Get some Thanksgiving inspiration with this list of best Thanksgiving books for kids of all ages. From toddlers through upper elementary grades, this Thanksgiving book list has historical tales, humorous tales and stories about being grateful. Some are new for 2022 and others are classics. As a school librarian, I am in the fortunate position to be able to read books galore. It’s my job! I hope you enjoy perusing this list of favorite Thanksgiving books for kids.
The Best Thanksgiving Book List Backstory
Once again, as with my Back to School book list, my Christmas booklist, and Valentine’s Day book list for kids, I turned to my librarian discussion group. They shared some thoughts on the best Thanksgiving picture books for kids. I am always grateful for their insights and recommendations. After scanning through the posts, I noted the titles that were repeatedly mentioned. These Thanksgiving stories are not just for kids, though. The whole family can enjoy these selections. From a book about the first Thanksgiving to a brand new release, here’s the list of the best Thanksgiving books for kids, including toddlers, preschoolers and elementary students.
***Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.*** Already know what you’d like to get from Amazon? Here’s a handy way to get to the website, linked to one of my favorite Thanksgiving shows. Just click on the link, then browse around and do your shopping.
Take Me To Amazon!
Best Thanksgiving Books for Toddlers
Gobble Wobble Finger Puppet Board Book by Brick Puffinton
New in 2021! Get your Thanksgiving groove on with the action rhymes in this cute Thanksgiving story. Use the finger puppet to dance around as the story moves along. How cute is that? Here are some other Thanksgiving books just for toddlers to enjoy:
| Just a Special Thanksgiving | Who can resist the cute illustrations by Mercer Mayer? Little Critter and his family are celebrating Thanksgiving in this sweet, funny story. |
| Bear Says Thanks | Bear wants to give his friends a nice big Thanksgiving dinner, but his cupboards are bare. What will he do? Find out in this heartwarming tale |
| T is for Turkey: A True Thanksgiving Story | Reinforce alphabet skills with this Thanksgiving-themed alphabet that tells the story of the first Thanksgiving in catchy rhyming text. |
| Thanks for Thanksgiving | The lovely illustrations and rhyming text paint a meaningful picture of gratitude for even the youngest readers or listeners. |
Best Thanksgiving Books for Preschoolers
Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland
This book provides a reminder that Thanksgiving is about more than just turkey and pilgrims. Thankfulness abounds throughout this colorfully-illustrated selection. The simple text helps define the concept of gratitude for young children.
Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn by James Dean
Newly released, this book relates the story of a popular character in children’s fiction, Pete the Cat, and his unsure thoughts about autumn. It’s tough to see summer end. Will Pete find some things to enjoy about fall? Join Pete on his adventures as he discovers things to be thankful for as one season turns into another.
The Perfect Thanksgiving by Eileen Spinelli
This selection tells a story of contrasts between two families. One family seems to have it all together and another family serves up minor disasters as their Thanksgiving feast. Can the two coexist? Funny and engaging, this story will bring laughs and variety to your holiday reading menu.
Here are some other favorite Thanksgiving titles, perfect for preschoolers:
| 10 Fat Turkeys | Counting backwards, silly rhymes…this book has it all. Preschool-aged kids will gobble it right up! |
| The Night Before Thanksgiving | Get preschoolers excited about Thanksgiving as this story recounts the preparations that go into making the holiday special. |
| Turkey Goes to School |
In this edition of the popular series about Turkey and friends, the animals find out they are not allowed at school, even though they have been practicing their skills. Find out how they solve the dilemma in this clever story.
|
| The Roll Away Pumpkin | Get kids excited about vegetables in this repeating-sentence story of a pumpkin that gets away. A beautifully-illustrated, humorous tale! |
| My Attitude of Gratitude | Teach kids the importance of being grateful for what they have in this gentle story depicting a grandmother and her grandson. |
Best Thanksgiving Books for Kindergarteners and First Graders
New for 2022 is Why Thanksgiving? by Steve Deace.
This informative book explores the real reason for Thanksgiving. It provides facts about the Pilgrims and what they believed. Interested in learning the true history behind the holiday? This book is for you!
‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
Readers join in on a hilarious rhyming romp that follows the adventures of children on a school bus on Thanksgiving Eve. When the kids learn that their cuddly turkey friends are on the menu for the next day’s Thanksgiving feast, they devise a sneaky plan to help the turkeys escape. The rhythmic text and joyous illustrations create an entertaining read-aloud experience for students in kindergarten and first grade.
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
Poor Turkey is dreading Thanksgiving and his role as the main dish. To avoid his fate, Turkey dresses up in a variety of disguises. Read to find out what happens in this laugh-out-loud tale.
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson
This is the patterned story of a gluttonous woman who swallows many things. She leaves hardly any food behind for anyone else! As she grows larger and larger, the repeated text gets longer. Finally, the old lady plays a huge (literally) part in the Thanksgiving festivities.
In November by Cynthia Rylant
The joys of autumn are detailed in this cozy book about the changing seasons. No Thanksgiving book list would be complete without this delightful work. Cynthia Rylant is one of my favorite authors. Enjoy this selection with someone you love! For more titles kindergarten and first grade students will enjoy, check out this list:
| Gratitude is My Superpower: A children’s book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity | This is a sweet story, perfect for bedtime reading, in which powerful exmaples of gratitude are given in a gentle and imaginative way. |
| Taylor the Thankful Turkey |
In addition to being thankful, this story teaches the importance of showing appreciate to others. It’s a colorful, thought-provoking book with questions at the end.
|
| Thanksgiving in the Woods | Based on a true story about a family in Upstate New York, this beautifully illlustrated book tells of a special outdoor Thanksgiving celebation. |
| Sharing the Bread: An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Story | Set at the beginning of the 20th century, this rhyming book, this story details the way everyone works together to help with the Thanksgiving celebration. |
| Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie: A Thanksgiving Celebration | Peyton is particular about the food she eats. Join Peyton as she sets out on a quest to find the prefect Thanksgiving pie in this book about trying new things. |
| How to Catch a Turkey |
Here’s a story brimming with outlandish ideas for traps to catch turkeys, and along with the silliness are some great STEM concepts. Have fun witnessing some crazy turkey-catching escapades.
|
| A Turkey for Thanksgiving |
When Turkey is invited to Thanksgiving dinner by Mr. and Mr.s Moose, he doesn’t realize he is invited as a guest, not the main course. Will his friends be able to clear up the misunderstanding in time for the meal?
|
Best Thanksgiving Books for Second and Third Graders
New for 2022 is Harvest Days (World of Celebrations) by Kate DePalma.
This colorfully-illustrated book explores 12 different cultures around the world and the way that the harvest is celebrated. If you are looking for a book with an international focus, this book offers excellent information about the tradition of giving thanks in many locations. For even more in-depth information, detailed end-notes are included.
One is a Feast for a Mouse by Judy Cox
This story relates a heartwarming tale of the aftermath of Thanksgiving dinner. A tiny mouse just can’t resist taking a little bit of each leftover item. As the pile of leftovers teeters precariously, disaster strikes. In the satisfying conclusion lies a touching lesson about being thankful for the little things.
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
This inspiring picture book tells the true story of puppeteer Tony Sarg. His brilliance and creativity led to the use of the unforgettable helium balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Winner of the 2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner and the 2012 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for outstanding nonfiction, this book is a not-to-be-missed treasure.
I love reading this one out loud to my students.
Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
When a lady named Rebecca Estelle thinks of pumpkins, she recalls unpleasant childhood memories. Imagine her dismay when a huge pumpkin rolls off a truck and lands with a smash right in her front yard. Covering the pumpkin pieces with dirt, Rebecca Estelle thinks she has taken care of the pumpkin problem. You can probably guess what happens. This is an excellent story about making the best of an unwanted situation and the power of kindness. Here are some more Thanksgiving book titles for second and third grade students:
| Cranberry Thanksgiving |
Thanksgiving is Grandmother’s favorite holiday, but when she learns that a person she doesn’t like is coming to dinner, she worries about her secret cranberry bread recipe being stolen. Recipe included in this Thanksgiving classic!
|
| Duck for Turkey Day |
Tuyet is embarrassed because her Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving instead of turkey. She’ll be surprised when she learns what her classmates had for Thanksgiving dinner in their homes.
|
| Thank you, Omu! |
In this touching book about sharing what you have, Omu gives her stew away to everyone in the neighborhood. What will happen when the stew runs out? Find out in this story that is appropriate for teaching about generosity anytime of the year.
|
| Gracias, the Thanksgiving Turkey |
When Miguel befriends Gracias, the turkey meant for Thanksgiving dinner, is he headed for heartbreak and disappointment? Find out in this tale of family and friendship.
|
| Thankful | In this heartwarming work by bestselling author Eileen Spinelli, first responders and those who perform everyday, essential tasks, are recognized, |
Best Thanksgiving Books for Fourth and Fifth Graders
Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac
This selection chronicles the story of the first Thanksgiving from Squanto’s point of view. Insights into the role Native Americans played in the survival of the New England colonists are given. Beautifully illustrated, this book will hold a place of pride in any Thanksgiving collection.
Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
This book is an inspiring story of Sarah Josepha Hale. This extraordinary woman spent 35 years petitioning political leaders about the need for Thanksgiving to be recognized as a national holiday. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Thanksgiving Proclamation. The rest is history! Readers of all ages will enjoy this tribute to perseverance. It’s also a good reminder: American citizens do have the ability to make their voices heard.
Here are some more excellent Thanksgiving books for fourth and fifth grade students:
| Rivka’s First Thanksgiving |
Rivka, a recent Jewish immigrant from Russia, is struggling to explain the concept of Thanksgiving to her family, Set in the 1930s, this book is an excellent encouragement for kids to be bold and speak up. Yiddish vocabulary words and definitions are included.
|
| The Great Turkey Walk | You may have heard of cattle drives, but a turkey drive? That’s what Simon Green undertakes in this entertaining work of historical fiction. |
| Thanksgiving on Thursday | Jack and Annie are taken back to the year 1621 and the first Thanksgiving in the number one bestselling chapter book series of all time, Magic Tree House. |
| Pilgrims: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #27 |
In this nonfiction companion book to Thanksgiving on Thursday, Jack and Annie uncover the facts about the Mayflower and why the Pilgrims chose Plymouth.
|
| The Things I’m Grateful For | These five short stories and activities will help kids learn about gratitude and appreciation. Mazes are included as well. |
What Are Your Favorite Thanksgiving Books?
What is on your list of the best Thanksgiving books for kids? As always, I appreciate any ideas you care to share. As a school librarian, I’m always on the lookout for good book recommendations. If you are interested in making the most out of the fall season, check out these fun book character pumpkin ideas or get some great ideas about pumpkin books for kids. You could even host your own contest! Get a free book character pumpkin certificate and promotional flyer right here. These templates are customizable, downloadable, printable, and FREE!
Get my free book character pumpkin contest kit!
Other Fun Book Lists:
If you enjoyed this list of best Thanksgiving books for kids, you might like these book lists as well:
- Incredible Kindness Books for Kids
- Best Fall Picture Books for Kids
- Inspiring Technology Books for Kids
- Awesome Summer Reading Programs
- The Best Free eBook Deal For Kids and Teachers
- Best Christmas Books for Kids
- Best Turkey Books for Kids
Have a great time with these Thanksgiving books, everyone, and happy reading!
I remember reading a few of these in my classroom from my teaching days! So fun to revisit these titles for my own boys!
Yes, there are a lot of great titles to choose from. Have fun reading them with your boys!
This is a great collection of kids books! I miss reading to my kids who are all adults now! And even my grandchildren are young teens and preteens. There’s nothing sweeter than cuddling with a child and reading books together.
Cindy,
I can’t believe you have grandchildren who are teenagers! Your healthy living really works wonders. Yes, sweet memories of reading to kids fill my mind as well. Thanks for commenting and sharing your memories!
Lisa
These look like great books. I will have to look for them during our trip to the library later today. Thanks for the suggestions!
Sarah,
I hope you are able to find some of them at the library. I’m so glad you liked the recommendations. Thanks for your comment, and happy reading!
Lisa
Wow!!!!!! Good list! And these books look beautiful too. Perfect give for children’s.
Fadima,
I’m glad you liked the list. I hope you get to read some of them. Thanks for commenting!
Lisa
I will definitely be using this list when shopping for gifts around the Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you for putting this together!!
Heidi,
Of course! I had fun compiling the list. I hope you get to enjoy some of the titles. Thanks for commenting, and happy shopping!
Lisa
Thank you for this, I love it. Going to grab some for my lil one!
Nicole,
I’m glad you liked the titles. I have a great time finding books to recommend. Have fun reading these to your little one, and thanks for commenting!
Lisa
These books all sound wonderful! Great selection with some insight and some fun. Thanks for the recommendations.
Ana,
I admit, I have a weakness for the silly titles on this list. It was a lot of fun for me to put it together! Thanks for commenting!
Lisa
Thank you, I’ve ordered three of them for my grandkids! Great suggestions and descriptions! This was an awesome find.
Cheryl,
I’m so glad you liked the books on the list. It was a delight to share the titles, and I hope your grandkids enjoy them. Thanks for your positive words!
Lisa
Not a kid, but would read them all 🙂
Oana,
I enjoy them as well. I have as much fun as the kids when I get to read them aloud. Glad they appeal to you, too! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Lisa
What a great combination of books! I love the cover of In November. Great wrap-up!
Oh thank you so much for the positive feedback. I enjoyed selecting the titles. So many books to read and so little time! Thanks for reading my post.
I’ve kept my son’s book from his pre-school days called “Arthur’s Thanksgiving.” I like your choice of Thanksgiving books too.
Yes, Arthur’s Thanksgiving is a classic. I’m glad you enjoyed the selection I chose, and thanks for the positive feedback. Have a great day!
I love this post. I’m a speech therapist in elementary and am always looking for new, fun books to read with my kids during the holidays. Thank you! 💕
You are most welcome! I had fun selecting the books. Happy reading, and thanks for your positive feedback.
Thank you for this post! I am looking for picture books for my preschool class to teach them about American Thanksgiving. I hope these can be found on Kindle.
I hope the books can be found on Kindle as well. This is good for me to know for future book posts. I’ll try to note if there is a Kindle version available. Thanks for the idea!
These are all great book suggestions! I have some leveled reader books for my kids (level 3 I think) about Squanto and The First Thanksgiving, but don’t recall the exact title or author. And I am pretty sure there is something in the Letters to America series along these lines, too, but not certain we have it…
Those are some cute Thanksgiving books! I love reading to my kids especially about holidays and our history!
Glad you liked the books I included on my list. I love reading aloud to kids as well. Have fun reading to your kids, and thanks for reading my post.
Lisa