Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday full of food, family and reflecting on what we’re grateful for. Reading picture books with your kids is a wonderful way to get them excited for Thanksgiving while teaching about traditions, values and history. Below are 15 of the best Thanksgiving picture books to share with your young readers this November.
- Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
This biography tells the story of Sarah Hale, a magazine editor who tirelessly advocated for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday. Vibrant illustrations and engaging text reveal how Sarah Hale changed American culture.
- ‘Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
The kids visit Grandma’s farmhouse for a hilarious Thanksgiving full of mishaps and mayhem in this rhyming book. The silly antics and fun illustrations will have kids giggling nonstop.
As Bear prepares for hibernation by gathering food, he realizes he must thank his forest friends for their help. This sweet story teaches kids about gratitude and appreciation.
A sad, lonely pumpkin who believes he’s ugly finds his purpose when animals gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. This underdog story has a beautiful message about being yourself.
This bilingual book follows a young boy as he discovers all the things to be grateful for on his walk home. English and Spanish text promote diversity and inclusion.
Gavin wants to avoid his dull relatives on Thanksgiving so he sneaks away for adventures with his equally unenthused cousin. Reluctant holiday celebrators will relate!
This fascinating biography tells the story of Tony Sarg, puppeteer and inventor of the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons. Vintage photos and cool facts transport readers.
The town of Squawk Valley is shocked when a plump, perky turkey shows up days before Thanksgiving, leading to a funny turkey chase around town.
November the turkey dreads becoming the centerpiece of the family’s Thanksgiving meal. She hatches a plan to show the family her worth beyond being eaten.
Turkey overdoes it on snacks and eats so much he can’t fit in the oven on Thanksgiving Day! Kids will get a kick out of the turkey’s silly overeating.
On a class field trip before Thanksgiving, a boy realizes all he has to be grateful for when he sees those less fortunate in his community.
A young boy named Mr. Moose raises a turkey named Turkey for his family’s Thanksgiving dinner, only to have second thoughts when the time comes. This book gently teaches empathy.
Silly, cartoonish illustrations accompany a funny rhyming story about ten turkeys nervously awaiting Thanksgiving Day and trying to avoid ending up as the main course.
Through a silly backwards fairy tale, Turk and Runt learn to embrace their differences and imperfections when they get lost in the forest before returning just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
When a blizzard hits on Thanksgiving, neighbors must come together to re-create Thanksgiving dinner and realize the holiday is more about fellowship than food.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving comes to life for kids through these delightful picture books. Tales of plucky turkeys, communal feasts and expressing gratitude impart the meaning of Thanksgiving in a child-friendly way. Read these fun stories aloud to create memories and kick off your holiday on a bright note!
