This post is sponsored by Candlewick Press, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
"As an adult, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. But, as the daughter of immigrants who were new to America, I never felt like we were doing it “right” as a child. Holidays and traditions, regardless of their most wholesome intents, sometimes have an exclusionary factor about them: Some part of the story is always left untold.
As kids, we learned the story of Thanksgiving from a very privileged perspective. Now, as adults, we’re learning that much of what we learned has not been the entire truth. There is not much we can do to change the things we were taught. However, what is within our grasp is how we approach these topics without our little ones. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
As a mother, this has become a driving force in my parenting. Now that I know better, I want to do better. And in many ways, this means relearning the things I thought I knew. So when I look for books for my kids for any and every occasion (seriously, cannot stop with the books), I try to consider the perspectives that might be missing from the conversation.
As for our collection of Thanksgiving books for kids, we have adorable, fun stories about friendship and sharing and turkey. We have warm, comforting stories about gratefulness and giving thanks. And we have sobering, perspective-shifting stories about how people different from us think, feel, and live. And though one of my favorite things is teaching my kids, what I love even more is learning right alongside them. Read on for 25 Thanksgiving books for kids that are both cute and culturally responsive.
In this article
Turkey-Day Picture Books
Jarvis
The moon brings nighttime, and the sun brings the day. With no yellow and blue, we’d be a world without green lights, and without itches, we’d never know the relief of a scratch. From oversized plants that offer hiding places to boots that somehow know the way, from siblings who bravely take the first plunge to yourself for being you, this picture book is both silly yet touching through opening the endless possibilities for giving thanks.
Eileen Spinelli
Thankful combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings.
Eugenia Chu and Y.Y. Chan
A gentle story that expands children’s notion of holidays honored in the fall by introducing them to the vibrant tradition of this Asian holiday. Besides expressing the magic, history, and togetherness of the occasion–which, of course, parallels Thanksgiving–it shares festival activities that you can explore and enjoy together as a family.
Phyllis Alsdurf
Every year a family and their friends gather in the woods to celebrate Thanksgiving among the trees. Everyone brings something to share, and the day becomes a long celebration of family and friendship.
Melissa Sweet
This book tells the story of the puppeteer, Tony Sarg, who inspired the helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
Cara Ashrose
Long before Columbus landed in America, hundreds of groups of people had already made their homes here. You may have heard of some of them—like the Sioux, Hopi, and Seminole. But where did they live? What did they eat? How did they have fun? And where are they today?
Cynthia Rylant
In November, the air grows cold, and the earth and its creatures prepare for winter. Animals seek food and shelter. And people gather together to celebrate their blessings with family and friends.
Karel Hayes
In this book, a bear family experiences the adventures of fall, including a county fair, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
Dave Horowitz
This charming tale about a pumpkin who doesn’t quite fit in on Halloween will entice children and adults alike with its unexpected ending.
Karma Wilson
The playful text and charming illustrations bring this celebration of family and friendship to life.
Chief Jake Swamp
Giving Thanks is a special children’s version of the Thanksgiving Address, a message of gratitude that originated with the Native people of upstate New York and Canada and is still spoken at ceremonial gatherings held by the Iroquois, or Six Nations. It’s a beautiful book written and illustrated by Indigenous peoples.
Sheri Wall
There are never too many messages of gratitude to be shared, whether around Thanksgiving or any day. Join relatable, diverse characters who model the abundance of possibilities for giving thanks. Not only does the entire storybook rhyme, but there are happy thankfulness activities and crafts included at the end!
Traci Sorell
Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
Thanksgiving Board Books
Rose Rossner
A punny and charming story for your little munchkin that uses endearing plays on words related to fall and Thanksgiving food. From acorns to apple cider, get ready to express your love in sweet, silly, and festive ways!
Roger Priddy
This sturdy board book introduces simple Thanksgiving words with fun images—perfect for the tiniest readers.
Deborah Diesen
Pout-Pout Fish is a toddler favorite, and this super cute story is just the right length for young readers.
Monique Gray Smith
While it’s not deliberately about Thanksgiving, this lovely story centers around Indigenous children and families, and the everyday moments that inspire joy. It’s an inclusive and heartwarming way to give homage to Thanksgiving’s theme of gratitude.
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Biscuit introduces the concept of being thankful in a way that is accessible for tiny tots.
Karen Katz
Karen Katz’s books are always a hit with babies, and this lift-the-flap one is sure to be no different.
H.A. Rey
George takes on all of the usual aspects of Thanksgiving, giving it the curious twist that only George can.
Cindy Jin
Two of the most important words we can hope to teach our children as early as possible. An adorable diversity of little characters help guide our littles on where they can see blessings shining in their lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ojus Patel, Former Editor
Ojus is a freelance writer, editor, and former teacher who specialized in early childhood special education. In addition to The Everymom, her work has been featured on Babylist, Cubby, Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, Romper, and The Everygirl. When not chasing her two boys, Arian and Shea, and snuggling her daughter, Zadie, Ojus loves to write about the layered complexities of motherhood.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editorial Assistant
Ever since she was introduced to editorial work during her freshman year of college in 2019, McKenna’s passion for this field and drive to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible has only continued to grow day by day. Some of her favorite topics to write about are entertainment, culture, and lifestyle.
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This post is sponsored by Candlewick Press, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.