October through January is my favorite time of year – the weather gets slightly less sweltering in Florida, all of my favorite holidays occur in this time frame, and we celebrate all 4 of my kids’ birthdays (this also happens to be the time of year where I spend ALL of my money).
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it does not involve children eating obscene amounts of candy, there’s no parental lies that need to be told to protect the identity of certain … gift givers, and there are no presents needed- save for the occasional hostess gifts. I love the simple joy of snuggling up with my kids to share a holiday-themed book. Here are 15 Thanksgiving Books for Kids to share with your kids this holiday.
15 Thanksgiving Books for Kids
The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing – If you’ve read my previous book lists then you know how much I love Natasha Wing’s Night Before books. The Thanksgiving version has children heading to bed with visions of turkey legs dancing in their head (that part makes my kids laugh every time).
Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten and Other Thankful Stuff by Barbara Park – Junie B. is quite a character and certainly a favorite in our home. In this story, Junie B.’s class is getting ready for a Thanksgiving feast and working on their Thankful list – but things never seem to go smoothly when Junie is involved!
Arthur’s Thanksgiving by Marc Brown – Arthur is an iconic storybook and television character that continues to delight. Who knew a family of aardvarks could be so lovable. In this story, Arthur is in charge of casting and directing the school’s Thanksgiving play.
Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving by James Dean – A lift-the-flap book with 15 surprised-filled flaps, that along with Pete’s role in the school play, help to teach about the first Thanksgiving.
‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey – School children decide to smuggle the turkeys home after their class field trip to the turkey farm and they also declare it a vegetarian holiday.
10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston – A silly rhyming story about 10 goofy turkeys. Perfect for little ones who love showing off their counting skills.
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano – Turkey is not excited for Thanksgiving – he’s afraid of being the entree! He tries every disguise he can think of to avoid being eaten. This is a very clever and entertaining read – and has yet to make my kids turn down eating turkey.
The Berenstain Bears: Thanksgiving Blessings by Mike Berenstain – Come along for the journey as Brother and Sister head to Gramp’s and Gran’s house and learn about being thankful along the way. This is a newer book in the Berenstain Bear collection, written by Stan and Jan’s son Mike.
Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman – Percy Isaac Gifford has 10 rules for Thanksgiving – including the early bird gets the turkey. Even though Percy thinks he’s mapped out the perfect holiday, he learns there is a little more to it than just fabulous food.
The Best Thanksgiving Ever! by Teddy Slater – Learn about Thanksgiving and being thankful from an adorable family of turkeys who are hosting this year’s feast. Lively illustrations and fun rhymes for the little ones.
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott – From the author of Little Women, is the tale of the Bassett family children who are left to prepare Thanksgiving dinner after their parents have to leave. Hilarity and mishaps ensue, but at the end of the day the family reunites for the feast.
What is Thanksgiving? by Michelle Medlock Adams – Playful illustrations and rhyming verse help to teach the true meaning of Thanksgiving – being grateful for all of your blessings
Thanksgiving Day at Our House: Thanksgiving Poems for the Very Young by Nancy White Carlstrom – A collection of poems chronicling Thanksgiving from pre-holiday festivities to the feast itself, with the message of thankfulness throughout.
Thanksgiving on Thursday (Magic Tree House #27) by Mary Pope Osborne – Jack and Annie are taken back to the first Thanksgiving in 1621. The pilgrims ask for their help with preparations for the meal, but they have trouble doing things the pilgrim way.
The Littlest Pilgrim by Brandi Dougherty – While Mini might be the littlest pilgrim in her village, and too little to do many things, she’s not too little to make a friend.
Do you have some favorite stories to share with your family for Thanksgiving? How have taught your children about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving?
I love these posts, Natalie! The books you selected look GREAT.
Thanks Angela! I have a small obsession with books and usually have to cut these book lists way down 😉
I’m glad I saw this. My coleaders and I are putting together a Thanksgiving celebration for our Daisies and Brownies. The only Thanksgiving book I could remember was Cranberry Thanksgiving.
Perfect timing then! 🙂