Growing up, my kids always cherished one special Thanksgiving tradition. During our holiday break in the mountains of North Carolina, each grandchild would receive a new book, gifted by one of my in-laws’ close friends.
Reading a Thanksgiving book to kids is a wonderful way to teach them about gratitude, togetherness, and the importance of family traditions, creating a new one in the process. It helps them understand the meaning behind the holiday while sparking excitement and curiosity.
Here are 6 new 2024 Thanksgiving books for your little ones that will inspire heartfelt discussions and create cherished memories.
“The Crayons Give Thanks” by Drew Daywait and Oliver Jeffers (PreK – Grade 1)
Author Drew Daywait, known for “The Day the Crayons Quit,” delivers another charming sequel just in time for Thanksgiving. In this delightful mini hardcover, a group of crayons reflects on the colors that brighten their world —like the moon, the night sky, and even safety vests —reminding readers to appreciate the little things we often overlook. With its playful message, the book invites children to see the beauty around them and perhaps inspire their own colorful masterpieces. A heartwarming read for fostering gratitude and creativity in young minds.
“At Our Table” by Patrick Hulse and Madelyn Goodnight (K – Grade 3)
A much-needed update to the Thanksgiving story with a lyrical look at how all families celebrate the holiday in a triumph for inclusion, community, and unity. Vibrant colors abound in this look at coming together at the table, where the cover, a playful tribute to Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom from Want” painting says it all. Food and culture are inexplicably intertwined, as well as moments of laughter and quiet reflection.
“The Pumpkin Seed” by Ann Anderson and Ann Pomelova (PreK – Grade 3)
Think of this book as a modern parable, where a pumpkin-growing challenge transforms into a story about faith, perseverance, and the power of self-belief — big themes for little readers with open hearts. When Robbie dreams of growing the largest pumpkin for the town’s fall festival, he discovers that even the smallest seeds can yield great results. Inspired by the author’s love of fall —from pressing vibrant leaves to baking pumpkin bread (with her family recipe included!) — “The Pumpkin Seed” is all about teaching life’s lessons (“pursue and persist!”) through heartfelt storytelling.
“Sharing The Bread” by Pat Zeitlow Miller and Jill McElmurry (PreK – Grade 3)
Everyone has a task in this ode to a time gone by, that is built more around memory or imagination than history. Celebrate food and family with this heartwarming picture book where a large family at the turn of the century prepares a Thanksgiving meal, old-fashioned kitchen tools and all. Told in spare, rhythmic verse and with lively illustrations, “Sharing the Bread” shows that sharing in the food prep is as important as the finished result, in a read-aloud book to celebrate the Thanksgiving tradition.
“The Thanksgiving Door” by Debby Atwell (PreK – Grade 3)
The true spirit of Thanksgiving is explored when an elderly couple burn their turkey and end up at the open door of a new restaurant owned by an immigrant family. Replace the pilgrims and the Native Americans with these two unlikely groups for a heart-warming tale that Debby Atwell captures uniquely with her colorful and energetic folkloric illustrations. There’s good food, friendship, family, and a lot of dancing too in this book.
“The Thanksgiving Book for Kids” by Bernard Tate (PreK – Grade 3)
Eighteen fun and magical tales that teach about the spirit of the holiday makes this a perfect read for the whole family. Blending the joy of the imagination with the magic of the season, from talking turkeys to feasts on the moon, learning the lessons of Thanksgiving has never been so much fun! Each tale is packed with adventure and humor while gently teaching the values of gratitude, family, and togetherness.
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