Thanksgiving Traditions
Holiday traditions are huge in our family. We always make certain things for Thanksgiving; we always go to a Fall Festival in October, the kids always decorate our Christmas tree and tell their memories about each ornament, and so on.
Traditions are important to include in families because they build a sense of identity within the family and make lasting memories for everyone involved.
One of our traditions as a family is to read holiday books together. Books about Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are some of our very favorites!
I love reading together as a family because it allows us to learn together (I’m always learning new things when we read together!), generate interesting discussions, and just have fun.
Whenever there is a night where we don’t read together, the kids either read to me (if I’m too tired) or complain (if it’s too late and they have to get right to bed). This simple act means a lot to all of us.
So today, I wanted to share some wonderful Thanksgiving books with you that you can read with your family! Some of these books are for younger kids (under 7) and some are for slightly older kids (7-10 or so).
But all of these terrific books are about the history of Thanksgiving, gratitude, traditions, being a family and some humor thrown in for fun.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays — a time to celebrate what we’re thankful for and remember how our country began.
Although I enjoy the food (pie is my favorite!), the real part of the holiday is gathering with family.
There are some wonderful books for kids to read as we all celebrate Thanksgiving.
Our book list features stories that show the different ways families celebrate Thanksgiving — not everyone has a turkey and watches the parade, afterall. 😉
I love using books as an opportunity to introduce our kids to how others celebrate & gather as a family — it’s a great way for them to learn that even popular traditions have variations.
Our Favorite Thanksgiving Books for Kids
The Thanksgiving Door by Debbie Atwell
The story offers a simple but profound illustration of what constitutes a “real” Thanksgiving vs. what we envision to be the “perfect” Thanksgiving. Being inclusive, not exclusive, is the lasting life lesson here.
Rivka’s First Thanksgiving by Elsa Okon Rael and Maryann Kovalski
The story of Rivka, a small Jewish girl who wants to celebrate Thanksgiving. She reminds us that the importance of Thanksgiving is not the food, but the fact that everyone in the US is lucky and we all have something to be thankful for.
The Thanksgiving Surprise by Peggy Archer
A great book for small children and preschoolers!
Turkey Trouble by Wendy Silvano
Hilarious, novel approach to a turkey on a farm attempting to not become the “main course”. Fun read aloud book for younger kids and elementary school age kids.
Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday by Mike Allegra and David Gardner
During the nineteenth century, Sarah Josepha Hale dedicated her life to making Thanksgiving a national holiday, all while raising a family and becoming a groundbreaking writer and women’s magazine editor.
Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story by Pat Zietlow Miller and Jill McElmurry
What a great way to show children that everyone can contribute to Thanksgiving dinner – men as well as women, elders as well as youngsters. The rhyming text carries the story along and there is plenty to look at in the illustrations. Wonderful folk-art quality to the pictures.
This book makes a delightful gift to friends and family who are just beginning to grow their own Thanksgiving children’s book collection!
Thank you, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson and Matt Faulkner
The story of Sarah Hale, who worked for years to declare Thanksgiving as a national holiday. I didn’t know this story before!
Franklin’s Thanksgiving by Paulette Bourgeois
We always love Franklin books!
Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
While everyone knows it’s important to give thanks, where do we even begin? This book is a wonderful reminder about how the little things in life are what make it enjoyable.
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh
The story is told in a manner that is full of historical detail, and yet also delightfully simple.
We follow three Pilgrim children–Giles, Constance, and Damaris Hopkins–and read of their experiences traveling on the Mayflower, building a settlement in New Plymouth, first being afraid of and then befriending some Indians, and finally sharing a feast together
The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing
Written in “Night Before Christmas” style, Natasha Wing has brought all the excitement, hustle-bustle, and fun to life in the pages of this story. Food being prepared, families arriving, children playing and a dramatic ending will keep children listening to the end. Excellent to read to those ages 6 and under
The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings by Mike Berenstain
The cubs learn about being thankful for all the everyday blessings in life.
The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks by Jan and Mike Berenstain
The Berenstain Bears books were a favorite of mine as a child and have been favorites of my kids too. I love the simple, gentle way that lessons are taught for kids.
The Story of the Pilgrims by Katharine Ross and Carolyn Croll
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 that is perfect for elementary-age children.
Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas
An inspiring story that follows Squanto’s remarkable life and the key part he played in the first Thanksgiving.
Squanto: Friend of the Pilgrims by Clyde Robert Bulla
A wonderful recounting of Squanto’s adventurous life.
The Pilgrims of Plimoth by Marcia Sewall
Wonderful book, divided up into different sections- one about a day in the life of Pilgrim men, one for women, one for children, that tells about these days in terms of how these people would describe their days.
The book even uses language unfamiliar to current children, but contains a glossary in the back. A fabulous enrichment opportunity!
Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende and Harry Delvin
An original and delightful story; it has a charm not constricted by either holiday or message. Definitely a must-have Thanksgiving book
The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern
This book describes the voyage of the Mayflower, the difficulties encountered by the Pilgrims during their first year in the New World, and how they celebrated their first harvest. Great for elementary school children.
Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland
Sure, Thanksgiving is about pilgrims and history (and turkey!) but most importantly, it’s a holiday all about everything that we are thankful for. This book is wonderful for younger kiddos.
Thanksgiving is Here! by Diane Goode
A gem of a book with incredible illustrations, celebrating my favorite holiday. I love how this book is so simple in its story — a large extended family gathers at Grandma and Grandpa’s to have Thanksgiving dinner.
Tell us in the comments: do you have any favorite Thanksgiving books for kids that I left off the list! Share them!
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thanks for the heads up, will start looking for these now.