No frills or presents to wrap, just the smell of pies baking and time to make memories with the little ones you love. Thanksgiving – a favorite holiday of many is not just a day to enjoy delicious meals, but a time to count your blessings too. Nowadays, there is a lot to be thankful for, health is at the top of the list, as well as being able to safely spend holidays with our nearest and dearest.

Thanksgiving is a great time to introduce children to books about being thankful. Children are grateful for being able to spend time outdoors picking pumpkins or apples, or better yet, enjoying a hayride or two. Fall is always a good reminder that the year is coming to a close and that we should reflect on the things that happened – big and small! Reading together with Thanksgiving children’s books can help take us there.

There are so many amazing Thanksgiving picture books to help kids dive into holiday celebrations that it’s a tough decision to pick just one to explore. We compiled a list of the 15 best Thanksgiving books for kids that tell stories about the first Thanksgiving, teach children about gratitude, talk about sharing kindness with the community, or simply are hilarious read-aloud Thanksgiving storybooks to enjoy over and over again.

1. Cold Turkey by Corey Rosen Schwartz

We are so excited for this heart-warming new Thanksgiving kids’ book about a very kind and generous Turkey that shares his warm clothes with his barnyard friends on a very chilly day. Cold Turkey uses funny rhymes and giggly illustrations to teach youngsters about sharing and caring.

2. Dr. Seuss’s Thankful Things by Dr. Seuss

Learn what Thing 1 and Thing 2 are thankful for with this rhyming Dr. Seuss’ soon-to-be favorite Thanksgiving read. Thing 1 and Thing 2 are not only thankful for all the rhymey magical things that make life fun, but also display their gratitude for each other.

3. Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet

Enjoy the history behind the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with this true account of how Tony Sarg, the puppeteer, was inspired to create the giant balloons we look forward to every year.

4. The First Thanksgiving (Pete the Cat Series) by James Dean

Pete the Cat fans everywhere will enjoy seeing their favorite cat star in a school play. Enjoy this story of the first Thanksgiving by flipping through the flaps to reveal hidden surprises along the way! Kindergarteners would love this interactive book!

5. Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama teaches toddlers and babies about being thankful. This simple Thanksgiving read is a perfect way to introduce little ones to yummy Thanksgiving foods like pumpkin pies!

6. Thanks for Nothing (A Little Bruce Book) by Ryan Higgins

This is a great read aloud book. Bruce tries to prepare a Thanksgiving feast but ends up with a funny unexpected Thanksgiving celebration. The mice and the moose are thankful indeed, but we’re not so sure about Bruce.

7. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

Discover how the Cherokee Nation expresses gratitude and reflects on challenges they face throughout the seasons. Learn about Native American culture and celebrate with the beautiful artwork in this storybook.

8. Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds

Violet uses her creativity to bring the family together at the dinner table. In a world where families are often distracted by technology, this mystical story reminds us of family traditions and what we are grateful for.

9. Five Little Thank-Yous by Cindy Jin

This crafty little handprint shaped turkey board book teaches babies and toddlers to count their blessings. A perfect Thanksgiving read for preschoolers; its beautifully illustrated pages show little ones how to share gratitude with friends and family.

10. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

This cute storybook is a wonderful Thanksgiving read for young animal lovers! The bear wants to have some friends over for dinner but has nothing to share. Soon all the animal friends visit with delicious food.

11. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

Omu’s delicious red stew brings the community together with its yummy scent that spreads through the neighborhood. This engaging read is a perfect Thanksgiving story for everyone in the family to enjoy.

12. 123s of Thankfulness by Patricia Hegarty

This wonderful board book not only teaches your little ones the importance of thankfulness, but also provides them some counting practice. Thanksgiving storytime will be more fun for babies and toddlers with this beautifully illustrated story of gratitude.

13. The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings by Stan Berenstain

This Berenstain Bears storybook teaches kids the importance of counting their blessings. After a big storm rolls through, the little bears realize that toys and games are not the only things to be thankful for.

14. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! by Lucille Colandro

The Old Lady books are loved by children and this Thanksgiving read is so much fun! Your kids will be rhyming, laughing and reading along about all the silly things the old lady swallows for Thanksgiving.

15. The Thank You Book (Elephant and Piggie Series) by Mo Willems

This was the last book in the Elephant and Piggie Series, in which Piggie decides to thank everyone in her life for the wonderful things they have done. Although this book ends a wonderful series, it is the perfect Thanksgiving story about being thankful.

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