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Baby & Toddler

Pre-K

15 Picture Books to Celebrate Thanksgiving

by the Brightly Editors

thanksgiving-picture-books

Background credit: Sandra Hutter, iStock Collection/Getty Images

Thanksgiving is nearly here, and with it comes festivities and traditions — from the parades to the pies to the gaggle of cousins running underfoot. Most of all, Thanksgiving is a time to pause and express gratitude. Introduce the holiday to the youngest of readers with these delightful Thanksgiving picture books featuring some of their favorite characters and holiday-themed activities.

Dr. Seuss's Thankful Things

Dr. Seuss's Thankful Things

by Dr. Seuss

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From games to pie, Thing One and Thing Two have plenty to feel grateful for — and they want to share it with you. They list the things they’re thankful for in this Thanksgiving-themed board book for toddlers. It’s the perfect addition to your turkey day reading stack!
(Ages 0-3)

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Let's Be Thankful (PAW Patrol)

Let's Be Thankful (PAW Patrol)

by Tex Huntley, illustrated by Random House

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Children that can’t get enough of Paw Patrol will adore this puppy-themed Thanksgiving book. It features your child’s favorite canine characters and lists the many things that dogs (and kids) are thankful for. It’s a holiday must-have for fans of the TV show.
(Ages 0-3)

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Llama Llama Gives Thanks

Llama Llama Gives Thanks

by Anna Dewdney

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With simple, rhyming text and cheerful illustrations, this Llama Llama board book is ideal for the youngest Llama Llama fans. Little Llama loves Thanksgiving - but the attitude of gratitude, he knows, is one that can be enjoyed all year long.
(Ages 0-3)

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Otis Gives Thanks

Otis Gives Thanks

by Loren Long

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Otis the tractor has so much to be thankful for: the land he tills, the games he plays with friends, and the love he feels in his big tractor heart. Fans of Otis will love celebrating the holiday alongside him.
(Ages 0-3)

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Corduroy’s Thanksgiving

Corduroy’s Thanksgiving

by Lisa McCue

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Everyone's favorite overall-donning bear celebrates Thanksgiving with friends in this sweet board book. From watching the Thanksgiving Day parade to sharing what they're most thankful for, this one's a great introduction to cherished traditions.
(Ages 0-3)

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Five Silly Turkeys

Five Silly Turkeys

by Salina Yoon

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Count the turkeys on each page as they disappear, one by one. With its humorous illustrations, sensory elements, and simple rhyme, this bestselling board book is the perfect way to introduce your toddler to Thanksgiving.
(Ages 2-5)

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Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks

by Margaret Sutherland

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A reminder to prioritize gratitude over all else, Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks is a heartwarming read to celebrate the holiday. Its simple message embraces thankfulness for the big and small - from loving family to a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day.
(Ages 3-5)

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Elmo’s Best Thanksgiving Ever! (Sesame Street)

Elmo’s Best Thanksgiving Ever! (Sesame Street)

by Jodie Shepherd, illustrated by Shane Clester

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Celebrate Thanksgiving with your child’s favorite little red monster! When rain ruins his family’s outdoor party plans, Elmo is disappointed but focuses on what he’s thankful for instead. Sesame Street fans will love this sweet holiday story.
(Ages 2-5)

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T Is for Turkey

T Is for Turkey

by Tanya Stone, illustrated by Gerald Kelley

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This rhyming alphabet book captures an elementary-school play of the first Thanksgiving. Accessible and entertaining, it's subtly packed with historical facts that may be new for parents, too!
(Ages 3-5)

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Thanksgiving Parade

Thanksgiving Parade

by Price Stern Sloan

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Illustrating a family-favorite, longstanding tradition, this shaped board book is all about the fun to be had while watching a Thanksgiving Day parade - whether in person or from the comfort of your couch.
(Ages 3-5)

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My First Thanksgiving

My First Thanksgiving

by Tomie dePaola

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No home library is complete without a Tomie dePaola picture book or two. His holiday titles celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Passover, Easter, Halloween - and, of course, Thanksgiving. A pop-out front cover starts off this read on a high note.
(Ages 3-5)

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Around the Table that Granddad Built

Around the Table that Granddad Built

by Melanie Heuiser Hill

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In this fun spin on the nursery rhyme "This is the House That Jack Built," a little girl pays homage to all the familial connections and contributions that built their Thanksgiving - from the table her grandfather crafted to the glasses from her parents' wedding, all the way down to the pie she helped bake.
(Ages 3-7)

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The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw: A Thanksgiving Story (Berenstain Bears)

The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw: A Thanksgiving Story (Berenstain Bears)

by Mike Berenstain

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You’ll love this funny Thanksgiving story inspired by the animated television series. As the Bear family gets ready for Thanksgiving, Mama Bear tells them about a terrifying creature called Bigpaw. Then, when an extra-large bear shows up in Bear Country, nobody knows if he’s the legendary monster or a friendly new neighbor.
(Ages 3-7)

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I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie

by Alison Jackson, illustrated by Judy Schachner

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Another zany take on a familiar rhyme, I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie has serious The Very Hungry Caterpillar vibes: the old lady swallows an entire Thanksgiving feast - squash, turkey, pie, and all. The expressive illustrations and outlandish plot will have readers laughing (and ready to eat!).
(Ages 3-7)

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Sharing the Bread

Sharing the Bread

by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jill McElmurry

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A family prepares all the traditional dishes for their Thanksgiving meal. From the turkey to the cranberries, each person has a special job to do. This gorgeously illustrated picture book honors the tradition and love that goes into preparing (and eating) the food on Thanksgiving.
(Ages 4-8)

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The Night Before Thanksgiving

The Night Before Thanksgiving

by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Tammy Lyon

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Natasha Wing's beloved Night Before series wouldn't be complete without a Thanksgiving-themed celebration - and there's so much to be excited for during the lead-up to that November day (including a houseful of cousins!).
(Ages 4-8)

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Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

by Denise Kiernan, illustrated by Jamey Christoph

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Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving for generations, and this book shares how the tradition began. Sarah Josepha Hale started a letter-writing campaign and gained the president’s approval to make it an official holiday. Now, thanks to her efforts, Americans gather with friends and family every year to express gratitude.
(Ages 4-8)

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2022.