Just like pretty much every holiday in our home, the celebrations aren’t complete without some holiday books to read every night leading up to the big day. (And by every night, I mean almost every single night! Which is why I get a bit picky with holiday books.) There is something special about pulling them out to visit for a brief time before putting them away again for next year. It makes them feel like good friends that are back for awhile. Below you will find an ongoing list of our favorite Thanksgiving books. Check back each year as I plan to add to it each holiday.
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“Thanksgiving in the Woods” by Phyllis Alsdurf and Jenny Lovlie- This story is based on true events of families that had a tradition of meeting together in a large group to celebrate Thanksgiving in the woods of upstate New York. The illustrations are absolutely charming and have me wishing we could celebrate thanksgiving in a forest this year!
“The Very Stuffed Turkey” by Katharine Kenah and Binny Talib- Turkey has definitely been stuffed this year- with five Thanksgiving dinners hosted by his friends! Children will delight in the story of how he visits his barnyard friends and all the interesting food that is on the menu. Such a darling book.
“Thanksgiving for Emily Ann” by Teresa Johnston and Vanessa Brantley-Newton- Emily Ann is not feeling very thankful at the start of Thanksgiving. With company over she has to sleep on the floor, everyone seems to busy for fun, and other such troubles bother her. However, things take a turn for the better and in the end Emily Ann is reminded about the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
“Thankful” by Eileen Spinelli and Archie Preston- This is a sweet book with the sweet message that we have so much to be thankful for. The list of blessings in this book is illustrated with light and airy pictures that are sentimental and wonderful.
“Sharing the Bread: An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Story” by Pat Zeitlow Miller and Jill McElmurry- This traditional book features a family in the 19th centure getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner by all participation in food preparation. The illustrations are really beautiful and its strong themes of gratitude, teamwork and family are beautiful as well.
“Turkey Trouble” by Wendi Silvano and Lee Harper- This book is hilarious! It is about a turkey who is determined to stay off the Thanksgiving day menu by dressing up as other farm animals. However, no costume he makes seems to make the cut. No fear, in the end he comes up with a truly winning idea.
“Fangsgiving” by Ethan Long- We love Fright Club so we were so excited to see these characters back in a Thanksgiving book! It is a silly story that is a fun reminder that thanksgiving isn’t about the food, but about family and the love we share. Such a fun one to mix up your Thanksgiving book collection.
“Over the River and Through the Wood” by Lydia Maria Child and Christopher Manson- This is an illustrated version of the 1844 poem (with the music in the back) and has a wonderfully warm and cozy, traditional feel. We adore it and love to sing along through the book. It is so beautifully rendered with woodcut illustrations (can’t get much cozier than that right?!) and is now part of our seasonal traditions.
“We Are Grateful: Ostaliheliga” by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac- This beautiful book highlights the Cherokee Nation and shares bits of their culture as well as Cherokee words and pronunciations. There is a reason why this incredible book has awards.
“How To Catch A Turkey” by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton- In this silly, new Thanksgiving favorite a group of school children are on the run to catch a turkey who has a case of stage fright about being in the school play. It is a lot of fun and has such a delightful ending.
“The Thanksgiving Story” by Alice Dalgliesh – This classic thanksgiving story tells about how the pilgrims came across the ocean on the Mayflower and participated in the first Thanksgiving Dinner in North America. It is a bit long and has great illustrations. I like to include at least one book about the pilgrims, but do be aware of inaccuracies that may be presented in this story about the history.
“Grumpy O’Goodity” by Carol Pyke Brink and Ashley Wolff- This book isn’t a Thanksgiving Book strictly speaking, but it is so classic and fits in with Thanksgiving books so well. It is an illustrated version of the classic colonial poem and even includes an authentic recipe for spice cake from that period so you can make some yourself!
“The Circle Of Thanks” by Joseph Bruchac and Maury Jacob- This beautiful book is perfect for Thanksgiving as it contains a collection of poems about giving thanks form varior groups of Native Americans. It is so well done and we love it.
“Don’t Let Aunt Mabel Bless the Table” by Vanessa Brantley Newton- This is another book that I just can’t help but giggle during. It is about a family gathered together for Sunday dinner and dear, sweet Aunt Mabel who prays over the food for an incredibly long time. My oldest especially thinks this is funny with its playful story and illustrations. It isn’t exactly a “Thanksgiving” book, but it fits along perfectly.
Board Books
“Llama Llama Gives Thanks” by Anna Dewdney- We are big fans of this little Llama so this book is a “no brainer” for us. Simple and sweet it tells of Llama and all the things he is thankful for in a way that is relatable for small kids.
“This Little Turkey” by Aly Fronis and Migy Blanco- This adorably illustrated book is done to the pattern of “This Little Piggie” and is such a joy to read. Each little turkey in the book is doing his part to prepare for Thanksgiving and in the end they have a jolly celebration.
“Five Little Thank-Yous” by Cindy Jin and Dawn M Cardinals- This little board book features five general things to be thankful for and has the sweetest illustrations. So cute!
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