At our house, we read A LOT of children's books, and we want to share some of our favorites with you! In this post, we've included our favorite Thanksgiving board books and picture books, to include both fiction and nonfiction. Feel free to skim the list and see if any appeal to your family. We hope you enjoy!
Board Books
Five Silly Turkeys
By: Salina Yoon
Publisher: Price Stern Sloan (2005)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description: From twirling on a dance floor to being chased by a bee to tanning in the sun, these are no ordinary Thanksgiving turkeys. The rhyming adventure makes for a fun read-aloud, and the tail feathers add a sensory element to the book as they crinkle when touched and are easy to grab for tiny hands turning pages. This shiny fabric–tabbed book is a holiday treat that is sure to be gobbled up quickly.
Why We Love It
Short silly rhyming text
Crinkly feathers provide an interactive sound and texture element
Pookie's Thanksgiving
By: Sandra Boynton
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks (2022)
Recommended Ages: 1+
Book Description:
Oh, POOO-KIE! Little POOO-KIE!
It’s time to start baking!
Thanksgiving is here!
There are pies that need making!
It’s Thanksgiving! Join Mom and her little Pookie as they prepare for the yummiest of holidays. Told and illustrated with Sandra Boynton’s celebrated charm, Pookie’s Thanksgiving is filled with a cornucopia of family, gratitude, and pie!
Why We Love It
Charming rhyming text
We love reading Spooky Pookie during the Halloween season, and this book allows us to keep reading about Pookie after Halloween has passed.
Celebrates one of the things I am most thankful for: PIE! 😁
llama llama gives thanks
Written By: Anna Dewdney
Illustrated By: J.T. Morrow
Publisher: Viking (2017)
Recommended Ages: 1+
Book Description: It's Thanksgiving time for Llama Llama and his family! That means yummy foods and autumn leaves and being thankful for everything from pumpkin pies to blue skies. Thanksgiving may only come once a year, but in Llama's family, giving thanks is always here!
Why We Love It
Familiar characters celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends
Great message about giving thanks all year
Picture Books (Fiction)
Fangsgiving
By: Ethan Long
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books (2018)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: It's the fourth Thursday of November, and the members of Fright Club are cooking up something spooky . . . a Thanksgiving feast! But when Vlad's family arrives unexpectedly, they put their own spin on each of the dishes. Now, the rolls are as hard as headstones and the turkey has been cooked to death. Vlad loves his family, but they've made a mess of their meal! Can this monster-filled family come together to save their feast and celebrate what the holiday is truly about?
Why We Love It
Impeccably written and paced story
Great book to bridge Halloween and Thanksgiving
Funny!
Great message about working together
Perfect ending!
Thanksgiving Is Here!
By: Diane Goode
Publisher: HarperCollins (2003)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: As soon as Maggie's grandma and grandpa get the turkey in the oven, bright and early on Thanksgiving morning, the guests arrive and the commotion begins: glamorous aunts, crying babies, acrobatic cousins, strange dogs, mysterious gifts, romance, friendships, "yackety-yak"ing and, of course, lots of wonderful food and fun.
Why We Love It
Portrays the chaotic reality of holiday households in a funny and entertaining way
Charming prose with lots of onomatopoeia to keep little ones engaged
Busy illustrations that give kids lots of people to look at and follow
Great message about chipping in and helping others
Turkey Trouble
Written By: Wendi Silvano
Illustrated By: Lee Harper
Publisher: Two Lions (2009)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: 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!
Why We Love It:
So clever and funny!
Very well-written story and fun repetitive format that kids will enjoy
A book we can't wait to read every year at Thanksgiving!
The THANKFUL Book
By: Todd Parr
Publisher: Little, Brown & Co. (2012)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description:
I am thankful for music because it makes me want to dance.
I am thankful for my feet because they help me run and play.
I am thankful for kisses because they make me feel loved.
The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bath time to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life's special moments. The perfect book to treasure and share, around the holidays and throughout the year.
Why We Love It:
Reminds us that there are many things (big and small) to be thankful for
Includes lots of kid-friendly things to be thankful for
Simple, bright illustrations
Not strictly a Thanksgiving book; can be read year-round
Bear Says Thanks
Written By: Karma Wilson
Illustrated By: Jane Chapman
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (2012)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: What better way for Bear to say thanks than over a nice, big dinner? Bear decides to throw a feast! One by one, Bear’s friends show up with different platters of delicious food to share. There’s just one problem: Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do?
Why We Love It:
Bouncy rhyming text that is perfect for reading aloud
Beautiful illustrations!
Great message about chipping in, helping others, and being thankful for good friends
One of my all-time favorite children's book series!
Just A Special Thanksgiving
By: Mercer Mayer
Publisher: Harper Festival (2015)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: 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, Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving is a funny Thanksgiving book for kids that's sure to be a hit.
Why We Love It:
Classic Little Critter story that we look forward to reading every year!
Includes many of the most memorable parts of the Thanksgiving holiday as a kid (getting out of school, art projects, school performance, parade, feast, etc.)
10 FAT TURKEYS
Written By: Tony Johnston
Illustrated By: Rich Deas
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (2004)
Recommended Ages: 1+
Book Description:
"Looky!" says a silly turkey
swinging from a vine.
Gobble gobble wibble wobble.
Whoops! Now there are nine.
Children 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! Beloved author Tony Johnston brings a lively energy to the text, which first-time illustrator Richard Deas brings to life as wild and wacky fun!
Why We Love It:
Funny!
Silly rhyming text written in a familiar format
Teaches kids how to count backward from ten
The Great Thanksgiving Escape
By: Mark Fearing
Publisher: Candlewick Press (2014)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description:
It’s another Thanksgiving at Grandma’s. Gavin expects a long, boring day full of pesky toddlers, but his cousin Rhonda has a different idea: make a break for it to the swing set in the backyard! Gavin isn’t so sure, especially when they encounter vicious guard dogs (in homemade sweaters), overly affectionate aunts, and worst of all, the great wall of butts. Can they avoid all the obstacles and find some fun before turkey time?
Why We Love It:
Funny!
A fresh and clever twist on the typical Thanksgiving story
The illustrations tell a lot of the story and have the perfect comedic timing and expressions.
A Plump and Perky Turkey
Written By: Teresa Bateman
Illustrated By: Jeff Shelly
Publisher: Two Lions (2001)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: When the people of Squawk Valley find themselves without a turkey for their Thanksgiving feast, they hatch a plot to lure one into town: They’ll advertise for a “model” turkey to pose during a turkey-themed arts-and-crafts fair. Once the model is finished posing, he’ll make the perfect main course for the Squawk Valley Thanksgiving feast. But the citizens of Squawk Valley don’t plan on meeting up with a turkey as sly as Pete―a bird so clever, he just may outsmart them all!
Why We Love It:
Cute, quirky rhyming text
Interesting story; fresh take on the classic "turkey escape" theme
Clever twist and ending!
SHARING THE BREAD
Written By: Pat Zietlow Miller
Illustrated By: Jill McElmurry
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books (2015)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description:
We will share the risen bread.
Our made-with-love Thanksgiving spread.
Grateful to be warm and fed.
We will share the bread.
In this spirited ode to the holiday, set at the turn of the twentieth century, a large family works together to make their special meal. Mama prepares the turkey, Daddy tends the fire, Sister kneads, and Brother bastes. Everyone—from Grandma and Grandpa to the littlest baby—has a special job to do. Told in spare, rhythmic verse and lively illustrations, Sharing the Bread is a perfect read-aloud to celebrate the Thanksgiving tradition.
Why We Love It:
Lively rhyming text that is perfect for reading aloud
Repetitive nature makes it easy for kids to pick-up
Great message about chipping in and working together
This book grew on me each time I read it. We'll call it love at fourth sight! 😊
Franklin's Thanksgiving
Written By: Paulette Bourgeois
Illustrated By: Brenda Clark
Publisher: Kids Can Press (2001)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Franklin likes everything about Thanksgiving, from eating pumpkin-fly pie to making cornucopias. But what he likes best is having his Grandma and Grandpa share the holiday with him and his family. This year, however, his grandparents are traveling abroad. Thanksgiving just won't be the same without guests around the table, so Franklin decides to invite some friends for dinner. What a nice surprise it will be for his parents. Only Franklin's mother and father have the same idea, and on Thanksgiving Day all their friends show up for the festivities! With no more room in the house, where will the holiday meal take place?
Why We Love It:
Fun (and different) premise for a Thanksgiving story
Great message about being thankful and creating new holiday traditions when old traditions can't be upheld
Bright colorful illustrations
Thanksgiving Is For Giving Thanks
Written By: Margaret Sutherland
Illustrated By: Sonja Lamut
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (2000)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Thanksgiving is about pilgrims and history--and turkey, of course!--but most importantly, it's a holiday that highlights everything we are thankful for. Cheerful, colorful illustrations accompany the simple text in this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday that brings them all together.
Why We Love It:
Great introduction to the concept of giving thanks and appreciating every day things
Includes kid-friendly things to be thankful for
A Turkey For Thanksgiving
Written By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated By: Diane de Groat
Publisher: Clarion Books (1991)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn't realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it.
Why We Love It:
Beautiful text and illustrations; perfect for the season
Humor added through the illustrations of turkey's facial expressions and body language
Happy ending for all!
Thanks For Thanksgiving
Written By: Julie Markes
Illustrated By: Doris Barrette
Publisher: HarperCollins (2004)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks—the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what's most important is being able to share them with family. Julie Markes reminds kids and adults alike about the little details that make each day enjoyable, while Doris Barrette's beautiful and striking illustrations bring her thoughtful words to life.
Why We Love It:
Short rhyming text that is perfectly in tune with what children are thankful for (park, slides, pets, family, etc.)
Beautiful illustrations with a soft yet rich feel
Dino-Thanksgiving
Written By: Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated By: Barry Gott
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (2020)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Follow along as dinos travel over the river and through the woods to join together with family. They enjoy favorite activities, including a corn maze, a televised parade with giant balloon creations, and of course a football game! The dinos share in not one but two feasts―one for the carnivores and another for the veggie-saurs. Join in the fun as the dinos find much to be thankful for on this special holiday!
Why We Love It:
We LOVE dinos! 😊
Fun rhyming text that touches on many favorite Thanksgiving traditions
Includes a Thanksgiving feast for both carnivores and herbivores
Cute illustrations!
Picture Books (Nonfiction)
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY
By: Melissa Sweet
Publisher: Clarion Books (2011)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: Meet the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Melissa Sweet brings to life the inspirational story of the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons floating in the sky during the annual parade celebrating Thanksgiving. The Caldecott Honor artist brilliantly captures the essence of Tony Sarg, a self-taught immigrant with a fascinating imagination.
Why We Love It:
Fascinating story that provides historical context for the popular Thanksgiving parade
Inspires creativity, problem-solving, and hard work
One of the most interesting books we've ever read!
Sarah Gives Thanks
Written By: Mike Allegra
Illustrated By: David Gardner
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co. (2012)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: During the nineteenth century, Sarah Josepha Hale dedicated her life to making Thanksgiving a national holiday, all while raising a family and becoming a groundbreaking writer and women's magazine editor. Sarah Hale's inspiring story, accompanied by luscious watercolor illustrations, tells the tale of one woman who wouldn't take no for an answer.
Why We Love It:
Provides historical context for how Thanksgiving became a national holiday
Inspiring story featuring a strong female character!
If You Were A Kid On The Mayflower
Written By: John Son
Illustrated By: Roger Zanni
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (2018)
Recommended Ages: 6+
Book Description: In 1620, a group of Pilgrims left Europe aboard a ship called the Mayflower. They sailed toward North America, hoping to make a new home where they could practice their religion freely. Readers will join Hope and Theodore as they set sail on a 66-day journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Learn what living conditions were like aboard The Mayflower, what dangers the Pilgrims faced at sea, and much more.
Why We Love It:
Provides great factual information about the Mayflower journey while also telling the story of the journey through the eyes of two young kids
The Story of the Pilgrims
Written By: Katharine Ross
Illustrated By: Carolyn Croll
Publisher: Random House (1995)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: 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 for the youngest historians. Colorful and appealing illustrations bring history to life!
Why We Love It:
Well-written; informative without being overwhelming
Includes thoughtful details that give the reader a sense of what the pilgrims experienced
Fitting illustration style
The Very First Thanksgiving Day
Written By: Rhonda Gowler Greene
Illustrated By: Susan Gaber
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (2002)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description:
This is the food, gathered and blessed,
the corn and sweet berries, and wild turkey dressed,
shared on the very first Thanksgiving Day.
Journey back to the very first Thanksgiving Day, when two societies came together to feast and honor the earth's bounty in peace.
Why We Love It:
Breaks down the Pilgrims' story into simple digestible pieces that build as they go
Rhyming text makes it easier for younger kids to stay engaged and learn the story
Beautiful realistic illustrations
This Is The Feast
Written By: Diane Z. Shore
Illustrated By: Megan Lloyd
Publisher: HarperCollins (2008)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: The Pilgrims embarked on their legendary Mayflower voyage in 1620 in search of religious freedom and a better life. The settlers were unprepared for the hardships they would face at the end of their journey, but with the help of their neighbor Indians, the Pilgrims survived the first year in their new world. Then, when their fall harvest was plentiful, the Pilgrims and the Indians joined together in a three-day celebration, the first Thanksgiving.
Why We Love It:
Informative without being overwhelming
Rhyming text makes it more engaging for younger readers
Teaches about the origin of Thanksgiving and reminds readers to give thanks
Beautiful realistic illustrations
We sincerely hope that you enjoy these books as much as we have! To receive monthly book recommendations, sign-up for my newsletter at the bottom of this page. Otherwise, if you have any Thanksgiving book recommendations for us, please type them in the comments below. We are ALWAYS looking for fun new books to read! 😊
Happy Thanksgiving and happy reading from our family to yours!