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Thanksgiving is right around the corner. In November, so many of us stop and take time to think about all of the things we are grateful for. In addition to the classic answers, such as “faith, family, food, and friends,” I am beyond thankful for being taught to love reading. My parents instilled in me the love of books at a very young age, and reading has always been a huge part of my life.
Books are also a phenomenal way to teach values and create special memories. I’ve compiled a list of my 10 favorite books about Thanksgiving. Cuddle up with a child you love this holiday season and share information, spark new ideas, answer questions, and inspire creativity, all while teaching your children the importance of giving thanks. The books you share today can shape the adult your child will be. Happy Thanksgiving and happy reading!
1. Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
I LOVE this book. Julie Markes provides children with a great list of things to be thankful for. I’ve often used this book as an introduction to a thankfulness unit. This book helps remind kids (and the parent reading the book!) that we have so many things to give thanks for.
2. Sarah Morton’s Day : A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl & Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy & Tapenum’s Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy In Pilgrim Times by Kate Waters
These books were always the HANDS-DOWN favorites of my students when I was in the classroom. My students, and now my own children, were/are enthralled with the photographs in the books, that detail what life was like for the pilgrim children. My kids love looking at the photos of their clothing, beds, what chores were like, etc. and comparing/contrasting with the way we live. SO many extension activities can stem from these great reads.
3. A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman
My kids crack up at the antics of the turkeys in this adorable story. You’ll love seeing the creative ways the turkeys try to “hide” and what the townspeople end up eating on Thanksgiving instead. Makes me smile every time.
4. Thanksgiving is Here by Diane Goode
Anyone who came from a large family will appreciate this story depicting a family coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving. This book takes me right back to my Grandma’s house when I was growing up.
5. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M Schulz
In typical Charlie Brown fashion, Thanksgiving doesn’t quite go as planned. Despite crazy antics from Snoopy and some minor setbacks, Charlie’s friends teach him a valuable lesson about what Thanksgiving is truly all about.
6. Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving by James Dean
This fast-rising star of children’s picture books makes learning all about the first Thanksgiving FUN!
7. I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson
The over-eating old lady is back, and this time she is eating the entire Thanksgiving dinner by herself! Your kids will LOVE this hilarious take on a classic story.
8. ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
The Night Before Christmas is a tradition in our home, so my kids quickly caught onto the rhythm and pacing of this book, and recognized it as familiar. It’s a sweet twist on a classic rhyme.
9. Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland
This book is another great reminder for kids about what this holiday is truly all about.
10. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
While not exactly about “Thanksgiving”, I absolutely love this installment in the Bear series. I just used this book in my character curriculum to teach preschoolers about giving thanks. An adorable book, especially for fans of Wilson’s other Bear stories.
