This charming children’s book by Shana Corey, illustrated by Brett Helquist, brings to life the heartwarming true story behind New York City’s iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Set in the 1920s, it follows Milly, a young Polish immigrant working at Macy’s department store, who dreams of celebrating Thanksgiving with the grandeur of her homeland’s festivals. When she bravely shares her idea with Macy’s executives, she inspires the creation of the very first parade—a vibrant spectacle of floats, balloons, and marching bands meant to uplift the city’s immigrant workers and usher in the holiday season.
Corey’s lyrical storytelling weaves themes of hope, belonging, and the magic of new traditions, while Helquist’s nostalgic, detailed illustrations capture the bustling energy of 1920s New York. The book blends historical fact with whimsy, showing how one girl’s big idea grew into a beloved American tradition.
A perfect read for Thanksgiving, Milly and the Macy’s Parade celebrates how diverse voices shape history—and how even the smallest dreamer can spark something extraordinary.
“A tribute to the immigrant spirit and the power of imagination.”
