Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world. It’s a time for showing gratitude and spending time with family and friends.
Though acts of kindness should be a year-round thing, Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to reflect and be grateful for the many blessings we’ve been bestowed.
Below we’ve selected some of our favorite Thanksgiving and Fall inspired picture books that we know you’d love. We are so grateful for you and hope you and your family have a yummy and bookish Thanksgiving!
KEEPUNUMUK
KEEPUNUMUK: WEEÂCHUMUN’S THANKSGIVING STORY by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten share the true meaning of thanksgiving and how it all began.
Maple and Quill both love picking fruits in the garden with their N8hkumuhs (grandmother) She suggested some weeâchumun (corn) and told the story of how the grain, along with beans and squash, could feed people all over the island. Including the pilgrims.
People of the Wampanoag tribe called thanksgiving KEEPUNUMUK because it celebrated a time of harvest. As N8hkumuhs told the story of the pilgrims’ arrival on their land, she mentions they took seeds from the land that they couldn’t understand how to grow.
Undetermined if they could trust them, the Wampanoag taught the pilgrims how to plant the seeds to reap the best harvest. When weeâchumun along with bean and squash began blossoming, the pilgrims celebrated by firing muskets and feasted for three days. Though it was a time for celebration, the Wampanoag people mourned because it was also a very tragic day for them.
This book is extremely powerful and tells the true story of how thanksgiving began. The weeâchumun and other spirit animals made thanksgiving possible through their gift of sharing and kindness to the newcomers.
The illustrations by Garry Meeches Sr. are absolutely breathtaking and capture the essence of the message in this book.
This book should be in every home and classroom. They did not teach us this story in school, and allowing the Wampanoag people to share the actual story is truly amazing.
123s OF THANKFULNESS
123s OF THANKFULNESS by Patricia Hegarty highlights the many ways and things to be thankful for while introducing children to counting.
It features cute animal friends as they explore, share and help one another.
From sharing with special friends to planting seeds, the warm and colorful illustrations are so inviting and celebrate the many things we are thankful for.
THANKS A TON!
What are you thankful for this year? THANKS A TON by Sabrina Moyle features the ways to be grateful to friends and family.
Whether it’s sharing your lunch, giving hugs, or cheering someone up when they are sad, being thankful and showing appreciation can brighten anyone’s day.
With bold and vibrant illustrations by Eunice Moyle, this book encourages gratitude for this holiday and all year round.
IF ANIMALS GAVE THANKS
Ann Whitford and Paul David Walker are back with another gem. IF ANIMALS GAVE THANKS introduces children to the many ways animals interact.
From rabbits being grateful for their fur and bears thanking honeybees for their honey, even the tiniest animal can show appreciation for what they have.
With amazing fall-like illustrations, this book welcomes the holidays with a spirit of love and friendship.
SEE, TOUCH, FEEL HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Priddy Books SEE, TOUCH, FEEL HAPPY THANKSGIVING is perfect for baby’s first thanksgiving.
The textured pages and bright, vibrant illustrations will intrigue children and encourage them to be grateful during this Holiday season.
PEPPA PIG AND THE DAY OF GIVING THANKS
In PEPPA PIG AND THE DAY OF GIVING THANKS, Peppa and her family are outdoor for a walk, giving thanks for all that’s around them.
They are thankful for the trees, the clouds and sky, the animals, and the fruits. Soon it’s raining and they are not happy, that’s until the rain makes a muddy puddle, and they are happy jumping and having fun.
There are so many things to be grateful for, especially nature and all it offers.
'OHANA MEANS FAMILY
‘OHANA MEANS FAMILY by Ilima Loomis celebrates the rich Hawaiian food called Poi. Poi is made from Kalo that is pounded into a mash.
But it takes more than just pounding to make poi. From the sun warming the wind that lifts the rain that waters the kalo, to the farmers picking and preparing the meal, this honors the rich tradition of Hawaiian culture.
Hawaiian Lūʻau’s are full of food and fun. Ohana means family, and nothing brings family together like food.
The vibrant illustrations by Kenard Pak capture the true essence of this magnificent book.
MAGNIFICENT HOMESPUN BROWN
MAGNIFICENT HOMESPUN BROWN by Samara Cole Doyon is a poetic celebration of self, seen through the eyes of a little girl.
From her brown hair to her brown skin, she likens her features to amber and caramel browns and connects with nature while channeling her ancestors, giving thanks for all they’ve done.
Coupled with vibrant brownish hues by Kaylani Juanita, this book is absolutely beautiful and celebrates your uniqueness.
It’s a positive representation of brown girls and boys everywhere.
PEYTON PICKS THE PERFECT PIE
PEYTON PICK THE PERFECT PIE: A Thanksgiving Celebration by Jack Bishop is a scrumptiously delicious book that celebrates food and family.
Peyton is very particular, but not picky. She likes her dog, long division, and even dodgeball. Not picky at all, but particular about food. She doesn’t like it when two foods touch on her plate; she doesn’t like green foods, slimy, lumpy, or flaky food either.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Peyton planned to try pie, and there was going to be lots of it. From British lemon chess to ruffled milk pie that originated in Greece, Peyton has a tough choice.
Pie is so flaky and slimy, would she be able to try it? Alas, her aunt Polly enters with some ice cream. Everything is better with ice cream, she proclaimed, and Peyton couldn’t agree more. She officially loves pies, especially when it’s topped with ice cream.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for family gatherings with yummy food and it might be difficult for picky eaters, but incorporating something new can make a big difference.
Coupled with delicious pie recipes and vibrant, fall illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, this book is the perfect Thanksgiving treat.
RUNAWAY PUMPKINS
RUNAWAY PUMPKINS by Teresa Bateman is so much fun to read. It’s field trip day and the children are super excited to be heading to the pumpkin patch.
While there they see pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, and they each get one, plus a huge one that they place on the bus.
On the way back to school, the bus hit a bump and all the pumpkins fell out into the neighbors’ yards. Though the children were sad, they turned their frowns into smiles as they decorate the large pumpkin with paper and glue.
During the harvest fair, the neighbors surprised the children with some special pumpkin treats.
This book is a delight and perfect for Autumn. It’s very creative and inspires children to create their own pumpkin crafts.
The illustrations by Stephanie Fizer Coleman are vibrant with fall colors that capture the entire essence of the book.
WOODLAND DREAMS
WOODLAND DREAMS by Karen Jameson welcomes autumn’s outdoor adventures and the beginning of winter as animals get ready to hibernate.
As a girl walks through the forest, she observes and documents the animals she sees. From a honey-loving bear to the shiny scales of fish swimming home, this book is such a delight to read.
Karen Jameson vividly describes each animal in their characteristic trait a calm, rhythmic mood that makes a perfect bedtime book.
Little nature lovers will love the vibrant illustrations by Marc Boutavant. It’s incredibly mind-blowing.
LEIF AND THE FALL
LEIF AND THE FALL by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant is a story of a leaf named Leif. He knows that leaves fall during Autumn and he worries.
He’s terrified of bumping his head so with the help of his friend Laurel, they try to figure out a way for him to catch himself.
They gather twigs and make a net, a kite, and even vines to keep him attached to his branch, but nothing worked and the other leaves were no encouragement.
Feeling dismayed, he accepted the fact that he will eventually fall. So together, Leif and Laurel waited, and as they fell, they landed on all the items they used to prevent them from falling.
What’s not to love about this book. It’s hopeful and encourages children to persevere when times are tough and people don’t support them. The illustrations by Merrilee Liddiard alone are absolutely magnificent, with fall-like tones that welcome the season.
THE VERY LAST LEAF
THE VERY LAST LEAF by Stef Wade features a leaf named Lance Cottonwood. He was a strong, healthy leaf, and he excelled at everything, but he worried about his last test as a leaf.
This test would take him from the top of the tree to the grass below, and Lance was afraid of falling. He wished he didn’t have to fall like his friend Doug, who was an Evergreen, but Lance was a Cottonwood, and they lose their leaves in autumn.
Lance held on to his tree for as long as he could, but after talking about why he was scared to his teacher, he leapt.
We love the message in this book. It encourages children to be brave but also allows them to do things at their own pace.
The autumn-like illustrations by Jennifer Davidson are absolutely magnificent.
PICK A PUMPKIN
Fall is here and Patricia Toht’s PICK A PUMPKIN is the perfect book for the holidays. It recaps a day of Halloween fun for a family.
It starts with pumpkin picking at the pumpkin farm. They are greeted with pumpkins of different shapes, colors, and sizes.
After some wagon rides and toffee apples, it’s home time to get ready to make some pumpkin carving fun.
The children gather their carving tools and begin carving eyes, mouth, and nose on their pumpkins. Then it’s on to some fun trick or treating.
It’s relatable, and children will love the vibrant illustrations by Jarvis.
FRY BREAD
October is National Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Native people and to acknowledge the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S.
WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART
What do you give when you think you have nothing to give? You give from your heart! This new and final release by the late Patricia C. McKissack features a Mother who has lost her husband, their farm and everything they owned.
In WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART, she teaches her young son the importance of STILL giving even though they don’t have a lot and that giving from the heart reaches the heart.
Valentine’s Day is approaching and young Otis is contemplating what to give his friend Sarah, whose family lost everything in a fire. He and his mother gave with their hearts and unexpectedly received a blessing in the end.
Though released around Valentine’s, it’s the perfect Thanksgiving book because it speaks to so many selfless people who give wholeheartedly around this time.
It is extremely inspirational and full of love and support and absolutely relatable to many families. It just melts your heart. Omg, the illustrations by April Harrison are just breathtakingly amazing and heartwarming. (AGE 4-8)
THE THANK YOU LETTER
THE THANK YOU LETTER by Jane Cabrera is such an adorable book with fun and vibrant illustrations that makes the perfect thanksgiving book.
Little Grace is super excited about her birthday party and even made a list of all the presents she would like to have. After the party, she began writing thank you letters to everyone who brought her presents. She thanks her Nana and Grandpop for the puppy, Aunt Mary for the gloves and Poppy for the soft toy.
Her thank you cards didn’t stop there, she started writing thank you letters to everyone in the neighborhood and her simple act of gratitude and kindness inspired everyone to send heartfelt replies that warmed her little heart.
We love sending thank you cards to everyone as a token of appreciation, so when we received this book we were super excited to read it. It doesn’t matter how small you are, little acts of kindness can inspire a community and help to change the world. (AGE 4-8)
THANK YOU, OMU
Sunday’s are special to most people because it means visiting grandma for some good home cooking.
In Oge Mora’s THANK YOU OMU, Omu is at home preparing her delicious stew and the scent escapes through the window and into the whole neighborhood.
It attracts a little boy who knocks on her door wanting a taste. Omu has more than enough to share, so she gives him a bowl and soon enough everyone in the neighborhood is knocking on her door for a taste; a police officer, cab driver and even the Mayor.
Omu is now dismayed because she has nothing left to eat. That is until she hears another knock at her door.
This time it’s everyone in the neighborhood, and they each brought food.
Among other things, THANK YOU OMU portrays the importance of giving with your heart. One simple act of sharing brought an entire community together to share in the joy of a meal.
To us, that’s what Thanksgiving is about. Inspired by Oge Mora’s own grandmother, children, as well as parents, will love the bright and vibrant illustrations and the great message this book has to offer. (AGE 4-8)
OTIS GIVES THANKS
In Loren Long’s OTIS GIVES THANKS, everyone’s beloved tractor is giving thanks. He gives thanks for the land and the farmer and all the hard work they do.
He’s thankful for the sun and rain because it makes the crops grow and he’s thankful for all his friends. Most of all he’s thankful for Love.
Loren Long is no stranger to amazing books and this OTIS GIVES THANKS, is a great, fun book to read at Thanksgiving. (AGE 1-3)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, SNOOPY!
We couldn’t have a holiday booklist without Charlie Brown and the crew. In Charles M. Schulz, HAPPY THANKSGIVING, SNOOPY, Charlie Brown and his friends are not feeling the Thanksgiving spirit. It isn’t shaping up like it use to be for everyone.
His grandma can’t host Thanksgiving dinner this year, Lucy and her brothers aren’t in the mood. Peppermint Patty had to change her plans and Marcie is sick.
Everyone is sad except Snoopy. He spends his Thanksgiving like he always does. He wears sunglasses, leans on his doghouse and pretends his name is Joe Cool but deep down Snoopy wishes to celebrate thanksgiving too.
They soon realize instead of pouting, they can all create their own Thanksgiving tradition with delicious pizza and wonderful friends. (AGE 3-7)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, BISCUIT!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, BISCUIT by Alyssa Satin Capucillis is a timeless classic featuring our favorite puppy Biscuit.
It’s Thanksgiving, and they are celebrating by giving goodies to the neighbors, decorating and baking pumpkin pie.
Biscuit knows its a time for sharing so he shared his blanket with the cat Daisy and is cheerful when he welcomes Grandma and Grandpa.
The illustrations by Pat Schories are bright and fun and it’s such a sweet book to share around thanksgiving with your toddlers.
PEPPA GIVES THANKS
In PEPPA GIVES THANKS, Peppa and Suzy are having a tea party in the garden. Peppa has her teddy but Suzy has a new teddy named Mr. snuggles. He does things that Peppa’s bear can’t do, like sing, talk, and his eyes light up.
After the tea party, Peppa goes home and asks her mommy and daddy pig for a new Mr. snuggles.
Instead of getting her a new bear, daddy pig shows Peppa a photo album, full of all the fun memories she had with her teddy. He reminds her to be grateful and appreciative of the things she has because it’s what matters the most.
This book teaches a valuable lesson in gratitude and contentment and allows children to cherish the memories they make with those close to them. (AGE 3-5)
PINKALICIOUS, Thanksgiving Helper
PINKALICIOUS and Peter are super excited for Thanksgiving, and they can’t wait to help their mommy and daddy prepare.
They tried helping their dad with raking the leaves, but they couldn’t help jumping into them. They tried helping with decorations, but they broke ornaments in the process. It seems like no matter how they try to help, it always ended in disaster.
One thing they did succeed at, is helping to set the table and also reminding daddy to take the turkey out of the oven. In the end, they all sat and enjoyed a wonderful family dinner.
The Pinkalicious series is always fun to read for any age and this book is super cute and comes with place cards, a poster, and stickers. (AGE 4-8)
THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING
Natasha Wing’s THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING is the ultimate Thanksgiving picture book. It features a family preparing the night before with cooking and cleaning and decorating and anticipating the arrival of relatives.
Like most families at thanksgiving, the entire house is filled with family and the smell of food. Though there might be some slip-ups and delays, everyone is ultimate together to celebrate a time to be grateful for each other.
The illustrations by Tammie Lyon are deliciously breathtaking and the story is absolutely relatable. Thanksgiving can be a hectic, crazy time but people love the fun and excitement and spirit that it brings. (AGE 4-8)
THE 12 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING
Another wonderful series that children will love is Jenna Lettice’s THE 12 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING. It is a cute book for the entire family to enjoy as they read or sing along and countdown 12 fun days of giving thanks until Thanksgiving.
We loved this book because it was extremely interactive and the vibrant and festive illustrations and artwork by Colleen Madden is absolutely amazing. It also includes festive stickers at the back. How awesome is that? (AGE 3-7)
BAD KITTY Does NOT like THANKSGIVING
BAD KITTY, Does NOT like Thanksgiving by Nick Bruel is another funny Halloween book released this year.
She loves Thanksgiving, not for the pumpkin or cranberry sauce but for the delicious turkey and this rambunctious cat will stop at nothing to have a taste.
