Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by Laura
Fall brings the start of holiday preparations, so you’ll want to have plenty of Thanksgiving picture books on hand this month! November can be the start of schedule changes due to holiday program rehearsals and special holiday events. And as elementary librarians, sometimes we’re the last to know about those last-minute adjustments! Make sure you’re ready for the unexpected with a stack of Thanksgiving picture books!
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The Spirit of Thanksgiving
Keepunumuk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer A Wampanoag grandma tells her grandchildren the story of the wise corn (Weeachumun) who asked the local Native Americans to teach the Pilgrims how to grow food for a plentiful harvest in 1621.
We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorrell Beginning in the fall, follow along for a full year of Cherokee celebrations. Includes a glossary and Cherokee syllabary.
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Jake Swamp A beautiful depiction of the Iroquois Thanksgiving Address prayer, sharing appreciation for many things in nature.
Gracias, Thanks by Pat Mora: This English and Spanish edition contains poetic sentences expressing thanks for everyday things. Sure to inspire thanks among your students!
Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf: Based on a true story of a family-and-friends’ outdoor feast celebrated in Upstate New York every year.
The Thanksgiving Cookbook by Mary Lou Caswell: Give your students some simple and fun recipes to try out for the holiday!
Thanksgiving Picture Books from Popular Kids’ Series
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson: Bear wants to throw a feast for his friends, but his cupboards are bare! Luckily the sweet friends show up with platters of food to share.
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano: A great story to go with a fun disguise a turkey activity!
Splat Says Thank You by Rob Scotton: Splat tries to cheer up Seymour with a thank-you book. This story will inspire kids to spread some kindness.
Bad Kitty Does Not Like Thanksgiving by Nick Bruel: Kids will giggle with delight as they see what happens when Kitty tries to get the Thanksgiving turkey!
The Crayons Give Thanks by Drew Daywalt: This funny, sweet mini-book inspires readers to find gratitude everywhere.
Perfect for Thanksgiving Research
Thanksgiving by Rebecca Pettiford: This Bullfrog Book has bright photos and leveled text to help emergent readers learn about the holiday.
Thanksgiving by Rachel Koester-Grack: A variety of text features, index and glossary make this a great choice for Thanksgiving research with your 2nd and 3rd graders.
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet: This book is a great way to learn about a Thanksgiving tradition – the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
History Smashers: The Mayflower by Kate Messner: Upper elementary kids will find the history of Thanksgiving to be interesting and fun with this illustrated novel.
Thanksgiving Picture Books on Epic!
The following Thanksgiving books mentioned above are also available in your free educator account on Epic! That way if your print copy is checked out, you can still use the book in your library lesson.
- Keepunumuk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer
- Thanksgiving by Rebecca Pettiford
- Thanksgiving by Rachel Koester-Grack
- Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf
Thanksgiving Storytime for November Library Lessons
Pair a couple of the picture books with this fun and engaging Thanksgiving Storytime unit. The book review activity, Thanksgiving Bingo, turkey-in-disguise scavenger hunt and MORE will keep your library buzzing with excitement in November! Take a look at the preview to see why it’s so popular in kindergarten, first and second grade library classes.
Save these Thanksgiving Books for later!
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Be the Light! ~
