girl named Milly imagines a way to combine her family’s old-country traditions with their new American heritage, the result is a holiday season filled with merriment and magic. Inspired by the true story behind the first Macy’s Parade in 1924, this heartwarming fictional tale celebrates a treasured American tradition.
Click here for a downloadable Educators Guide. For additional resources and information on Milly check out the Extras page!

• An Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award

Winner

• A Junior Library Guild Selection

• Teachers College Reading and Writing Project,

Historical Fiction Booklist

What people are saying:

“The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a highlight of the New York City holiday season. In this story, set in 1924, Corey envisions a little girl whose immigrant Polish father works for Mr. Macy himself. But while Milly and her family are growing accustomed to America, they miss one wonderful custom from the old country: strolling from house to house singing Christmas carols. The child determinedly proposes to Mr. Macy a parade as an alternative. The author’s note gives a history of the parade. An entertaining and lively variation on holiday stories.” —School Library Journal

“Mixing fact and fiction, Corey fashions a story about how the Macy’s Parade came into being in 1924. The happy spirit of the holidays pervades the tale. Helquist, who illustrated the Lemony Snicket books, provides colorful chalk art with interesting perspectives.” —Booklist

“This lusciously illustrated tale of how the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade may have originated. The story is fun, and readers can compare the imagined version with the historical note at the end.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This charming historical fiction picture book . . . celebrate(s) the origins of an American tradition. Like the parade itself, Milly is sure to become a beloved American tradition for families everywhere.” —BookPage

“Milly, the daughter of Polish immigrants, idolizes her dad’s boss, Mr. Macy. So when Papa and his co-workers grow homesick for their Christmas tradition of ‘caroling from house to house,’ Milly takes her idea for ‘singing and strolling in the streets’ straight to Mr. Macy. Period details bring the ’20s roaring back to life.” —Publishers Weekly