25 Thanksgiving Books for Preschool

thanksgiving books for preschoolers

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! I have compiled a list of my favorite Thanksgiving books to read aloud during the month of November.

This list focuses mainly on being thankful, turkeys and family because the concept of the First Thanksgiving is a very abstract one for young children to grasp.

25 Books About Thanksgiving for Preschool

Thanksgiving Books

  • The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
    From bestselling author Todd Parr, The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. Parr’s distinctive illustrations and relatable text make this a must have for all early childhood classrooms.
  • We Are Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom
    Incredible illustrations help children understand the importance of taking care of the resources that have been entrusted to us.

We Are Grateful

  • We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, by Traci Sorell
    Celebrate diversity, community, and gratitude in this beautifully illustrated book about one group of Native Americans.

Fry Bread

Duck for Turkey Day

  • Duck for Turkey Day, by Jacqueline Jules
    An important reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t about what you eat, as long as you’re sharing it with family and friends.

Bear Says Thanks

  • Bear Says Thanks, by Karma Wilson
    A celebration of friendship and family featuring Karma Wilson’s beloved bear character. If you’re not familiar with this series run, don’t walk to your nearest library or bookstore! Beautiful illustrations paired with rhyming text make this series the perfect read-aloud for any preschool or kindergarten classroom.

Thank You Omu

  • Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
    Learn how food can bring people together in this heartwarming story of sharing and being thankful.

Over the River

  • Over the River and Through the Woods by Emma Randall
    Vibrant illustrations and rhythmic text brings to life the traditional song of going to Grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving. This version is slightly different than the song I’m most familiar with, so please use the preview feature at the link to see if it will fit your needs.

Thank You Thanksgiving Book for Preschoolers

Best Thanksgiving Books for Preschool

  • Thanks for Thanksgiving, by Julie Markes
    Simple rhyming text coupled with beautiful watercolor illustrations capture the true spirit of being thankful from the perspective of a child.

Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!

Thanksgiving Activity Bundle for Preschool
Preview in the Shop

The Ultimate Pre-K Thanksgiving Lesson Plan Bundle

15 of our most popular Thanksgiving theme resources, including math and literacy small group activities! Make learning fun with these hands-on resources!

Turkey Trouble

  • Thankful, by Eileen Spinelli
    Whimsical illustrations will grab children’s attention as they explore the wonderful ways people practice thanksgiving and express gratitude.
  • The Night Before Thanksgiving, by Natasha Wing

Thanks for Nothing

Very Stuffed Turkey

I Know an Old Lady

Books About Turkeys

  • Who Will Carve the Turkey This Thanksgiving? by Jerry Pallotta
    I love this “Who will…?” series by Jerry Pallotta so much I just had to include it in this book list! Although it is only available as used it is well worth it. The illustrations are amazing and the funny premise has my students howling with laughter every time. After reading this book aloud, ask your class what other animals they can think of and then create your own class book.
  • Turkey Trouble, by Wendi J. Silvano
    A hilarious story about a turkey who disguises himself to avoid the inevitable on Thanksgiving Day. Turkey’s attempts at disguising himself will have your students giggling from start to finish.
  • There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! by Lucille Colandro
    The old lady is back, and this time she’s swallowed a turkey! Once again, hilariousness ensues as we read to find out why she swallows a turkey.

How to Catch a Turkey

More Thanksgiving Ideas

1. Thanksgiving Bingo (Pre-K Pages) – A printable bingo game for a Thanksgiving theme or party in your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten classroom. Includes both a black and white and a color version!

2. Thanksgiving Music for Preschoolers (Pre-K Pages) – Need some fun Thanksgiving songs for kids? You can use YouTube to find fun music to use in your preschool or kindergarten classroom.

3. Thanksgiving Counting Mats (Pre-K Pages) – A set of Thanksgiving theme play dough mats to help your kids develop number sense and fluency within ten. Includes 11 printable color mats for you to use in your play dough center with prompts, and 11 without prompts.

4. Turkey Snacks (Pre-K Pages) – When it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving with kids I prefer the KISS method- Keep It Simple Silly. That’s why I love these two easy Thanksgiving snacks (featuring turkeys) that kids can make with very little help.

5. One-to-One Correspondence Activities (Pre-K Pages) – These hands-on activities with a Thanksgiving twist will make learning how to count fun for all young children.

a collage of colorful images featuring thanksgiving crafts and activities
Popcorn Turkey Glove
turkey craft with coffee filter and bingo daubers
Printable Thanksgiving Treat Bag Topper attached to zip top bag full of snack mix
two hands holding a disposable cup with pumpkin flavored pudding and whipped cream
brown playdough used to create a turkey using beads and feathers
children playing with colorful water using turkey basters

Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!

Thanksgiving Activity Bundle for Preschool
Preview in the Shop

The Ultimate Pre-K Thanksgiving Lesson Plan Bundle

15 of our most popular Thanksgiving theme resources, including math and literacy small group activities! Make learning fun with these hands-on resources!

8 thoughts on “25 Thanksgiving Books for Preschool”

  1. “Who Will Carve My Thanksgiving Turkey?” is available as an interactive book on Scholastic Storia. I use it with my Pre K class on my Promethean Board. The kids love it!

  2. hi!

    lovely books, i’ll be sure to check some of them out next year (no time this year, it takes too long to order..). we live in norway, but since my husband is american i want my daughter to be familiar with the traditions of thanksgiving. last year we bought her some board books (curious george has a nice thanksgiving book), and this year she’s reading up a storm at 2 and a half so i purchased a book called “Thanksgiving Rules” by Laurie B. Friedman. it’s a really nifty book with amazing illustrations and a lot of humor! i definitely recommend it, my husband thought it was great!

  3. “Run, Turkey, Run!” by Diane Mayr and Laura Rader is hugely appealing to preschoolers. In fact, it was voted book of the week by my preschoolers last week.

    Here’s what it says at the publisher’s website: With Thanksgiving only one day away, can Turkey find a place to hide from the farmer who’s looking for a plump bird for his family feast?

    Maybe he can hide with the pigs . . . or the ducks . . . or the horses . . .

    Uh-oh! Here comes the farmer!

    Run, Turkey, run!

  4. Pingback: Ultimate List of Book Lists - Rachel K Tutoring Blog

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