The 34 Best Thanksgiving Books to Read with Kids Over the Holidays

Best for: Ages 3-5

In this adorable homage to The Night Before Christmas, a family gets ready to host a scrumptious holiday feast. There are relatives to greet, a parade to watch, and three kinds of pie to eat. Written in rhymes that perfectly echo the Yuletide classic, The Night Before Thanksgiving is a lyrical treat for budding poetry buffs.

Best for: Ages 3-5

Emily Ann isn’t the biggest fan of Thanksgiving. She’s saddled with a bunch of extra chores, and everyone’s too busy prepping dinner to spend any time with her. It’s the perfect recipe for feeling lonely and sad — can anyone blame her for acting out a little? Luckily, Thanksgiving for Emily Ann turns out much better than she could have hoped. Looks like her family didn’t forget about her after all!

Best for: Ages 3-8

Bear is nothing if not grateful for his friends. What better way to show them his appreciation than with a dinner party? With plans for a feast in full swing, the other animals start dropping by, carrying cakes, pies, and other goodies to share. There’s just one problem: Bear forgot to make any food! Chapman’s lively illustrations bring this story of friendship, gratitude, and social improvisation to Disney-worthy life, making Bear Says Thanks a visual delight.

Best for: Ages 4-8 

An oven-roasted turkey might be classic holiday fare, but it’s not the only way to enjoy a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner. That’s what Tuyet, who’s Vietnamese-American, finds out over the course of this charming book on family and diversity. At first, she can’t help but worry what her friends will think about her having, as the title puts it, Duck on Turkey Day. But they show her that the important thing isn’t what you have on your Thanksgiving table — it’s who you have sitting around it. 

Best for: Ages 4-8

When Miguel’s dad sends him a turkey to fatten up for Thanksgiving, the young Puerto Rican boy can’t help himself: he gets just a little attached to their dinner-to-be. Can the neighbors in his lively New York borough help him save his feathery new friend? Gracias the Thanksgiving Turkey is a gently funny tale of community, family, and unexpected friendship. There are even Spanish words woven into the text, making for a reading experience that educates as well as entertains.

Best for: Ages 4-8 

Thanksgiving dinner turns out best when everyone has a job to do: from Daddy lighting the fire to Sister kneading the dough. In Sharing the Bread, an early 20th-century family comes together to cook — and enjoy — a delicious holiday feast. Miller’s singsong rhymes make for delightful reading, while McElmurry’s paper doll-like illustrations charm with their nostalgic details.

Best for: Ages 5-8

This classic from the ’70s comes with a recipe for cranberry bread in the back. It’s Grandma’s signature dish — the one she delights in making every Thanksgiving. This year, she’s asked Maggie to invite someone “poor or lonely” over for dinner, so they can taste her delicious baking. But what happens when Grandma doesn’t approve of Maggie’s choice of guest — and when her secret recipe goes missing? Cranberry Thanksgiving is a rare and scrumptious delight: a cozy mystery in picture book form. Devlin’s tasty yarn will have you craving some cranberry bread of your own by the time the case of the missing recipe is cracked. Time to make use of Grandma’s recipe!

Best for: Ages 5-9

Set in early 20th-century New York, Rivka’s First Thanksgiving combines warm, whimsical drawings with a sweet, dialogue-driven story perfect for reading aloud. It even comes with a glossary of Yiddish words that appear in the text. Rivka’s excited for her first Thanksgiving, but her family isn’t quite getting with the program — they’re Jewish immigrants from Poland, and her grandmother, or Bubbeh, can’t seem to figure out what Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock have to do with them. Luckily, Rivka’s ready to convince her that Thanksgiving is for everyone. 

Best for: Ages 6-9

On Thanksgiving, Carlos the French bulldog finds himself wandering a crowded Grand Central Station with his owner. He’s not sure what her game plan is — or why everyone seems to be in such a hurry. But by the end of the book, Carlos has learned to be grateful for all the beautiful chaos in his world. Told in lively rhyme accompanied by wildly colorful illustrations, Ankle Soup is sure to charm. But watch out — you just might find your child begging for a lovable Frenchie like Carlos!

Best for: Ages 8-12

A holiday tale from the celebrated author of Little Women, this lavishly illustrated book — originally published as a short story — spotlights a family as warm and memorable as the Marches. For the Bassetts, this Thanksgiving is unlike any other: with their mother called away to help their ailing grandmother, the kids have been put in charge of the whole holiday feast. Are they up to the challenge? Written in the 1860s, An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving offers a charming glimpse of 19th-century life, made all the more vivid by Bernardin’s illustrations. 

Best for: Ages 4-8

We’ve all seen the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — the army of towering floats snaking through New York City is as much of a holiday icon as a plump turkey with cranberry sauce. But how exactly did this tradition get started? Balloons Over Broadway tells the true story of Tony Sarg, a genius puppeteer who approached life with an artist’s heart and an engineer’s mind — and whose brilliance gave us an enduring Thanksgiving tradition. Sweet’s distinctive, collage-style illustrations make this a picture book unlike any other. It’s sure to delight adult art lovers as much as it enchants young readers.

Best for: Ages 5-9

This exhaustively researched book gives a Native American perspective on the famed First Thanksgiving. Instead of zeroing in on the Pilgrims’ side of the story, Squanto’s Journey stars, well, Squanto: a Patuxet man who’s already survived a kidnapping and a forced journey to Spain by the time the Mayflower finds its way to Plymouth Rock. Written in first person, Bruchac’s elegant — yet age-appropriate — prose combines with Shed’s moving, light-drenched illustrations to create a modern classic.

Best for: Ages 6-9 

This heartwarming story takes us back to 1924, the year of the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. At its center is Milly, a young immigrant eager to combine the traditions of her native Poland with some American-style holiday cheer. Can her dad’s boss, the powerful Mr. Macy, help her out? Milly and the Macy’s Parade brings us both the warm fuzzies suitable to the season, and a heavy dose of historical flair. Gorgeously detailed illustrations by Brett Helquist— Lemony Snicket’s longtime collaborator — bring Corey’s charming story to life. 

Best for: Ages 7-9

This book takes us back to a time before the Mayflower, when the Narrangasett people native to Rhode Island celebrated the harvest with lavish festivals of thanksgiving called Nickommoh. Koller’s text provides an engaging history lesson rendered in rhythmic prose. It’s perfectly complemented by Sewell’s elegant and expressive art, set apart by their unique scratchboard style. Chances are, you’ll find yourself learning as much from Nickommoh! as your little one.

Best for: Ages 8-12

Published by National Geographic, this unique book takes a different approach than most in attempting to revisit the first Thanksgiving from a Native American perspective. Instead of Disney-worthy illustrations, 1621 delights the eyes with photo essays, each painstakingly reconstructing the settlement where 52 English colonists sat down with 90 members of the Wampanoag tribe. As visually arresting as it is educational, it’s the perfect read for a budding history buff.

Best for: Ages 3-5

Give Thanks for Each Day is the perfect Thanksgiving bedtime story. Metzger’s soothing rhythms are sure to lull your little one to sleep, while McPhillips’ soft-hued, cute-as-a-button illustrations fill their dreams with adorable woodland critters, from dancing fawns to cuddly bears. Each of them is grateful for every day they get to spend on this beautiful planet, and your little one will be too.

Best for: Ages 3-5 

This isn’t, strictly speaking, a holiday book: you won’t find any pilgrims or turkeys here. Still, Spinelli’s heartwarming rhymes encourage young readers to be grateful for all the love in their life, making it a great Thanksgiving read. Meanwhile, Preston's illustrations, with their delicate whimsy, round out this story, keep Thankful relevant year-round."

Best for: Ages 3-6 

New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr has been hailed as the next Shel Silverstein or Dr. Seuss. In The Thankful Book, he brings young readers into a world of lyrical gratitude and riotous color. His bold, cheerful art, with its primary hues, carry all the infectious energy of a crayon’s masterpiece displayed on a fridge. Your little one will feel right at home in his vibrantly drawn world. Meanwhile, Parr’s message reminds them to be thankful for everyday blessings, from the joy of bubble baths to the wonder of tracking your shadow as it stretches in the sunlight. 

Best for: Ages 4-8 

Thanks for Thanksgiving is full of lively, beautifully composed illustrations that bring the cozy conviviality of the season to life: think fluttering autumn leaves, russet-streaked lawns, and a family table piled high with fresh-baked bread. Barrett’s illustrations steal the show, but Markes’ text is full of warmth and whimsy too — perfect for reading out loud as the nights get longer and colder.

Best for: Ages 5-8

This heartwarming holiday tale is the perfect reflection on the magic of sharing and caring: think of it as the Thanksgiving answer to Stone Soup. When an unending stream of friends and family turn up uninvited to dinner, the little boy at the center of Thanksgiving Graces can’t help but worry these party crashers will spoil the holiday feast. Can there really be enough food for everyone? Luckily, Grandma’s there to remind him of the true spirit of Thanksgiving: “The more you love and care, the more there always seems to be.”

Best for: Ages 5-11

Written by the late Chief Jake Swamp, a much-beloved leader of the Mohawk Wolf Clan, Giving Thanks introduces young readers to a vibrant Native American tradition. Called the Thanksgiving Address, this traditional prayer is still used in Iroquois ceremonies today. This particular ritual might not have anything to do with Turkey Day, but its message of gratitude is perfect for the spirit of the season.

Best for: Ages 4-6

Remember the old lady who swallowed a fly? Well, it looks like she’s getting more ambitious this Thanksgiving. Turkeys, after all, are a lot harder to down in one gulp, and she doesn’t stop there: the old lady manages to gobble up a boat and a horn of plenty too! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey isn’t the kind of holiday book to impart valuable historical — or moral — lessons. But it’s disarmingly quirky, and a boatload of fun!

Best for: Ages 4-7

All Mr. and Mrs. Goose want is to have Turkey for dinner — not as an entree, as a guest! Too bad he doesn’t know it, making him respond to their heartfelt invitation with panic instead of anticipation. A charming tale of friendship and slight misunderstandings, A Turkey for Thanksgiving will have your child laughing out loud — and then wishing he, too, could drop by the Mooses’ for a nice meal. 

Best for: Ages 4-8

Thanksgiving dinner might be over, but Mouse’s celebrations are about to start. With all the leftover turkey and pumpkin pie crumbs calling his name, he crawls out of his hidey-hole to assemble a feast. Really, a single pea should be enough. But how’s he supposed to say no to all the cranberry and mashed potatoes left out on the table? One Is a Feast for a Mouse is a gently funny tale with gorgeous illustrations, starring one of the cutest little scavengers you’ll ever see.

Best for: Ages 5-8

Dreading another boring Thanksgiving at Grandma’s, surrounded by relatives they don’t even know, cousins Gavin and Rhonda form an alliance. They’re going to get out of the kids’ room and into the backyard, where the swing-set is calling their names. With spoiled dogs and cheek-pinching aunts standing in their way, can they pull off The Great Thanksgiving Escape?

Best for: Ages 2-5 

The perfect Thanksgiving treat for toddlers just learning to count, Five Silly Turkeys is a frolicsome delight, ideal for reading out loud. Shaped just like one of the silly turkeys it stars, the book boasts sturdy cardboard pages and shiny, crinkly “feather” tabs, making it a joy for playtime as well as story time. 

Best for: Ages 4-9

Another illuminating classic by the author of Squanto’s Journey, this book combines inviting illustrations with top-notch educational content, all appropriate for young readers. Many Nations spotlights the diversity of the Native American experience in a way that’s perfect for the Thanksgiving holidays. And, as an alphabet book, it’s also a colorful, engaging way to teach fledgling readers their ABC’s.

Best for: Ages 2-5

This playful board book is the perfect way to introduce toddlers to the spirit of Thanksgiving. Dewdney’s rhymes offer simplicity and charm to rival Mother Goose, and Llama Llama’s enthusiasm for friends, family, and food is nothing short of infectious. No wonder he’s found himself at the center of a board book franchise spanning 44 titles! Llama Llama Gives Thanks is the ideal, autumnal intro to one of kid lit’s most beloved icons.

Best for: Ages 3-8

Come celebrate the season with everyone’s favorite baseball-capped turtle! In Franklin’s Thanksgiving, our hard-shelled hero worries about how his favorite holiday is going to go. He loves celebrating with Grandma and Grandpa, but this year, they’re spending Thanksgiving abroad. As much as he’ll miss them, Franklin decides it’s the perfect chance to invite two more diners to the table. But will there be enough food for everyone when his parents have some surprise guests of their own? 

Best for: Ages 4-8 

Everyone’s favorite aardvark has spent the past 40 years in the third grade, but we’re not sick of his wholesome, hilarious adventures yet! In Arthur’s Thanksgiving, he deals with the pressures of directing the school’s holiday play: everyone wants to be the star, and no one wants to get stuck as the turkey. Can his friendships survive his new theatrical responsibilities? 

Best for: Ages 4-8

What could be better than celebrating Thanksgiving with the beloved Peanuts gang? Charlie Brown can't even heat up his own cereal in the morning, but when Peppermint Patty invites herself and a bunch of guests over for dinner, he finds himself preparing a whole Thanksgiving Feast! Luckily, his friends have his back — even his trusty beagle, Snoopy, is ready to pitch in. Can enthusiastic teamwork make up for, well, not actually knowing how to cook? Either way, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving promises to be unforgettable.

Best for: Ages 4-8 

Before the iconic Big Red Dog grew to the size of a small cabin, he was tiny enough to fit inside a cornucopia: no bigger, really, than a cob of corn. Join Clifford the Small Red Puppy during his salad days as he tries his best to lend a paw to the perfect Thanksgiving feast. Giving Thanks is the perfect, pumpkin-spiced introduction to one of literature’s most beloved pups. 

Best for: Ages 5-8

A cheerful maid with a can-do attitude and a hilarious tendency to misinterpret orders, Amelia Bedelia has been delighting readers with her mishaps since the ‘80s. In Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey, she — and her penchant for literalism — takes on the task of organizing the school Thanksgiving pageant. Too bad she thinks the dressing room is for turkey condiments, and “break a leg” is an actual order! Can the cast members — and Amelia Bedelia — manage to stay in one piece?