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.
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: Otsaliheliga, by Traci Sorell
Celebrate diversity, community, and gratitude in this beautifully illustrated book about one group of Native Americans.
- Fry Bread, by Kevin Noble Maillard
- 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, 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! by Oge Mora
Learn how food can bring people together in this heartwarming story of sharing and being thankful.
- 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.
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!
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!
- Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland
A simple book appropriate for young children that will help explain the concept of being thankful. This book features multicultural characters, and is perfect for young children who are second language learners. - Gratitude is My Superpower: A children’s book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity, by Alicia Ortego
Discover the magic of gratitude and happiness that can be found in relationships and our daily lives.
- 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, by Ryan Higgins
- The Very Stuffed Turkey, by Katharine Kenah
- I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie, by Alison Jackson
This is one of my personal Thanksgiving read-aloud favorites. - Cold Turkey, by Corey Rosen Schwartz
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, by Adam Wallace
A hilarious book about students who turn their school upside down to catch turkeys – with a clever focus on building STEAM skills. - I Am Thankful, by Sheri Wall
- A Thankful Book for Kids: Giving Thanks, Helping Others, and Feeling Grateful, by Stacey Freeman
- Grunt the Grizzly Learns to Be Grateful, by Misty Black
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.
Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum 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!
