Thanksgiving is a time for families to get together and give thanks for each other’s company. Here at LitLife, we believe it’s also a time for sharing stories! As everyone lazily gathers together after dinner with full bellies, what better time is there to cuddle up and share a favorite story? We’ve gathered a few of our favorite Thanksgiving books to help you get into the holiday spirit:
1. The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
Ages 3-6
We love the colorful images and joyful lessons in all of Todd Parr’s children’s books, and this book of gratitude is no different. Reading this book aloud with your littlest family members will help them reflect on all of the things they have to be grateful for, and will provide some giggles as well!
2. Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet
Ages 4-8
There’s nothing that gets you in the holiday spirit quite like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you plan on watching the parade with little ones this year, this award winning picture book is the perfect read aloud. Through her creative collage illustrations, Melissa Sweet tells the story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons that have become the trademark of the Macy’s Parade.
3. Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac
Ages 6-9
Award-winning storyteller, Joseph Bruchac shares the history of Thanksgiving from a Native American’s point of view with this historical account of Squanto. Even after he was kidnapped and shipped to Spain, Squanto befriended the English who landed in Plymouth and helped them survive the winter. Kids will love looking at Greg Shed’s full page illustrations and Bruchac’s unique historical account of the day.
4. Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
Ages 5-10
Your kids may be surprised to learn that Thanksgiving wasn’t always a national holiday. It wasn’t until 1863, after Sarah Hale had been petitioning and writing letters to the government for 38 years, that Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday! This celebration of Hale’s perseverance from acclaimed author, Laurie Halse Anderson will quickly become a new family favorite.
5. A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting
Ages 5-8
Poor Turkey is hidden away in his nest just trying to get through Thanksgiving when Moose and his friends come looking for him. Out on a quest for Mrs. Moose, who would like to have a turkey for dinner, Mr. Moose and his friends bring the trembling bird back for dinner. In the end, Turkey is pleasantly surprised to learn that he is a guest for dinner, and not the main course! This silly story will be loved by all but is especially good for families celebrating a vegetarian Thanksgiving.
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