Thanksgiving books can be a great idea to use at home and in schools for several reasons. Here are some of the benefits of incorporating Thanksgiving books into your reading and educational activities:

• Cultural Understanding: Thanksgiving books often explore the history and traditions of this holiday, providing valuable insights into American culture. They can help children and students gain a deeper understanding of the significance and history of Thanksgiving.

• Promoting Gratitude: Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around gratitude. Reading books that emphasize thankfulness and appreciation can be a wonderful way to instill these values in children.

• Multicultural Perspective: Thanksgiving books can showcase the diversity of experiences and traditions related to the holiday. They may include stories from various cultural backgrounds and traditions, fostering an appreciation for different perspectives.

• Language and Literacy Skills: Reading Thanksgiving books can improve language and literacy skills. They help children and students develop their vocabulary, comprehension, and reading fluency.

• History Lessons: Thanksgiving books can offer historical context about the origins of the holiday, the Pilgrims, Native Americans, and the first Thanksgiving feast. These books can be used to teach history in an engaging and accessible way.

• Family Bonding: Reading Thanksgiving books at home can be a great way for families to bond and spend quality time together. It provides an opportunity for discussions and reflection on the meaning of the holiday.

• Creative Writing: Thanksgiving books can inspire creative writing activities. Students can write their own Thanksgiving stories, poems, or essays, allowing them to express their thoughts and creativity.

• Art and Craft Ideas: Many Thanksgiving books come with craft or activity ideas that can be integrated into the classroom or used as fun projects at home. This can be a hands-on way to reinforce the lessons from the books.

• Social and Emotional Learning: Thanksgiving books often touch on themes of empathy, kindness, and community. These books can be used to teach important social and emotional skills, such as empathy and the value of helping others.

• Seasonal Themes: Thanksgiving books are often tied to the fall season and can provide opportunities to discuss changes in weather, nature, and the environment, making them a great addition to science and nature-related studies.

• Fostering a Love for Reading: Using books related to Thanksgiving can encourage a love for reading. When students and children find books enjoyable and engaging, it can inspire them to read more frequently.

• Teaching Tradition: For families and classrooms, Thanksgiving books can be a way to pass down family traditions and create new ones. These books can be part of a yearly ritual that helps connect generations and build a sense of continuity.

We love reading fall themed books like these books about apples for kids, 30 Thanksgiving Books for Preschoolers, as well as The Best Toddler Thanksgiving Board Books to Read.  Making a fun Thanksgiving bookmark for a good book is the perfect way to add more excitement around reading.  I love these Thanksgiving craft activities made with a Turkey handprint fun activities too.

 This post has 9 easy Thanksgiving crafts activity ideas using acorns and is a fun way to gather the acorn physical items and then make some fun seasonal gifts.  Thanksgiving Clay Pot Turkeys are a great addition and gift for grandparents and the coffee filter Thanksgiving cute turkeys are one of my favorite easy crafts to do year after year!  I love using these as name tags / cards for Thanksgiving meals.

Kids will love these free printable pilgrim coloring pages as well!

Best Thanksgiving Books for Kids to Read Aloud

Thanksgiving books are a valuable resource for both home and school settings, as they offer opportunities for learning, cultural understanding, creativity, and character development. They can enrich the holiday experience and contribute to the educational and personal growth of children and students.

As an amazon associate, I earn a small commission on purchases made through affiliate links.   

While there are many great Thanksgiving books out there, I'll provide you with a selection of diverse choices suitable for different age groups and interests.

1. "Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks" by Margaret Sutherland

    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. A great introduction to the concept of giving thanks and appreciating everyday things.  This comes in board book form too!

2. "The Night Before Thanksgiving" by Natasha Wing

Everyone’s favorite fun-filled, family-filled, food-filled holiday is almost here! Follow along as the feast is prepared, cousins are greeted, and everyone gathers around the table, all with an extra helping of holiday fun. This family fun read-aloud makes the perfect gift to get young readers excited for this festive fall holiday!

3. "Thanksgiving on Thursday" (Magic Tree House #27) by Mary Pope Osborne

It's a time for giving thanks when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to 1621 on the first Thanksgiving Day. The Pilgrims ask them to help get things ready. But whether it's cooking or clamming, Jack and Annie don't know how to do anything the Pilgrim way. Will they ruin the holiday forever? Or will the feast go on?  Young kids will love this terrific book from one of the best children's book series!

4. "Turkey Trouble" by Wendi Silvano 

Turkey tries to disguise himself as other animals to avoid becoming Thanksgiving dinner in this humorous picture book. A hilarious and heartwarming story that teaches kids about problem-solving and empathy.

5. "Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving" by James Dean and Kimberly Dean 

Join Pete the Cat as he has so much fun while he learns about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving.  This book offers a great mix of history and holiday spirit, making it an engaging read for young readers.  

6 "Bear Says Thanks" by Karma Wilson

 Bear wants to host a Thanksgiving feast for his friends but realizes he has nothing to give. His friends show him the true meaning of gratitude. A beautifully illustrated book that emphasizes the importance of friendship and a good reminder of sharing during the holiday season.  This is a great book for the whole family to talk about how to express gratitude.  

7. "Thanksgiving Is…" by Gail Gibbons

This non-fiction short story explores the history and traditions of Thanksgiving, including its origins and modern celebrations. An informative and educational choice for Thanksgiving children's books who want to learn more about the history and customs of Thanksgiving.

8. "I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie" by Alison Jackson 

This humorous twist on the classic song tells the story of an old lady who can't stop eating Thanksgiving treats. A silly and entertaining book that will have kids laughing and guessing what the old lady swallows next.  This one of my children's favorite books!

9. "The Story of the Pilgrims" by Katharine Ross

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of the Pilgrims and their journey to America.  From the dangerous voyage across the Atlantic to the first harsh winter to the delicious Thanksgiving feast, all the excitement and wonder of the Pilgrims' first year in America is captured in this vivid retelling in new ways.  An excellent introduction to the history of Thanksgiving for young readers, with engaging visuals and easy-to-understand text.

10. The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks" by Jan & Mike Berenstain

 The Berenstain Bears learn about gratitude and giving thanks in this classic book about one of our favorite holidays.  A timeless story that imparts important lessons about family and gratitude on turkey day and beyond.

11. "Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving" by Joseph Bruchac

This historical picture book recounts the story of Squanto, a Native American who played a crucial role in the first Thanksgiving. An informative and culturally sensitive book that introduces kids to the Native perspective during the Thanksgiving story.

12. "Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving" by Laurie Halse Anderson 

Discover the story of Sarah Josepha Hale, the woman who campaigned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. An inspiring biography that highlights the efforts of a determined woman and the history of Thanksgiving.

13. "Thanksgiving in the Woods" by Phyllis Alsdurf 

Based on a true story, this book celebrates a family's tradition of hosting a communal Thanksgiving dinner in the woods. A heartwarming tale that emphasizes the importance of family, community, your own traditions and giving thanks.

14. “The Great Thanksgiving Escape" by Mark Fearing

Two cousins hatch a plan to escape the kids' table at Thanksgiving dinner in this comical and relatable perfect book. Kids will enjoy the humor and may even relate to their own adventures at the kids' table during family gatherings.

15. "Thanksgiving Rules" by Laurie Friedman 

Percy Isaac Gifford shares his humorous rules for celebrating Thanksgiving in this laugh-out-loud picture book. A whimsical and entertaining story that teaches kids about the do's and don'ts of Thanksgiving that will reach the top of the Thanksgiving book list for your children and students.

16. "The First Thanksgiving" by Nancy Davis 

This book explores the history and traditions of the first Thanksgiving, when Pilgrims and Native Americans came together for a feast in 1621.Review: "The First Thanksgiving" provides a historical perspective on this important American holiday, making it suitable for children and adults interested in learning about its origins. The illustrations in this colorful book engaging.

These 16 Thanksgiving picture books for kids offer a mix of humor, history, and valuable life lessons, making them suitable for a range of age groups and reading preferences. You can choose the ones that best align with your child's interests and age to create a memorable Thanksgiving reading experience.