Fall is in the air and Thanksgiving is near! I have put together a list of top 10 Thanksgiving Books for Preschool that I think your family will really enjoy! This list has been updated to reflect the stories of the pilgrims, and Native Americans, current Thanksgiving books that incorporate various cultures, including the Cherokee tribe, and traditions like making fry bread. Whatever your culture or traditions, everyone gives thanks and expresses gratitude in their own way.
Reading to your child every day is a great way to teach your child while you’re spending valuable time with them as well. These Thanksgiving books will teach your child about being thankful, rhyme and repetition, letters, the alphabet and a little history too!
10 Top Thanksgiving Books for Preschool
I Am Thankful A Thanksgiving Book for Kids – by Shari Wall
Learn about the true spirit of gratitude with this Thanksgiving book for ages 3-5
Teach kids about coming together with loved ones and to give thanks! I Am Thankful is an adorable, rhyming storybook that follows three different families as they celebrate the holiday with their own traditions, acts of kindness, and ways of giving back.
The Story of the Pilgrims – by Katharine Ross
Learn the story of the Pilgrims in this picture book that’s a perfect read-a-long, ages 3-6
This is a great book for children to learn about how Thanksgiving actually began. A great way to bring social studies into your child’s day and told in a way that young children can begin to understand. It’s a great story that you preschool class or even those at home can act out as a family to help your children further understand just where this holiday began.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story – by Kevin Noble Maillard
Learn the story of the Pilgrims in this picture book that’s a perfect read-a-long, ages 2-6
This culturally diverse book is a great tool for introducing different cultures to your students at Thanksgiving time. It has beautiful pictures and a simple short story about Fry Bread and what fry bread represents to those who make and eat it–time, art, history, place, nation.
Bear Says Thanks– by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
What better way for Bear to say thanks, than to have a big dinner with all his friends! ages 2-6
One of my all time favorites! Bear has come up with the perfect way to say thanks—a nice big dinner! When Bear decides to throw a feast, his friends show up one by one with different platters of delicious food to share. There’s just one problem: Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do?
Thanks for Thanksgiving – by Julie Markes & Doris Barrette
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks! This book is a great introduction for younger readers. Ages 3-7
Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks—the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what’s most important is being able to share them with family. Perfectly in tune with what children are thankful for—such as a park, slides, and pets, and especially their family—this is a warm and genuine way to share the true Thanksgiving spirit.
Thanksgiving in the Woods – by Phyllis Alsdurf & Jenny Lovlie
A true holiday classic, this cozy autumn story invites readers to join in an outdoor Thanksgiving feast full of cheer and generosity of spirit. Ages 2-6
Thanksgiving in the Woods is based on the true story of a family in Upstate New York who has hosted an outdoor Thanksgiving feast in the woods on their farm for over twenty years.
The Little Kids Table – by Mary Ann McCabe Riehle & Mary Reaves Uhles
What it’s like to sit at the little kids table! Ages 5-8
Everyone knows that the little kids table is the place to be for any holiday or family gathering. They just know how to have fun! This silly, rhyming story follows a group of rambunctious cousins from table setting to dessert. A universal theme, The Little Kids Table will have kids–and parents!–howling with laughter.
Turkey Trouble – by Wendi Silvano & Lee Harper
Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it’s almost Thanksgiving…and you’re the main course. Ages 3-6
But Turkey has an idea―what if he doesn’t look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead?
After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever! Wendi Silvano’s comical story is perfectly matched by Lee Harper’s watercolors.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga – by Traci Sorell & Frane Lessac
The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. Ages 1-7
The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. 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.
Always Give Thanks: A Book of Gratitude for the Big and Small Things in Life for Kids – by Mandy Fender
♥ What are you thankful for? No matter what it is, big or small, just remember to give thanks for it all! Ages 3-5
Always Give Thanks is the perfect book for children to learn the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving. With fun and whimsical illustrations of animals giving thanks for the little and big things in life, children will be encouraged to always give thanks, too!
Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving Book that your kids love? Make sure and tell us about it in the comments below! We love finding new books to read.
Julie
Saturday 22nd of October 2016
We love The Story of the Pilgrims! What a great read. Another mom recommended it to us a couple of years ago. I haven't read all of the books you share here - might need to go check out a few from our library! Thanks for the recommendations!
Christina Kamp
Friday 21st of October 2016
These are some super great books you have listed. Thanks for the ideas I can use with my littles. :)