It’s nearly time to enjoy some of our favorite Thanksgiving books!
With coming off our fall read alouds, sometimes it’s hard for me to find good quality Thanksgiving books for the kids that don’t feel too fall-ish.
Hopefully, these selections will make you excited to learn more about Thanksgiving with your kids and enjoy some new books that maybe you haven’t read before.
To help everyone in the family find something, I’ve included a mix of books for littles, books for big kids, and some quality online resources for parents or older students.
Thanksgiving Books for Littles
A Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving by Charles M. Schulz
This sweet story is a classic and definitely one of my favorite Thanksgiving books!
If you grew up loving Charlie Brown, you’ll LOVE revisiting this story with your own kids!
How To Catch A Turkey by Adam Wallace
This ADORABLE book is part of a series of “how to catch” books. There are tons to choose from, but this one is the obvious choice for Thanksgiving!
A turkey escapes before the school play and the kids need to get him back!
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Turkey by Lucille Colandro
This fun story is another classic! There are so many other books about this hungry old lady. Enjoy this one with your kids this year!
Just A Special Thanksgiving by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter is back! In this book, he celebrates Thanksgiving in many ways with friends and family.
“This First Thanksgiving Day: A Counting Story” by Laura Krauss Melmed
This gorgeous book has catchy verses and hidden pictures that your kids will LOVE to hunt for!
“The Great Turkey Race” by Steve Metzger
This super cute and funny book is all about friends competing in a fun Thanksgiving race!! Who will win?
This book is GREAT if your family is planning to do a Turkey Trot or 5k on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Books for Big Kids
“The Thanksgiving Story” by Alice Dalgliesh
This Caldecott Honor-winning tale beautifully illustrates the arduous journey of the Pilgrims.
One of the more historically-driven Thanksgiving books on this list, it’s a great way to learn more about the holiday.
“Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade” by Melissa Sweet
This beautifully illustrated book brings to life the inspiring genius behind the Macy’s Parade’s giant balloons.
“Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving” by Joseph Bruchac
Learn more about Squanto’s role in the very first Thanksgiving. This wonderful book shows Squanto’s key part in helping the Pilgrims survive their first winter in the New World.
“1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving” by Catherine O’Neill Grace
This fantastic National Geographic book explores the historic first Thanksgiving from a different perspective.
It’s a unique mix of storytelling and facts that will give your child a fresh look at this well-known event in history.
“Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday” by Mike Allegra
Have you ever wondered how Thanksgiving became a national holiday? This illustrated book follows the true story of Sarah Josepha Hale, a dedicated lady who fought to have Thanksgiving officially recognized.
This inspiring book shows kids that ANYONE can make a difference!
“Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving” by Laurie Halse Anderson
This book is another tribute to the diligent Sarah Hale! This book combines humor, history, and heart-warming sentiments that will both teach and entertain your child.
More Thanksgiving Resources
If you want more fun and educational Thanksgiving resources for your family, these are some GREAT websites to check out!
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
This is the museum that is situated on the original colony and honors the Pilgrims and Indigenous People who helped them. There are online games, activities, teacher tools, and more!
Pilgrim Hall Museum
Built in 1824, this museum houses original possessions from the Pilgrims. It is the oldest continually operated museum in the United States.
There are online resources that parents or older students would find really helpful and interesting to read!
Primary Source Nexus, First Thanksgiving Resources
This amazing collection of primary source documents, paired with thinking prompts, is a wonderful springboard to deeper discussions about the Pilgrims, the First Thanksgiving, and the Indigenous Peoples.
