With Thanksgiving right around the corner, one of the best ways to introduce the meanings and traditions of this amazing holiday is through a good book. Whether taking a trip to the library to explore a number of different books or heading over to reading circle bookshelf , we put together a list of a few great titles little learners are sure to enjoy.
Thanksgiving Children’s Books
Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks
by Margaret Sutherland and Sonja Lamut
With colorful illustrations, this book brings together family and friends as they celebrate all the things they are thankful for during this holiday. Introducing the act of giving thanks, children will begin expressing their own ideas of what to be thankful for, such as mom, dad, friends, and pets.
10 Fat Turkeys
by Tony Johnston and Rich Deas
This silly rhyming book about turkeys and counting will have preschoolers rolling in amusement. Keeping the attention of little ones with the bright and colorful pictures, children will want to explore the wild antics of the turkeys over and over again.
The First Thanksgiving: A Lift-the-Flap Book
by Kathryn Lynn Davis
Discover how the pilgrims came to America and made a Thanksgiving feast with the help of the Native Americans in this simple read. Explaining the history of this great holiday in a creative and interactive way helps to keep preschoolers interested and engaged in the story of Thanksgiving.
Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving
by James Dean and Kimberly Dean
In this picture book featuring Pete the Cat as the star of the Thanksgiving play; the history of this holiday is introduced in a fun way that preschoolers are sure to like. Learn about the facts of Thanksgiving with Pete as children lift the flaps for added surprises.
The Night Before Thanksgiving
by Natasha Wing and Tammie Lyon
Following a traditional Thanksgiving celebration, this book includes ideas about the preparations and activities that make this holiday great. With rhyming text and lively illustrations, preschoolers are sure to be captivated by this holiday story.
Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving
by Mercer Meyer
Preschoolers will enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving with Little Critter and his family. As they put on a holiday play and enjoy a holiday feast, everyone in Critterville gives thanks in this book that will become a hit for story time.
Turkey Trouble
by Wendi Silvano and Lee Harper
With Turkey afraid of being the main course for Thanksgiving dinner, he comes up with some comical ways to disguise himself. This silly tale with colorful illustrations will have both preschoolers and adults laughing out loud.
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie
by Alison Jackson
Little ones will love this rhyming story about an old lady who swallows almost everything at Thanksgiving dinner. As she grows and grows, the old lady’s strange appetite amuses the parents and children of the book as they watch their holiday feast disappear.
Bear Says Thanks
by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
Celebrate family and friendship with Bear as he tries to prepare a Thanksgiving feast for everyone. As Bear’s pals come to the rescue and help with dinner, preschoolers will learn about friendship, generosity, and gratitude in this holiday book.
The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks
by Michael Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
Introduce the first Thanksgiving with the help of the Berenstain Bears as they act it out with costumes and props. Preschoolers will be entertained by this fun read as they learn about the history of this holiday and the importance of giving thanks.
What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving books for kids? Share with us below or on the Really Good Teachers forums!