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It’s the day after Halloween, and already store shelves are being cleared away for Christmas. All Fall products are on clearance, though we still have one more “fall” holiday that I absolutely love-Thanksgiving! I enjoy thinking about gratitude and enjoying the company of friends and family while remembering the roots of our country. It’s a beautiful thing, right?
In order to help my children understand Thanksgiving, I have been on the hunt for books that teach them about gratitude and about the origins of the holiday while also being fun! This is a list of some of the best that I have found.
Thankful, by bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli, combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings. Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.
A Thanksgiving story celebrating the gift of friendship! Mini is the littlest Pilgrim in her village.
Too little to sew.
Too little to bake.
Too little to fish.
But she’s not too little to make a friend.
“The Night Before Thanksgiving”
Everyone’s favorite fun-filled, family-filled, food-filled holiday is almost here! Follow along as the feast is prepared, cousins are greeted, and everyone gathers around the table, all with an extra helping of holiday fun.
From the dangerous voyage across the Atlantic to the first harsh winter to the delicious Thanksgiving feast, all the excitement and wonder of the Pilgrims’ first year in America is captured in this vivid retelling that is perfect for the youngest historians.
“One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims”
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The activities of ten Pilgrims and ten Wampanoag Indian children as they prepare for a splendid harvest feast at Plimoth (now Plymouth Plantation) are described using the familiar childhood rhyme. Illustrations.
“Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving”
Join Pete in New York Times bestselling artist James Dean’s Pete the Cat picture book series as Pete celebrates Thanksgiving in this groovy lift-the-flap book!
Starring in the school Thanksgiving play would make even the coolest cat nervous. But when Pete the Cat gets onstage, he makes learning the story of the first Thanksgiving fun. With thirteen flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises, this book is sure to be a holiday favorite for every Pete the Cat fan.
“If You Sailed On the Mayflower in 1620…”
A different time…a different place…What if you were there?
If you sailed on the Mayflower
–What could you take with you?
–How would you keep clean?
–What would you do when you first got to shoer?
Get ready to go back in time to 1620 to discover what it was like to sail the Mayflower!
Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it’s almost Thanksgiving . . . and you’re the main
course. But Turkey has an idea–what if he doesn’t look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead?
After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!
“There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves”
You won’t believe why this old lady swallowed
a turkey, a ball, a hat, a balloon, a boat, some wheels, and
a horn of plenty!
“The Blessings Jar: A Story About Being Thankful”
Punky Grace is having a really grumpy morning. But when Grammy suggests they have an adventure and fill her Blessings Jar to the top, Punky discovers that God’s blessings are enough to outweigh any bad day.
In this sweet story, bestselling author Colleen Coble celebrates the bond between grandparents and grandchildren and teaches little ones an important lesson about recognizing all of God’s blessings.
There’s a new kid in town who has everything Little Critter wants — a Super Streak scooter, his own cell phone, and even a limousine! But Little Critter soon realizes that he has something money cannot buy — a family who loves and adores him.
“Little Critter: Just A Special Thanksgiving”
Now he is going to have a Thanksgiving he’ll never forget! From the school play to a surprise dinner for all of Critterville, celebrate along with Little Critter and his family as they give thanks this holiday. Starring Mercer Mayer’s classic, loveable character, this brand-new 8×8 storybook is perfect for story time and includes a sheet of stickers!
Girls and boys will gobble up this hilarious story about ten goofy turkeys and their silly antics: swinging from a vine, strutting on a boar, doing a noodle dance, and more. Veteran author Tony Johnston has written a joyful text, which first-time illustrator Richard Deas brings to life as wild and wacky fun.
“T Is For Turkey: A True Thanksgiving Story”
Little ones will love learning about Thanksgiving in Tanya Lee Stone’s newest shaped alphabet book. Join in as the elementary school puts on a play that tells the true story of the first Thanksgiving. Rhyming couplets that flow through the alphabet help kids celebrate everything from Harvest to Pilgrims to Turkey.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”
When Peppermint Patty invites herself (and most of her friends) to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving dinner, Charlie Brown reluctantly agrees to make a holiday feast even though he can barely make toast and cold cereal! Can he pull together a memorable meal, or will he and his friends just be grateful when it’s over?
“The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks”
The Berenstain cubs act out the first Thanksgiving complete with costumes, props, and a full Thanksgiving feast. But will Sister Bear’s pet turkey play the part of dinner? The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks teaches how God provided for the pilgrims and reminds children of God’s many blessings.
Are there any books on this list that you love that I may be missing? Let me know!
