Thankfulness is important all year round, but in November many of us put a special emphasis on gratitude. The holiday of Thanksgiving gives us the perfect opportunity to share our appreciation for the things and people that are important to us. It’s also a great way to learn more about the history of our nation and its first European settlers.
Here are some of our family’s favorite Thanksgiving picture books:
30 Children’s Books About Thanksgiving
The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing – Cousins Gavin and Rhonda make a plan to escape their family’s Thanksgiving celebration.
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano – Turkey is worried about becoming Thanksgiving dinner, so he decides to disguise himself as other animals.
Thank You, Thanksgiving by David Milgrim – A little girl runs an errand for her mother, giving thanks along the way.
The Very Stuffed Turkey by Katharine Kenah – Turkey is visiting five different homes for Thanksgiving…will he be able to eat all the delicious food?
Thankful by Eileen Spinelli – A beautiful poetic story about counting our blessings.
Turkey Tot by George Shannon – Turkey Tot is a unique problem solver with a plan to reach some delicious blackberries.
Thanksgiving For Emily Ann by Teresa Johnston – Emily Ann feels ignored on Thanksgiving, until her family shows her why the day is so important.
Thanksgiving All Around by Mike Berenstain – Discover everything beautiful about fall and Thanksgiving with the Berenstain Bears.
‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey – A field trip to a turkey farm turns into a turkey rescue mission!
Pete the Cat The First Thanksgiving by Kimberly and James Dean – Pete the Cat is starring in a school play about the first Thanksgiving.
The Story of the Pilgrims by Katharine Ross – An informative tale that teaches children about the pilgrim’s first year in America.
Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving by Mercer Mayer – Little Critter is excited for all the ways his family celebrates Thanksgiving together.
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson – The Old Lady swallows a pie, a squash, and even the turkey!
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B.G. Hennessy – This fun rhyming story is perfect for introducing very young children to Thanksgiving.
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson – Bear wants to have a feast to thank his friends, but he doesn’t have any food! What will he do?
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr – This wonderful book is full of examples of all the things for which we can give thanks. Great for any time of year!
A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting – Turkey is invited to Thanksgiving dinner, but he’s afraid to attend because he thinks he is the meal.
Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac – A beautifully illustrated historical tale about the history of Thanksgiving.
The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern – A historical introduction to Thanksgiving that is great for all ages.
Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas – A Christian perspective on the history of Thanksgiving and the source of our blessings.
10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston – A silly rhyming tale that will have kids laughing as they learn about numbers and subtraction.
Three Young Pilgrims by Cheryl Harness – This book takes a deeper look at the experience of three children who sailed to American on the Mayflower.
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp – This lovely story is based on a traditional Iriquois celebration of nature’s beauty, and is written by a Mohawk chief.
The Pilgrims of Plimoth by Marcia Sewall – Written in the language of the day, this story takes a look at the daily life of the pilgrims in their first years at Plimoth.
Life on the Mayflower by Jessica Gunderson – What was life like on the Mayflower? This book explores the 65 day journey, and the hardships the passengers faced.
Strega Nona’s Harvest by Tomie dePaola – Strega Nona is back! This classic character is celebrating the harvest and the changing of the seasons.
Emma Had a Little Turkey by Mary Lee – This fun take on “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is perfect for Thanksgiving.
Arthur’s Thanksgiving by Marc Brown – Arthur is excited to be the director in his school’s Thanksgiving play. But his actors are making his job very difficult!
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O’Neill Grace — This book for older kids is a more historically accurate look at what life in the pilgrim settlement might have been like.
How Many Days to America? A Thanksgiving Story by Eve Bunting – A family is forced to leave their home in the Carribean and sail for America. The day the arrive is also Thanksgiving day.
For more thankful reads, check out our Thanksgiving Books board in Pinterest: