Best Thanksgiving Books for Children of All Ages
Our list of the best Thanksgiving books inspires children and adults to give thanks and celebrate. Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and celebrations. From eating turkey and pumpkin pie to giving thanks for everyday joys, there is much to celebrate. But, as we know and a few of these stories will show, sometimes Thanksgiving preparations come with humor and craziness. Enjoy teaching your child about the fun, excitement, and reasons to give thanks this Thanksgiving Day. Our list of books includes traditional Thanksgiving foods and festivities as well as a few twists. Here are 15 Reading Boots favorite Thanksgiving books for readers of all ages.
Best Thanksgiving Books Ages 0-3
Where Is Baby’s Turkey
Where Is Baby’s Turkey, by Karen Katz. Oh no, Baby lost his stuffed turkey. Now, your child can discover fun Thanksgiving finds as he searches for his stuffed animal. The interactive flaps allow your child to participate in this Thanksgiving search.
Corduroy’s Thanksgiving
Corduroy’s Thanksgiving, by Lisa McCue. Our favorite bear is back to celebrate Thanksgiving with his friends. Before the day is over, each one gives thanks. This fun-shaped board book with colorful illustrations is perfect for little hands.
The Thankful Book
The Thankful Book, by Todd Parr. Giving thanks is not just limited to Thanksgiving. Likewise, help your child see the joy in giving thanks for everyday things. The simple text and bright photos are great for even the youngest readers.
Bright Baby: Happy Thanksgiving
Bright Baby: Happy Thanksgiving, by Roger Priddy. Using colorful pictures and simple words, this book teaches young children the basics of Thanksgiving celebrations. This sturdy board book is a nice introduction into Thanksgiving for the youngest readers.
Best Thanksgiving Books Ages 3-6
Thanks for Thanksgiving
Thanks for Thanksgiving, by Julie Markes. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, but where do you start? With turkey, pie, cuddles, and family, there is much for children and adults to appreciate. The simple language and beautifully detailed pictures are easy for young readers to follow.
The Thank You Book
The Thank You Book, by Mo Willems. Although not a traditional book on giving thanks, Piggie reminds us all about the importance of saying “thank you.” However, will he forget to thank someone? With simple text and pictures, the Elephant and Piggie series is great for reading aloud and for beginning readers.
Check out a great strategy to use with this book!
Bear Says Thanks
Bear Says Thanks, by Karma Wilson. Lovable Bear wants to host a party to let his friends know how thankful he is. Unfortunately, his cupboards are bare. Then, his friends show up with platters of food. The charming illustrations and text show the joy of friendship and thankfulness.
Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks!
Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks!, by Margaret Sutherland. Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and celebrations. The cheerful illustrations and simple text keep children engaged in this book about the many reasons to give thanks.
Thanksgiving is Here!
Thanksgiving is Here!, by Diane Goode. Discover the funny chaos, joy, and celebration when a large family gathers for Thanksgiving Day. From cooking the turkey to watching the parade, the day is full of excitement. The pictures and storyline are charming, yet humorous and will keep your child engaged.
Porcupine’s Pie
Porcupine’s Pie, by Laura Renauld. Porcupine wants to share the Fall Feast with his friends. However, when his friends are missing key ingredients, he shares from his own pantry. What happens when he runs out of ingredients for his own dish? With sweet illustrations and a charming tale, discover how these friends make friendship pie.
Best Thanksgiving Books Ages 6-8
The Night Before Thanksgiving
The Night Before Thanksgiving, by Natasha Wing. Join this family as they prepare for the fun and craziness of Thanksgiving. With extended family making trips, lots of cooking, and cousins playing games, there is much to prepare. Not only will your child enjoy the lyrical rhymes, but also he/she will giggle at the comical, detailed photos.
The Best Thanksgiving Ever!
The Best Thanksgiving Ever!, by Teddy Slater. The house is clean; the family is coming. Everything is ready for the turkey family’s Thanksgiving Day! This comical book is great for a read-aloud or independent reading. Don’t be surprised if you hear your child laughing along with this story and the twist ending.
Thanksgiving in the Woods
Thanksgiving in the Woods, by Phyllis Alsdurf. Based on the true story of a family who hosts Thanksgiving in the woods, this book shows traditions and celebrations. Using a gentle, lyrical tone and detailed pictures, children will discover tales of friendship and celebration.
Cranberry Thanksgiving
Cranberry Thanksgiving, by Wende Devlin. Every year Grandmother tells Maggie to invite someone to Thanksgiving dinner. However, this year Grandmother is not pleased that Maggie asks Mr. Whiskers to join them. Will he steal their secret cranberry bread recipe? The charming illustrations and story introduce mystery, interesting characters, fun, and generosity.
Fancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving Banquet
Fancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving Banquet, by Jane O’Connor. Miss Fancy Nancy likes all things, you guessed it, fancy. Therefore, this Thanksgiving she is not just enjoying a dinner but a banquet at her grandparents’ house. Join Nancy and her family for their Thanksgiving celebrations in this colorful, fun book.
Curl up with your child as you give thanks for these Thanksgiving books.
Get your Reading Boots on and enjoy the journey!
