Around Thanksgiving, you’re undoubtedly thinking about how you can discuss the themes of the holiday with your child. What better way to do so than with a book that is not only Thanksgiving-themed but that explains gratitude as well? Many parents find that curling up with a good book is one of the best ways to kick off a chat about what the holiday really means.
That’s the case for Amanda Tremblay, a mom of two in Clover, South Carolina, who reads with her kids every night to relax and decompress at the end of the day. “Stories about Thanksgiving and being grateful are fantastic conversation starters — giving us the opportunity to teach them just how lucky they are and guide some reflection that’s age-appropriate,” she says.
Caitie Lanning, a mom of two in Rock Hill, South Carolina agrees, having found that reading stories that relate to what children are experiencing helps them process the situation better than just talking about it. “Seeing a character go through the same thing and asking questions helps make big feelings easier,” she notes.
Gratitude can be a big concept for little ones to grasp. Here, Thanksgiving books for kids for every age and reading level.
Thanksgiving board books for babies up to 2 years old
1. “Thankful Thanksgiving” by Deb Adamson
Baby’s first Thanksgiving is a big deal! Choose a short and sweet book to read to your baby this holiday season. “‘Thankful Thanksgiving’ opens the door to conversations about feeling grateful and acts as a springboard to conversations about what thankfulness means,” Deb Adamson, author of “Thankful Thanksgiving,” tells Care.com. “It helps plant the seed that being thankful equals more happiness and satisfaction — focus on what’s good and the disappointments fade into the background.”
Where to buy: “Thankful Thanksgiving” ($9, Amazon)
2. “You’re the Apple of My Pie” by Rose Rossner
This punny and heartwarming book encourages communication between caregiver and child. It’s never too early to start a conversation on gratitude with your little one. Even telling them you love them and are thankful for their smiles, laughs and hugs is enough to make your child feel special. The takeaway: Your child will know how thankful you are for them, and in return, feel thankful for their family, friends and loved ones.
Where to buy: “You’re the Apple of My Pie” ($9, Amazon)
3. “The Happy Pumpkin” by DK
This adorable book explores the theme of loving oneself — and others — for exactly who they are. It’s easy for parents and caregivers to view their child’s uniqueness as a part of what makes them so special, but this book lends a story that helps little ones understand the concept as well.
Where to buy: “The Happy Pumpkin” ($7, Amazon)
4. “Autumn in the Forest” by Rusty Finch
Your baby is sure to love all fall-related things after reading this book together. Lift the flaps to uncover all the ways the forest animals are working together to prepare for autumn. Adding a new autumnal title to your child’s bookshelf could make for a sweet family tradition every Thanksgiving.
Where to buy: “Autumn in the Forest” ($10, Amazon)
5. “Baby’s First Thanksgiving” by Dawn Sirett
A perfect introduction to Thanksgiving, this board book reveals commonly used words like “thankful” and “turkey” to your sweet baby. The sturdy pages are ideal for little fingers to flip through and discover the joy of Thanksgiving.
Where to buy: “Baby’s First Thanksgiving” ($7, Amazon)
6. “You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie” by Natalie Marshall
Spark your baby’s imagination by reading through this book about friendly ghosts, black bats and plump pumpkins who are all loved by their mamas and dadas. This book is a sweet way to remind your baby that they are so very loved.
Where to buy: “You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie” ($6, Amazon)
Thanksgiving picture books for 2- to 5-year-olds
1. “Taylor the Thankful Turkey” by Sonica Ellis
As your child grows, so will their ability to grasp the magnitude of what it means to be grateful. In this book, the characters learn that the key to a joyful heart is gratitude. The lesson here — gratitude is not just about being thankful for the things we accumulate, but also expressing your gratefulness towards others and the roles they play in your life.
Where to buy: “Taylor the Thankful Turkey” ($12, Amazon)
2. “The First Thanksgiving of 1621” by Stephanie O’Connor and Matthew O’Connor
Looking for an age-appropriate book to teach your young child about the first Thanksgiving? This is it! With vibrant pictures, historical facts and an underlying theme of gratitude, family and togetherness — this children’s book encompasses it all.
Where to buy: “The First Thanksgiving of 1621” ($10, Amazon)
3. “I Am Thankful” by Sheri Wall
Looking to take “the season of giving” one step further? In this book, the characters show different ways to serve their community, bless others and engage in random acts of kindness for the Thanksgiving holiday. In return, the characters — and your little ones — learn that giving to others is also a blessing to themselves.
Where to buy: “I Am Thankful” ($8, Amazon)
4. “Because of an Acorn” by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer
From the acorn, a tree grows. From the tree, a bird builds a nest. From a bird, a seed falls and plants a flower. And so on and so forth. This beautiful story tells a tale of how everything in nature is connected.
Where to buy: “Because of an Acorn” ($15, Amazon)
5. “A Thanksgiving Tale of Friendship and Gratitude” by J.P. Anthony Williams
Adorable forest friends make it their mission to gather berries, nuts, carrots and more before a looming storm rolls in that could ruin their Thanksgiving feast. In this book, your child will learn the valuable lesson of helping others and in return, accepting help from others to achieve a common goal. Your child will undoubtedly feel thankful for those who love and support them after reading this uplifting story.
Where to buy: “A Thanksgiving Tale of Friendship and Gratitude” ($10, Amazon)
6. “Thanksgiving in the Woods” by Phyllis Alsdurf
Warning! Your child will definitely want to host an outdoor Thanksgiving each year after reading this book together. This story is based on a real Thanksgiving tradition held by a family in Upstate New York who has gathered in all weather conditions for the past 20 years to celebrate Thanksgiving outside on a family farm. After their meal, they sing songs and share stories of gratitude around a campfire. Talk about a memorable Turkey Day.
Where to buy: “Thanksgiving in the Woods” ($11, Amazon)
Thanksgiving children’s books for 5- to 9-year-olds
1. “We are Grateful: Ostaliheliga” by Traci Sorell
Now that your child is getting older — and maybe even reading on their own — they might be ready for lengthier, more in depth story books or short chapter books. One book that is perfect for elementary school age kids is “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga.”
“A key Cherokee value is to practice gratitude every day and in every season,” Traci Sorell, author of “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” tells Care.com. “The book shares how contemporary Cherokee people express gratitude — through time with family, speaking our language, practicing our lifeways, gathering, growing and preparing traditional foods, celebrating our rich ceremonial life, making art, learning our history and teaching others. All of these ways and more are important to cultivate daily in our lives,” adds Sorell.
Where to buy: “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” ($12, Amazon)
2. “Junie B. Jones #28: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff)” by Barbara Park 
In her typical, silly and hysterically honest way, Junie B. Jones does not sugarcoat how she feels about Thanksgiving. She thinks it’s too much work for one day and she hardly likes any of the food served anyway! However, she and her classmates are given the challenge to comprise the longest list of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. After reading this book, your child may be inspired to create a list of their own.
Where to buy: “Junie B. Jones #28: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff)” ($6, Amazon)
3. “The Mouse in the Hammock, a Thanksgiving Tale” by Bethany Brevard
For some, Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday. From food insecurities, to grieving the loss of a loved one or simply feeling envious of how someone else’s holiday compares to their own — holidays don’t look the same for everyone. This book reminds children to look for the small ways that they are fortunate and celebrate those. Then, help others to recognize their own unique blessings.
Where to buy: “The Mouse in the Hammock, a Thanksgiving Tale” ($10, Amazon)
4. “Molly’s Pilgrim” by Barbara Cohen
Without a doubt, there will be a point in elementary school when your child feels excluded or different. This book tugs at the heartstrings as a beautiful reminder to young adolescence that their differences are what makes them special. Share this read aloud at Thanksgiving — or anytime of year — to spark a meaningful discussion on including everyone and showing empathy to all.
Where to buy: “Molly’s Pilgrim” ($6, Amazon)
5. “Rainbow Stew” by Cathryn Falwell
For many, gathering together with family and the preparing of the Thanksgiving meal is the highlight of the holiday. Not only does this page turner encourage healthy eating by spotlighting fresh, colorful vegetables — it also reminds us to be thankful for time spent with loved ones. At the end of this book, you will even find a recipe for rainbow stew to try at home.
Where to buy: “Rainbow Stew” ($12, Amazon)
6. “Katie Saves Thanksgiving (Katie Woo)” by Fran Manushkin
This early chapter book delivers an easy read while approaching the topic of “friendsgiving” when the main character discovers her neighbor will be all alone on Thanksgiving Day. This heartwarming story ends with everyone involved feeling grateful for each other.
“When someone expresses gratitude to me, I feel wonderful,” notes Fran Manushkin, author of the beloved “Katie Woo” series, telling Care.com, “I’m just as happy when I can express gratitude. This simple act creates more than a momentary connection between us — gratitude lasts in the heart.”
Where to buy: “Katie Saves Thanksgiving (Katie Woo)” ($6, Amazon)
