Sixteen Thanksgivings in, a handful of picture books have become such treasured favorites in our home that I finally gave in and bought our own copies. Because is there anything worse than realizing you're 20th in line for the library hold, with only two weeks until Thanksgiving?
Now, every November, our Thanksgiving stack comes down from the shelf. It's become one of my favorite rhythms of the year, a sweet signal that the holiday season has begun!
These stories have carried us through many a cozy read-aloud, and they've followed us through moves across three different states. Some are funny, some are true, and all of them are worth reading aloud.
So here are 16 books for 16 Thanksgivings, our family's favorites.
Grab a blanket and a warm drink, and enjoy!
Our All-Time Favorite
A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman
If our kids could only keep one Thanksgiving book, this would be it. The people of Squawk Valley need a turkey for their feast, so they set a crafty trap, but Pete the turkey is far cleverer than they are. It's silly, rhythmic, and requested again and again.
Our Favorite Thanksgiving Picture Books, from Oldest Readers to Youngest
The list below starts with the books best for older readers and moves down to the ones our littlest listeners loved. A few of them aren't explicitly about Thanksgiving, but they're about autumn, harvest, and giving thanks, and we love them just the same.
For older readers (about ages 6–10)
1. Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
The spirited true story of Sarah Josepha Hale, who spent decades writing letters until President Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday. A wonderful lesson in perseverance.
2. Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac
The story of Squanto (Tisquantum), told in his voice by Abenaki author Joseph Bruchac. It gives children a fuller, richer picture of the first Thanksgiving.
3. Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
The true story of puppeteer Tony Sarg, who invented the giant balloons of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Perfect to read the week of the parade.
4. The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh
A Caldecott Honor classic that follows one family's voyage on the Mayflower and their first year at Plymouth. If you love Dalgliesh's The Courage of Sarah Noble, you'll recognize her gentle, true-to-history storytelling. (Check out below: Simple Studies: Courage guide for The Courage of Sarah Noble).
For the middle crowd (about ages 4–8)
5. Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende and Harry Devlin
Maggie and her grandmother each invite a guest to Thanksgiving dinner, and then Grandmother's secret cranberry bread recipe goes missing. A sweet story about not judging by appearances, with the recipe included.
6. Autumn Story by Jill Barklem
Not a Thanksgiving book, but a harvest-season treasure. The mice of Brambly Hedge are busy gathering and storing food for winter, and when little Primrose wanders off, the whole community comes together to find her. The illustrations are worth lingering over.
7. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M. Schulz
When Peppermint Patty invites herself and friends over for Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown, Linus, and Snoopy pull together a feast of toast, popcorn, and jelly beans. A nostalgic family favorite.
8. Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf
Based on a true story of a family who celebrates Thanksgiving outdoors in the woods each year with friends and neighbors. A lovely fit for nature-loving families.
9. A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting
Mrs. Moose wants a turkey at her Thanksgiving table, and Mr. Moose sets out to find one. Poor Turkey is sure he's about to become dinner, but he's in for a happy surprise.
10. 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
A class trip to a turkey farm takes a turn when the children realize what's in store for their new feathered friends. Told in the rhythm of the classic Christmas poem, and full of giggles.
11. Franklin's Thanksgiving by Paulette Bourgeois
Franklin the turtle learns that Thanksgiving is really about the people you share it with. A gentle, familiar friend for this time of year.
12. Thanksgiving Is Here! by Diane Goode
Grandma and Grandpa's house fills up with relatives, noise, and wonderful food. A cheerful, bustling picture of a big family Thanksgiving.
13. The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks by Jan and Mike Berenstain
A faith-filled Berenstain Bears story in which the cubs learn to thank God for His many blessings.
For little ones (about ages 2–5)
14. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Another autumn favorite rather than a Thanksgiving book. Fletcher the fox worries that his beloved tree is sick as its leaves fall, until a beautiful surprise changes everything.
15. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
Bear wants to throw a feast for his friends, but his cupboard is bare. Rhyming and cozy, it's perfect for little ones learning that gratitude isn't about having the most.
16. Give Thanks to the Lord by Karma Wilson
A joyful celebration of Psalm 92, following a family as they gather and give thanks together. A beautiful way to bring Scripture into your Thanksgiving read-alouds.
17. Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter and his family celebrate Thanksgiving in classic Little Critter style. Short, sweet, and easy for little listeners to follow.
18. Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
A simple, rhyming list of everyday things to be thankful for, perfect for the youngest readers and a natural way to start a gratitude conversation.
If you'd like to carry that thankfulness through the whole month, here are a couple things to pair with your Thanksgiving basket:
Simple Studies: America — 24 lessons of living American history with The Children's Book of America.
Simple Studies: Courage — a study of Alice Dalgliesh's The Courage of Sarah Noble, a perfect companion to The Thanksgiving Story.
What's your family's favorite Thanksgiving read? I’d love to hear!
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