With today’s busy lives and schedules, it’s no wonder that Thanksgiving doesn’t feel quite the same as Thanksgiving celebrations gone by. This is why we try really hard to make sure some of the traditional activities make their way into our celebrations. One family tradition includes reading our favorite Thanksgiving books before bed, which is a great way to celebrate one of our favorite holidays in advance of a big Thanksgiving dinner.
Do you have a list of books that you read to your kids (or they read to themselves) for the holiday?
While there are countless books out there for kids, we put together a list of Thanksgiving books that help children understand the season of giving thanks. Whether you’re looking for a board book, picture book, or a book for a young reader, we’ve got you covered!

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Llama Llama Gives Thanks
Board books are great for little ones and this Llama Llama book helps children learn to recognize the details and the blessings in their lives. It also helps them to learn to be thankful for these things. Plus, the rhyming makes this book fun for both parents and kids to read!
Best for toddlers and preschoolers
Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks
We all can use a little reminder about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks! It is in the name after all. The illustrations and simple text in this book are perfect for kids!
Best for toddlers and preschool
Feast for 10
Okay, this isn't actually a Thanksgiving book, however, it is a lovely book about a family shopping, cooking, and eating a big dinner together. This book focuses on the family working together and counting ingredients.
Best for toddlers and preschool
Five Silly Turkey's is another excellent counting board book for Thanksgiving!
Bear Says Thanks
The charming illustrations and rhymes bring to life this heartwarming story about friendship and the value of each member of the community. Young children will enjoy participating in the giving of thanks as it repeats throughout the book.
Best for preschooler and early elementary
The Thankful Book
The Thankful Book is full of colorful illustrations that will encourage kids to practice thankfulness and to appreciate the little things in their lives. Our favorite thing about this book is that because it isn't specific to Thanksgiving, it is great option for kids to read year-round.
Best for preschool and early elementary
Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has been going strong for hundreds of years! Help your children to understand the history of Thanksgiving from Native Americans.
Best for preschool and early elementary
Duck for Turkey Day
Not everyone eats turkey on Thanksgiving. This book helps kids understand that there is no right way to have a special Thanksgiving.
Best for preschool and early elementary

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Rather than being about American Thanksgiving, this book focuses on the Cherokee word otsaliheliga, which is used to give thanks. The book follows a traditional Cherokee year, beginning in the fall. It's a great look at modern Native American life and the tribe's longstanding traditions of gratitude.
Best for preschool and early elementary
Cranberry Thanksgiving
This book is a bit of a throwback that some parents may remember reading as kids, but its messages of not judging others by their appearance and practicing forgiveness are timeless and perfect for this time of year. As an added bonus, you'll find the cranberry bread recipe "hidden" in the book.
Best for preschool and early elementary
Balloons over Broadway
Do you know the story of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons? You will after you and the kids read this beautifully illustrated book. If you spend time watching the parade with your family on Thanksgiving, this is a great chance to learn all about it.
Best for early elementary
Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story
Set at the turn of the 20th century, and told in rhythmic verse with beautiful illustrations, this sweet story celebrates a traditional Thanksgiving.
Best for early elementary
Thanks a Million
A collection of poems written all about gratitude and thankfulness fills this book. It's a great reminder for us all.
Best for all elementary grades
Thanksgiving on Thursday
This is book #27 in the Magic Tree House Series, and while we recommend you read them ALL, they can easily be enjoyed out of order. Travel with siblings Jack and Annie back to the first Thanksgiving for an in-depth and exciting look at what life was really like for early settlers.
Best for grades 1-4
For young readers who want to learn even more, we suggest the non-fiction companion Thanksgiving on Thursday, the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker all about Pilgrims.
The Wampanoag
In order to learn the true history of Thanksgiving, we need to learn the true history of the Native American people that inhabited New England in the 1600s. This book is a true story look at the culture and history of the Wampanoag people who the pilgrims likely encountered.
Best for grades 3-5
What Was the First Thanksgiving?
The "What Was/Who Was/Where Is" series is full of great books that provide kids with a wonderful introduction to non-fiction topics with just the right balance of illustrations, stories, and facts. In this book about the first Thanksgiving, the history of the feast really comes to life.
Best for grades 3-7
Now that you have plenty for your kids to read this holiday season, head over to pick out a book for yourself from our list of the best Thanksgiving books for adults!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Best Thanksgiving Books for Adults - Book Girls' Guide
Tuesday 5th of October 2021
[…] covered Thanksgiving books for kids last year, but realized adults often want to read holiday-themed books as well. Or maybe […]