27 Children’s Books for a Season of Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Fall is my favorite season, and I especially love Thanksgiving. It is such a beautiful time of year, allowing for reflection on what I am truly grateful for in my life. Teaching my children to do the same is important to my parenting. Reading children’s books can be a perfect way to encourage that practice.

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Below is a list of 27 children’s books about fall and Thanksgiving that will entertain, inform, and encourage reflection.

Fiction Books

1. A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman (2013)

From Amazon: “When the people of Squawk Valley find themselves without a turkey for their Thanksgiving feast, they hatch a plot to lure one into town: They’ll advertise for a “model” turkey to pose during a turkey-themed arts-and-crafts fair. Once the model is finished posing, he’ll make the perfect main course for the Squawk Valley Thanksgiving feast. But the citizens of Squawk Valley don’t plan on meeting up with a turkey as sly as Pete―a bird so clever, he just may outsmart them all!”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 2-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 860L

2.A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting (1995)

From Amazon: “Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn’t realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 2-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 540L

3.T’was The Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey (2020)

From Amazon: “On the day before Thanksgiving, a group of children visit a turkey farm and meet Farmer Mack Nuggett and his coop of cockerels: Ollie, Stanley, Larry, Moe, Wally, Beaver, Shemp, and Groucho. The children and turkeys giggle and gobble, and everything is gravy. As the trip comes to an end, the children leave the farm with full hearts — and bulging bellies — reminding people and poultry alike that there is much to be thankful for. This hysterical read-aloud and fan-favorite picture book is now available for the first time in a paper-over-board format!”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 2-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3

4.How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton (2018)

From Amazon: “A turkey is running loose in a school right before a Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it so the show can go on? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!). This hilariously zany children’s picture book combines STEAM concepts and traps with a silly story and fun illustrations, perfect for starting a new fall family tradition this autumn or giving as a Thanksgiving gift for kids ages 4 and up!”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 2-7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-2
• Lexile Level: 560L

5.Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman (2023)

From Amazon: “What better way for Bear to say thanks than over a nice, big dinner? Bear decides to throw a feast! One by one, Bear’s friends show up with different platters of delicious food to share. There’s just one problem: Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do?”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 2-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 540L

6.Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano (2012)

From Amazon: “Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it’s almost Thanksgiving…and you’re the main course.
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.”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 2-7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-2
• Lexile Level: 460L

7.Duck for Turkey Day by Jaqueline Jules (2017)

From Amazon: “It’s almost Thanksgiving, and Tuyet is excited about the holiday and the vacation from school. There’s just one problem: her Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving dinner – not turkey! Nobody has duck for Thanksgiving – what will her teacher and the other kids think? To her surprise, Tuyet enjoys her yummy thanksgiving dinner anyhow – and an even bigger surprise is waiting for her at school on Monday. Dinners from roast beef to lamb to enchiladas adorned the Thanksgiving tables of her classmates, but they all had something in common – family! Kids from families with different traditions will enjoy this warm story about ‘the right way’ to celebrate an American holiday.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 530L

8.Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie: A Thanksgiving Celebration by Jack Bishop (2020)

From Amazon: “Peyton is particular. But she’s not picky. Grownups use that word a lot. Picky. Picky. Picky. It’s never a good thing. And it’s not fair. Peyton likes dogs and cats, scooters and bikes, pools and beaches. And Peyton likes to try new things. She recently mastered long division in math class and loves to practice the saxophone–as long as her adorable dog Mila doesn’t howl! But Peyton is particular when it comes to food. Peyton doesn’t like it when two foods touch on her plate. Peyton doesn’t like green foods. Or orange foods. Or red foods. Peyton doesn’t like foods that are gooey or gummy, sticky or slimy, frosted or flaky. And Peyton most definitely doesn’t like chunky or lumpy foods.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 2-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3

9.The Little Kids’ Table by Mary Ann McCabe Riehle (2015)

From Amazon: “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.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Kindergarten-3
• Lexile Level: 590L

10.Thanksgiving for Emily Ann by Teresa Johnston (2014)

From Amazon: “Emily Ann doesn’t like Thanksgiving, not one bit. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, she feels a little ignored…and just a little bit sad. But just as Emily Ann prepares to do her worst, her family comes together to show her what matters most about Thanksgiving: family.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 3-5 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-Kindergarten
• Lexile Level: 560L

11.The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade (2020)

From Amazon: “Young Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest leaf on the tree. He’s a whiz at photosynthesis and the golden boy of color changing. But, as the autumn days grow shorter, his worries grow too. That’s because―unlike the other leaves his age―Lance is afraid to fall. He’ll do anything to avoid taking the leap, even if he’s the very last leaf on the tree. Can Lance face his fear, learn to let go, and embrace a whole new season of life? In this clever, encouraging picture book, award-winning author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto, Moving to Mars) deftly addresses social and emotional struggles many kids encounter each day, including anxiety, perfectionism, and facing fears. Combined with illustrator Jennifer Davison’s delightful characters and rich autumnal colors,The Very Last Leaf is the perfect book for the start of a new school year, the arrival of fall, or any period of transition in life. Includes nonfiction back matter and scientific facts about the real-life journey of a leaf, supporting the story and bolstering STEM interests.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 5-7 year
• Lexile Level: 570L

12.The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing (2017)

From Amazon: “It’s another Thanksgiving at Grandma’s. Gavin expects a long, boring day full of pesky toddlers, but his cousin Rhonda has a different idea: make a break for it to the swing set in the backyard! Gavin isn’t so sure, especially when they encounter vicious guard dogs (in homemade sweaters), overly affectionate aunts, and worst of all, the great wall of butts. Can they avoid all the obstacles and find some fun before turkey time?”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Kindergarten-3
• Lexile Level: 490L

13.Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert (2005)

From Amazon: “Fall has come, the wind is gusting, and Leaf Man is on the move. Is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese? Or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows? No one’s quite sure, but this much is certain: A Leaf Man’s got to go where the wind blows.”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 2-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 460L

14.Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora (2018)

From Amazon: “Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu’s delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 3-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 630L

15.Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf (2017)

From Amazon: “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, faith, and friendship. Told in a gentle, lyrical style, this picture book includes warm illustrations of people gathered around bonfires and long tables adorned with candles and food, singing songs and sharing laughter. 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. Full of warmth and nostalgia, the Countryside Holiday series celebrates family, community, simplicity, and generosity.”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 4-7 years
• Grade Level: 1-2
• Lexile Level: 690L

16.Over the River and Through the Wood by Lydia Maria Child (2014)

From Amazon: “Lydia Maria Child’s beloved poem turned classic song embodies the magic of bundling up and riding a horse-drawn sleigh to visit Grandmother for Thanksgiving. The joys of Thanksgiving are indelibly captured in this glorious paring of text and art.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years

17.One is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox (2009)

From Amazon: “This perfect Thanksgiving read-aloud gently reminds us to give thanks for the little things in life– and not to let our celebrations get too out of hand! After a family finishes Thanksgiving dinner, Mouse peeps out of his hidey-hole and spots a small green pea. It’s the perfect feast for one mouse. But maybe he could add just one red cranberry, and then one shiny black olive, and then just one scoop of mashed potatoes? Soon his single pea has turned into a tall, wobbling feast. But how will Mouse ever get everything back home without spilling? With a building, rhythmic text and mouth-watering illustrations, One is a Feast for Mouse is a cheery holiday read where one more tiny thing might topple the whole adventure.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 570L

18.I am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids by Sheri Wall (2020)

From Amazon: “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. Kids will learn how to be thankful for the people and world around them as they delight in the sweet illustrations that show diverse families and exciting Thanksgiving adventures. This heartfelt, poetic story will show young ones the meaning of giving and sharing.”

• Pages: 56
• Reading Interest Age: 3-5 years
• Lexile Level: 490L

19.There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! by Lucille Colandro (2016)

From Amazon: “It’s Thanksgiving and this time the Old Lady is swallowing a turkey, a ball, a hat, a balloon, a boat, some wheels, and a horn of plenty! With hilarious illustrations and a lively rhyme, this is sure to become a seasonal favorite!”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 3-6 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-1
• Lexile Level: 400L

20.There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson (2002)

From Amazon: “And with that the feast begins! After the pie the old lady swallows a whole squash, all of the salad, and the entire turkey! As Mother and Father watch in shock, the two children are delighted to see the old lady growing fatter and fatter. And, in the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the holiday festivities.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 3-6 years

21.There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves! by Lucille Colandro (2010)

From Amazon: “The Old Lady is back and this time she’s swallowing some leaves, clothes, a pumpkin, and a rope! Welcome the Fall season with funny illustrations and a spin on a classic rhyme!”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 2-5 years
• Lexile Level: 350L

Nonfiction Books

22.Thanksgiving Is… by Gail Gibbons (2005)

From Amazon: “Explaining the roots of our familiar fall holiday in ancient harvest celebrations, Gail Gibbons’ clear, kid-friendly language is accompanied by colorful watercolor illustrations. The story of the Pilgrims’ journey and first Thanksgiving feast is retold, as well as the history of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, and the traditions and celebrations that have developed over the years.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Kindergarten-3
• Lexile Level: 730L

23.Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson (2005)

From Amazon: “Thanksgiving might have started with a jubilant feast on Plymouth’s shore. But by the 1800s America’s observance was waning. None of the presidents nor Congress sought to revive the holiday. And so one invincible “lady editor” name Sarah Hale took it upon herself to rewrite the recipe for Thanksgiving as we know it today. This is an inspirational, historical, all-out boisterous tale about perseverance and belief: In 1863 Hale’s thirty-five years of petitioning and orations got Abraham Lincoln thinking. He signed the Thanksgiving Proclamation that very year, declaring it a national holiday. This story is a tribute to Hale, her fellow campaigners, and to the amendable government that affords citizens the power to make the world a better place!”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 5-10 years
• Grade Level: Kindergarten-3
• Lexile Level: 600L

24.Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet (2011)

From Amazon: “Meet the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Melissa Sweet brings to life the inspirational story of the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons floating in the sky during the annual parade celebrating Thanksgiving. The Caldecott Honor artist brilliantly captures the essence of Tony Sarg, a self-taught immigrant with a fascinating imagination. The collage illustrations coupled with Sweet’s storytelling portray Sarg’s joy in his childhood inventions and his ingenious balloon creations that still bring delight to viewers around the country. This nonfiction illustrated book will capture the hearts of all ages.”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 5-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 1000L

25.We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell (2018)

From Amazon: “The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. 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.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 2-7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-2
• Lexile Level: 970L

26.Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Thanksgiving by Deborah Heiligman (2017)

From Amazon: “Thanksgiving is the original American holiday. When the Pilgrims sat down to give thanks for the hard-won bounty of their new world, they continued a Native American tradition that would become a focal point in the calendar of all generations of Americans to come. The author relates this holiday to the harvest festivals celebrated by thankful believers of many faiths all over the globe. The book’s stunning pictures show the celebration in its historical and cultural aspects, and the back matter contains a delicious Thanksgiving recipe, a glossary, and a useful list of holiday references and resources.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 6-8 years
• Grade Level: 1-3
• Lexile Level: 870L

27.Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac (2007)

From Amazon: “In 1620 an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together–a tradition that continues almost four hundred years later.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 750L

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