There’s a lot that goes around Thanksgiving — turkeys, giving back, cranberry and so much food. Learn more about the U.S. holiday with these children’s books.
Bright Baby: Happy Thanksgiving, by Roger Priddy
- Best for ages: 1-3
“Happy Thanksgiving” is an oh-so-cute board book of first words all related to Thanksgiving. The mix of real photos and illustrations of children enjoying all things Thanksgiving including turkey, pumpkins, cranberries and football. It makes a great first book to share.
Llama Llama Gives Thanks, by Anna Dewdney
- Best for ages: 1-3
Who doesn’t love Llama Llama? See how Llama Llama spends Thanksgiving with his family. From eating delicious food to playing in the fall leaves, you’ll learn how important it is to give thanks all year round.
Five Silly Turkeys, by Salina Yoon
- Best for ages: 2-5
Your toddlers will be giggling as the count the turkeys in this book. These crazy birds are up to silly shenanigans from being chased by a bee to spinning around a dance floor. They’re not your typical Thanksgiving birds!
Spot’s Thanksgiving, by Eric Hill
- Best for ages: 3-5
Spot the Dog was around when I was a kid, and–ahem, more than a few years on–he’s still having fun in “Spot’s Thanksgiving.” He’s making a pumpkin pie, and Grandma and Grandpa are there to bring him a pilgrim hat and join the feast.
The Ugly Pumpkin, by Dave Horowitz
- Best for ages: 3-5
This twist on “The Ugly Duckling” might become one of your favorites to read during the Thanksgiving season. The wacky tale will bring some laughs and smiles—along with some important life lessons!
Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving, by Dav Pilkey
- Best for ages: 3-5
A group of children visits a farmer and his turkeys on Thanksgiving eve. At this farm, they have such a great time that they leave with fuller hearts by rescuing their new turkey friends.
Thanksgiving on Thursday (Magic Tree House #27), by Mary Pope Osborne
- Best for ages: 6-12
Jack and Annie are back in Thanksgiving on Thursday in 1621 and they’re joining the first Thanksgiving celebration. A perfect blend of fact and fiction, there’s a reason why the Magic Treehouse series is the best-selling chapter book series of all time!
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving (National Geographic), by Catherine O’Neill Grace
- Best for ages: 8-12
If you’re looking for a more realistic tale of Thanksgiving, this historical book will give you all the facts you need with compelling photographs to read with your kids. Learn more about the Native American culture and the original harvest celebration in 1621.
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