Thanksgiving Books For Kids
As the leaves start to change color and the temperature gets a little colder, it is the perfect time to read Thanksgiving books. The holiday of Thanksgiving is so much more than food and football. It is a time to think about family and gratitude.
I put together a list of Thanksgiving books for kids from toddlers to preschoolers to older elementary school readers. These holiday books are the perfect way to discuss family traditions and practice the tradition of being thankful. Many of these stories you’re children will recognize from their classes as they are teacher favorites too!
The Best Thanksgiving Books For Kids
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Thanksgiving Book for Toddlers
Construction Site, A Thankful Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Helen Morgan – Jump to Section
The Best Thanksgiving Book for Preschoolers
Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Mallard and Juana Martinez-Neal – Jump to Section
The Best Thanksgiving Picture Book
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Toddler Thanksgiving Books
Construction Site, A Thankful Night
Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: Helen Morgan
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2-4
Plot
A lift-the-flap book perfect for Thanksgiving! This one features all the beloved Construction Site characters kids know and love.
Why Kirsten loves it
Sweet flaps make this story interactive, while the rhyming story tells a nice story of being thankful for the everyday blessings in the trucks’ lives.
Find this book in: Books About Thanksgiving / Best New Children’s Books of 2024
10 Fat Turkeys
Author: Tony Johnston
Illustrator: Rich Deas
Year: 2004
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
As these silly turkeys gobble gobble wibble wobble, they slowly lose one turkey at a time. Your toddler will laugh at this beautifully illustrated pick.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a silly and funny story that is not only a counting and rhyming book but an adorable toddler Thanksgiving book.
Llama Llama Gives Thanks
Author: Anna Dewdney
Illustrator: Anna Dewdney
Year: 2017
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 3
Plot
In this sweet rhyming pick from preschool Thanksgiving books, Llama learns to celebrate and give thanks on this special day.
Why Jackie loves it
I love Llama Llama books. He is always a perfect way to introduce new ideas and concepts.
Pookie’s Thanksgiving
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
Year: 2022
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
Sandra Boynton’s books were always a huge hit in my house. In this sweet toddler Thanksgiving book, Pookie is helping make Thanksgiving dinner
Why Jackie loves it
I love it when the family lists all the things that they are thankful for. It is so sweet!
Be Thankful, Pout-Pout Fish
Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Dan Hanna
Year:
Genre:
Age:
More info:
Plot
Pout Pout Fish is learning about Thanksgiving, gratitude, and caring as all the sea creatures gather at Mr. Fish’s table. There is always room for everyone.
Why Jackie loves it
I love this Thanksgiving book because it teaches a lesson about inclusivity!
Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George
Author: Cynthia Platt
Illustrator: Cynthia Platt
Year: 2010
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
In this pick from toddler Thanksgiving books, each page tells a different story. Curious George will set the table, go to a parade, and make Thanksgiving crafts.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is perfect for when you only have a few minutes for a quick story.
Preschool Thanksgiving Books
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
Author: Kevin Noble Mallard
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 5
More info: Robert F. Silbert International Book Metal Winner, American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor Winner
Plot
This pick from Preschool Thanksgiving books is a multisensory depiction of Fry bread and what it means to the Native American families who eat it, as well as the way it brings families together.
Why Jackie loves it
I love the way this book depicts Thanksgiving from a Native American POV.
Find this book in: Children’s Books About Food / Thanksgiving Books for Kids
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie
Author: Alison Jackson
Illustrator: Judith Byron Schachner
Year: 2002
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
The old lady swallows all the Thanksgiving food until she is full. But wait to see what happens at the end of this Thanksgiving picture book.
Why Jackie loves it
The original song and story of the Old Lady always freaked me out. This story, on the other hand, is adorable!
Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving
Author: Kimberly Dean, James Dean
Illustrator: James Dean
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
This is a sweet pick for preschool kids. It tells the story of the first Thanksgiving in a way that kids will love.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love some of the details, like how long the trip took and the crops that the Native Americans taught the pilgrims to harvest.
Thanksgiving Picture Books for Kids
Turkey Trouble
Author: Wendi Silvano
Illustrator: Lee Harper
Year: 2009
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
More info: Turkey Trouble #1
Plot
If you have ever had a child, think about how the turkey feels on Thanksgiving; this is the perfect book for them. It’s all about the children trying to save the Turkey from becoming dinner!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the perfect pick from Thanksgiving books for kids if you want a happy ending for the turkey. This one will inspire giggles!
How to Catch a Turkey
Author: Adam Wallace
Illustrator: Andy Elkerton
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Part of the How to Catch a Series
Plot
The turkey escaped right before the Thanksgiving play, and the kids are trying to catch him.
Why Kirsten loves it
This pick from Thanksgiving books for kids is not only an adorable rhyming book, but it is introduces STEAM concepts as the turkey runs wild through the building.
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade
Author: Melissa Sweet
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Year: 2011
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 5 – 8
More info: The Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner
Plot
If, like me, your family eagerly watches the Thanksgiving Day Parade, this is the book for you! This non-fiction picture book tells the story of Tony Sarg, his imagination, and how he created Macy’s famed parade.
Why Kirsten loves it
Your children will love the colorful illustrations and clever story, forgetting they are learning the origins of a tradition as they read. This is a perfect Thanksgiving picture book.
Find this book in: Thanksgiving Books for Kids / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Thanksgiving at the Tappletons
Author: Eileen Spinelli
Illustrator: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Year: 1992
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
Through a series of events, each family member’s dish goes awry but they never tell anyone. When the extended family shows up for dinner, they realize they have nothing to eat! So instead, they say grace, give thanks for having each other, and head to the fridge to make sandwiches for dessert
Why Kirsten loves it
This comedic story about the meaning of Thanksgiving is quite funny. It’s one I pull out every year to read!
Find this book in: Thanksgiving Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story
Author: Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten
Illustrator: Garry Meeches Sr.
Year: 2022
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 5 – 9
Plot
This is a beautiful Thanksgiving picture book that tells the story of Thanksgiving from the point of view of members of the Wampanoag tribe who lived on the land when the Pilgrims arrived. Without the help of the Native people, the pilgrims would not have survived the first winter.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best books for kids to learn about the first Thanksgiving!
Helpful Tip
- Make sure you request these stories from your local library about 4-6 weeks before Thanksgiving if you want to have them in your home the week of! They tend to be checked out early.
- To encourage reading, decorate your mantel with Thanksgiving books. They make perfect decor pieces that will keep the stories top of mind for your children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good children’s books about Thanksgiving?
It depends on the age of your kid! For babies and toddlers, Construction Site, A Thankful Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Helen Morgan is great. For preschoolers, I love Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Mallard and Juana Martinez-Neal. Melissa Sweets’ Balloons Over Broadway is a nonfiction story that talks about the famous Macy’s parade balloons. That one is a hit with all ages!
Are there any preschool books that tell the story of the first Thanksgiving?
Yes! Pete the Cat’s First Thanksgiving is a great choice if you want to read about the pilgrim story.
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Epilogue
When it comes to Thanksgiving Books for kids, I always love Balloons Over Broadway and Thanksgiving with the Tappletons. In my house, they make an appearance every year around the holiday!
