Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to teach children about gratitude, sharing, and the beauty of togetherness. This page features a curated selection of the best preschool and elementary books that celebrate Thanksgiving and a heart of thankfulness. These engaging stories will inspire young readers to appreciate their blessings, making the holiday season even more meaningful and memorable!
A historical account by Nancy Skarmeas, The Story of Thanksgiving introduces the child to how the pilgrims came to America and their relationship with the Native Americans.
In Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney, Llama Llama and his family celebrate the simple joys of Thanksgiving. Through sweet rhymes and cozy illustrations, this short story reminds us to give things every day.
Let’s Be Thankful by P.K. Hallinan is a charming story that helps children recognize and appreciate the many blessings in their lives. With precious illustrations, the book encourages kids to express gratitude for everything from family and friends to the beauty of nature. This read is a wonderful way to kick off the Thanksgiving season.
Nurture a thankful heart in your children or students ages 3-12 with our 50-page Thanksgiving Activity Workbook! This updated workbook includes engaging activities tailored for both preschool and elementary-aged children, along with easy-to-follow scripts that ensure fun and meaningful experiences. Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving while creating lasting memories together!
Pete the Cat: Falling for Autumn by James Dean and Kimberly Dean follows Pete as he discovers all the things he loves about the fall season. From picking apples and jumping in leaf piles to celebrating with family, Follow Pete the Cat as he discovers autumn and make a cornucopia with all he finds.
See more fall preschool books.
The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings by Mike Berenstain tells the heartwarming story of the Bear family as they prepare for Thanksgiving. Through fun and engaging rhymes, the Bears reflect on what they are thankful for, from family and friends to their home and the food they share.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey by Lucille Colandro is a humorous twist on the classic nursery rhyme. In this playful story, the old lady swallows various Thanksgiving-themed items, including a turkey, stuffing, and cranberries, leading to a comical chain of events. Older preschool and elementary-age children will laugh through the silliness while building their vocabulary.
While not a book, this fun little computer activity on Starfall.com allows the child to learn more about letters, phonics, mouse use, and read a story about a silly turkey.
Join the Bear family in The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks as they learn about the tradition of Thanksgiving and about being thankful for the blessings that they have received.
One of the things that I like about this book is that the family writes a play about the first Thanksgiving and then performs it for their family. This is a fun activity to incorporate into your Thanksgiving.
Pete the Cat: A First Thanksgiving by Kimberly and James Dean follows Pete as he discovers the meaning of Thanksgiving. Through vibrant illustrations and catchy rhymes, Pete learns about sharing, gratitude, and spending time with loved ones during the holiday.
10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston is a delightful countdown book that follows ten plump turkeys as they find themselves in silly predicaments as Thanksgiving approaches. Each page counts down from ten to one, with each turkey getting into increasingly humorous situations. The fun, rhyming lines encourage children to join in and repeat the phrases, adding to the interactive experience.
Cover your children, grandchildren, or students in prayer with this 31-day calendar of powerful Bible verses. Each day focuses on themes like wisdom, courage, love, and godly character, praying for spiritual guidance and strength for the next generation.
In Lisa Tawn Bergen's book God Gave Us Thankful Hearts, Lil Pup is not looking forward to hibernating season. His mama reminds him of this important truth: "The trick to having a thankful heart...is thinking about the things that make us happy, rather than the things that don't."
Turkey is afraid he will be the main course for Thanksgiving. In Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano, the child will enjoy the hilarious attempts Turkey makes to disguise himself and come up with another option for the farmer's family. This book is a wonderful introduction to the popular "Disguise the Turkey" activity done in classrooms.
The Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson is a heartwarming story about a bear who wants to throw a feast for his friends, but his cupboards are bare. As Bear’s friends gather, they each contribute something special to share, reminding him of the importance of friendship and saying "thanks."
In What Is Thanksgiving? by Michelle Medlock Adams, children explore what Thanksgiving may be about. Then through cheerful rhymes and colorful illustrations, the book explains that Thanksgiving is not only about food and fun but also about gratitude and celebrating God’s blessings.
