Are you excited? My kids are bouncing off the walls, thrilled that Thanksgiving is almost here! We’ve been making some of our favorite recipes and pulling out our favorite Thanksgiving books for kids to enjoy while we’re getting ready.
Thanksgiving Books for Kids
We LOVE to read seasonal books in our homeschool, especially during the holidays. Take a look at this giant list of Thanksgiving books for your kids.
Little Critter: Just a Special ThanksgivingPete the Cat: The First ThanksgivingThe Berenstain Bears Give ThanksThe Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings
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Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving
Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving
Starring in the school Thanksgiving play would make even the coolest cat nervous. But when Pete the Cat gets onstage, he makes learning the story of the first Thanksgiving fun. With thirteen flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises, this book is sure to be a holiday favorite for every Pete the Cat fan.
The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks
The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings
The Night Before ThanksgivingThanksgiving Is for Giving ThanksThe Story of the PilgrimsThe Thanksgiving StoryThanks for Thanksgiving
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Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks
Sure, Thanksgiving is about pilgrims and history–and turkey, of course!–but most importantly, it’s a holiday all about everything that we are thankful for. Cheerful, colorful illustrations accompany the simple text in this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday that brings them all together.
The Thanksgiving Story
In this festive Caldecott Honor–winning picture book, Alice Dalgiesh brings to life the origin of the Thanksgiving holiday for readers of all ages.
Pinkalicious: Thanksgiving HelperThe Pilgrims’ First ThanksgivingCranberry ThanksgivingThe Autumn Visitors
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Pinkalicious: Thanksgiving Helper
The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving
The Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving lasted three whole days. Ann McGovern’s simple text introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion we celebrate today – THANKSGIVING.
Cranberry Thanksgiving
Grandmother certainly didn’t want to ask Mr. Whiskers for Thanksgiving dinner! She was very angry when Maggie asked him. She was even more angry when SOMEONE stole her favorite, secret recipe for cranberry bread! Was Mr. Whiskers the thief?
Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving (Bookshelf)One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims (Picture Puffin Books)Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey
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Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving
In 1620 an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together–a tradition that continues almost four hundred years later.
‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims
The activities of ten Pilgrims and ten Wampanoag Indian children as they prepare for a splendid harvest feast at Plimoth (now Plymouth Plantation) are described using the familiar childhood rhyme.
A Turkey for ThanksgivingFancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving BanquetThe Berenstain Bears: Thanksgiving All AroundI Spy Thanksgiving
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A Turkey for Thanksgiving
Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn’t realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it.
Fancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving Banquet
The Berenstain Bears: Thanksgiving All Around
I Spy Thanksgiving
All new, easy-to-read riddles by Jean Marzollo are paired with Walter Wick’s fun photographs culled from previously published I Spy books to create this I Spy easy reader that’s perfect for Thanksgiving!
A Plump And Perky TurkeyThe Best Thanksgiving Ever!It’s Thanksgiving!Arthur’s Thanksgiving
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A Plump And Perky Turkey
Turkeys around Squawk Valley just don’t jump into pots anymore—they are way too smart for that. So the townspeople hatch a clever plan. They host a turkey-themed arts and crafts fair and lure a vain bird into town by advertising for an artist’s model. Peter the Turkey, proud of his well-stuffed form, takes the bait but doesn’t fall for the trap.
The Best Thanksgiving Ever!
It’s Thanksgiving!
Arthur’s Thanksgiving
Arthur has been picked to direct his school’s Thanksgiving play-and cast the roles. But all his friends want to be star, and no one wants to play the Turkey! What will Arthur do?
Run, Turkey, Run!Franklin’s ThanksgivingThanksgiving Is Here!Katie Saves Thanksgiving
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Franklin’s Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving just won’t be the same without guests around the table, so Franklin decides to invite some friends for dinner. What a nice surprise it will be for his parents!
Katie Saves Thanksgiving
Pedro’s and JoJo’s families are on their way to Katie’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. But they get stuck in a snowstorm, and the Woos’ oven suddenly breaks. Katie wonders what kind of Thanksgiving it will be without sweet potatoes, pie, and most of all, friends.
Thanksgiving Movies for Kids
While the turkey is cooking, put one of these Thanksgiving movies or shows on for your children to enjoy. (you just might sneak out of the kitchen to watch them, too!)
Happy Turkey DayThank You, Grandpere Tiger! / Neighborhood Thank You Day
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Wild Kratts: Happy Turkey Day!
My kids LOVE watching Wild Kratts, and I’m always excited when I know that my kids are learning while they’re watching their favorite Netflix shows.
Daniel Tiger: Thank You, Granpere!
Sweet little Daniel Tiger is one of our favorite characters around here. This episode is a perfect tie-in for Thanksgiving preparations!
What about you? What shows and books will your family be reading and watching this coming week? Don’t miss our Easy Turkey Cupcakes for an adorable Thanksgiving dessert!
Alicia says
Yes! Putting some books on hold at the library right now. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Amy says
Aw, we love so many of these books! Happy to add the others to our wishlist;) Your Thanksgiving movie suggestions rock-can’t wait to show the family.