With Thanksgiving around the corner, I am reposting a blog from a few years ago and adding a few additional books that you may enjoy reading this season. If you are looking to read some seasonal books with your kids, this is the time to either put them on hold in the library or grab them from Amazon. Keep reading for brief summaries and teasers of these books.
#1 Time for Cranberries:
This book is a sweet and heartwarming story of a family that grows and harvests cranberries together. It beautifully walks through the process of how they harvest, involving their curious little son who eagerly joins in with mom and dad. Of course, the best part of it all is the delicious homemade cranberry pie, which means it’s Thanksgiving time!
#2 The Thanksgiving Door
When an elderly couple accidentally burns their Thanksgiving dinner, they decide to eat out instead. They stumble into what they think is an open restaurant, but it turns out to be a family’s private celebration. Welcomed with open arms, they share food, laughter, and new traditions, reminding us that Thanksgiving is truly about community and kindness.
#3 Sarah Gives Thanks
I personally did not know this story myself. It is the inspiring true story of how Sarah Josepha Hale dedicated her life to making Thanksgiving an official national holiday. Her determination and vision helped shape one of America’s most cherished traditions. She went on to become a remarkably influential writer and editor.
#4 Over the River and Through the Wood:
Based on the classic song, this charming rhyming tale follows a family traveling through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh to Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. With its cozy winter scenes, it gives a beautifully Christmassy feeling, too. There are so many versions of this book without different illustrations.
#5 Thanksgiving Is Here!
This story recounts the bustling events of Thanksgiving Day at Grandma’s house, starting with the golden turkey going into the oven, followed by family members trickling in with hugs and laughter. Everyone joins in to help get the food ready and the table set — and finally, it’s time to eat! Before they know it, Thanksgiving is over, and it’s time to head home. This is the perfect cozy book to relive a picture-perfect Thanksgiving day with family.
#6 Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade
If you’re like me, you must love the magical Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This fascinating and beautifully illustrated book takes you behind the scenes, introducing us to a man named Anthony Frederick Sarg, a talented puppeteer whose creativity brought the parade to life.
#7 Squanto’s Journey:
This book tells the story of Squanto from the lens of the First Americans/Native Americans/Indigenous people. You can follow Squanto’s remarkable journey as he navigates various challenges in his encounter with European settlers and uses his experience to form crucial alliances with the Pilgrims, ultimately reshaping history. Sqaunto is vital in the story of Thanksgiving, and it is essential to read these stories to understand what truly happened during that first Thanksgiving celebration.
#8 Keepunumuk
The story of Thanksgiving is often told from the lens of the pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth. However, the story would not be possible without the crucial role that the Wampanoag tribe played, especially in growing crops and sharing their knowledge with the pilgrims. Indigenous authors write this book, and you will get a new perspective and an inclusive account of the Thanksgiving story in reading this. Check out their website to learn more.
#9 Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade
I never knew about the Ragamuffin Parade until I read this book. The author explains how this likely also led to the creation of the Macy’s Day Parade. The Ragamuffin Parade was a time when children dressed in beggar clothes and begged for pennies for Thanksgiving. Rettie, a 9-year-old girl, is looking forward to the Ragamuffin parade so she may get some money to provide for her family. Unfortunately, the deadly influenza hits New York, and everyone needs to quarantine. This story is about how Rettie ensures her family survives while her mom is sick in bed and her father is away at war.
#10 A Turkey for Thanksgiving:
A sweet and charming Moose couple are preparing for Thanksgiving with their friends, and Mrs. Moose wishes they could have turkey for Thanksgiving. Mr. Moose embarks on a lively quest to find the perfect holiday bird, resulting in an unexpected twist (You must read to find out) and a heartwarming conclusion.
#11 Thank You, Omu!
We’ve had this book for two wholes months from the library because my 4 year old refused to return it. This book will have you experiencing the generosity and warmth of Omu as she shares her delicious stew with everyone in her neighborhood, teaching a valuable lesson about the power of kindness and community. Ultimately, the whole community shows up at her door with plenty of food to share. It is a heartwarming account and a true spirit of Thanksgiving.
#12 Thanksgiving in the Woods
This book follows a family’s unique and heartwarming Thanksgiving tradition set amidst the tranquility of the outdoors. The illustrations are stunning, and the build-up to the big night truly takes you along with them as they prepare for a feast, celebration, food, music, and lots more.
#13 Harvest Days:
While America’s story of Thanksgiving is unique, Thanksgiving is observed and celebrated worldwide in many different ways, all giving thanks for the harvest and provisions. This book takes you across many countries and cultures and briefly explains the celebrations.
#14 Berenstain Bears Give Thanks
We love the Berenstain Bears and I’m so glad they have one with the Thanksgiving story. The story begins with Papa Bear making a table set for farmer Ben, who, in return, offers him a harvest from his farm and a big fattened turkey named Plymouth for Thanksgiving. Sister Bear does not like the idea of eating the turkey and begs Papa to have him as a pet instead. The story continues with a Thanksgiving play written by Sister, a family gathering, and a pleasant surprise for Plymouth, the turkey.
#15 Bear Says Thanks:
Bear wants to host his friends but has nothing to offer. But in a twist to this heartwarming tale of gratitude, his friends come together, bringing something to the table in their unique way, showcasing the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Bear is grateful for the meal and for his friends. Karma Wilson’s books are written with simplicity yet have the sweetest lessons kids can take from them.
CONCLUSION
I hope you enjoyed these book recommendations. While I love all these books, I have a few favorites from this list #5, #6, #8, #9, and #11.
Now it is your turn. What is your favorite Thanksgiving book? Leave a comment below and let me know.
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