thanksgiving reads
for grateful little hearts
When my kids were little (where has the time gone? sniff), my favorite picture books were always the ones with cozy winter scenes—especially if they featured animals. There’s something magical about the way children’s books let us anthropomorphize animals as much as we like, and I’ve always been here for it. Thanksgiving and fall, in particular, bring a treasure trove of wonderful picture books, so narrowing them down to a list of recommendations wasn’t easy—but I gave it my best shot.
Below, you’ll find some of my favorites (many with animal protagonists, of course.) I especially wanted to get this newsletter out quickly on the heels of the last one so you have some time to pick up or order a few of these perfect children’s books before the holiday has passed us by. :)
Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation by Diane Stanley, illustrated by Holly Berry
I LOVED this book (maybe even more than my kids did, haha.) Time-traveling twins journey back to the legendary four-day celebration. Here, they learn the hardships the pilgrims endured but also the different types of foods they feasted on, like puddings, pompions, and pottages. They meet Squanto and the Wampanoag people and lend a hand in the harvest. The book is filled with details you’d rarely find in children’s picture books. Highly recommend :)
Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving by Kimberly and James Dean
Pete the Cat was a favorite for us when he appeared in his first book, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. Here, Pete the Cat participates in his class’s Thanksgiving play, learning about the history of the holiday. Pair this with the Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn.
Gracias The Thanksgiving Turkey by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Joe Cepeda
A boy named Miguel takes care of a turkey intended for Thanksgiving dinner but grows so fond of it that it becomes part of the family.
A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Diane de Groat
Mrs. Moose wants a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner—not to eat, but to invite as a guest! The woodland animals work together to bring a reluctant turkey to the table. This is one of my favorite woodsy animal stories.
Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday by Mike Allegra, illustrated by David Gardner
This book tells the true story of Sarah Josepha Hale, who worked tirelessly to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
One Is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler
A mouse sneaks out to gather Thanksgiving leftovers but learns that even one small piece of food is enough to be thankful for. (I’m a sucker for mouse as protagnoist children’s books.)
Over the River and Through the Wood by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Kim Smith
A modern twist on the classic song, this book follows different families on their way to Thanksgiving dinner, facing humorous travel challenges along the way. When my kids were little, we had to drive through the woods (literally) to get to my parents’ house, and we’d sing this song in the car along the way.
The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing
Two cousins team up to escape the “boring” Thanksgiving kids’ table and find themselves on a hilarious adventure through their relatives’ house. My kids absolutely loved silly adventure stories with big-eyeballed kids like this.
Balloons Over Broadway: The Inspiring True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade by Melissa Sweet
This nonfiction picture book shares the story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who invented the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.
Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf, illustrated by Jenny Løvlie
Inspired by a real event, this book tells the story of a family who celebrates Thanksgiving outdoors with friends and neighbors, surrounded by nature.
Duck for Turkey Day by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Kathryn Mitter
Tuyet is worried because her family eats duck instead of turkey on Thanksgiving. When she shares her story at school, she learns that her classmates also celebrate the holiday in unique ways.
Gratitude Prompts for Kids
Another way to keep the book-centric theme going during this week of Thanksgiving is to give your kids some gratitude prompts. These encourage more than just reading comprehension but actually interacting with the book and its characters. Children love to do this!
• “If your favorite book character came to Thanksgiving dinner, what would they be thankful for?”
• “Write a short thank-you note from one book character to another for their help in the story.”
• “Draw a picture of the book you’re most thankful for and why.”
Parents! Share your children’s responses or drawings with me via Instagram or email. I’ll feature a few in my next newsletter or Instagram stories. xx
I just put together a great playlist for your Thanksgiving storytime or cozy reading moments. :)
And that concludes our Thanksgiving reads for grateful little hearts
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