Baby & Toddler
Pre-K
11 Picture Books to Celebrate Thanksgiving
by the Brightly Editors
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 picture books featuring some of their favorite characters and holiday-themed activities.
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Corduroy’s Thanksgiving
Also available from: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.
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Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks
Also available from: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.
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The Night Before Thanksgiving
Also available from: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!).
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Around the Table that Granddad Built
Also available from: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.
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Llama Llama Gives Thanks
Also available from: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.
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Otis Gives Thanks
Also available from: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.
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T Is for Turkey
Also available from: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!
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I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie
Also available from: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!).
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Thanksgiving Parade
Also available from: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.
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My First Thanksgiving
Also available from: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.
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How to Catch a Turkey
Also available from:This Thanksgiving installment in the How to Catch series follows a turkey that's running around a school before their Thanksgiving play. With delightful rhyming text, see if you can catch the turkey — and look out for the surprise twist!
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