28 Best Thankful Books for Kids: Thanksgiving Picture Books

Book covers filled with Pilgrims, Native Americans, Fall Leaves, Diverse people groups, young children, city buses, pink pigs, woodland creatures, and Thanksgiving Day feasts arranged on an autumn orange background with bold black text that reads thankful books for kids and decorated with orange leaves, acorns, and pumpkins.

Post Updated: October 22, 2024

28 Thankful Books for Kids. Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. It’s filled with such wonderful little things. It is also a time to give and celebrate from a thankful heart. I love reading these books with my kiddos. They are a good reminder to give thanks to the Lord, to remember friendships, and celebrate freedoms.

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,”
Psalm 92:1-2 (ESV)

Reading books is the perfect way to bond with your little ones. Bonding and sharing memories over a beautiful story with a cup of hot chocolate under a warm, toasty blanket.

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28 Thankful Books for Kids: A Thanksgiving Day Picture Book Collection

1. Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story by Pat Zietlow Miller

An old-fashioned family dressed in 1800s fashion stands in their kitchen with each holding a Thanksgiving Day dish on the book cover of "Sharing The Bread," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Sharing The Bread by Pat Zietlow Miller

This is one of the best Thanksgiving books. Everyone has a part in this Thanksgiving Day feast. Mama prepares the turkey, Daddy tends the fire, sister kneads the dough, brother bastes the turkey, and even baby has the job of being quiet as a mouse. This book is written in rhythmic verse and filled with nostalgic folk-art illustrations.

2. This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore

Pilgrims hold dances and dance around their village on Thanksgiving Day on the book over of "This is the Feast," a book on the thankful books for kids. — This is The Feast by Diane Z. Shore

In rhythmic verse detailed with colorful illustrations, This is the Feast takes a moment to celebrate our religious freedom on the first Thanksgiving, a three-day celebration with pilgrims and Indians joining together. This is a great way to introduce young readers to the Pilgrims’ journey.

3. Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf

An autumn scene in the woods with the trees decorated with rustic colored leaves, orange pumpkins, and twinkle lights around the outline of a long wooden table filled with the many people on the children's book "Thanksgiving in the Woods," a book on the Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf

This fantastic book is a perfect addition to read-alouds for Thanksgiving. Overflowing with lyrical text and charming illustrations, it paints a heartwarming picture of family and friends gathering in the woods to celebrate Thanksgiving. The long tables, bonfires, food, songs, candles, and laughter make this book a joyous read for kids of all ages.

4. In November by Cynthia Rylant

An image of a little brown mouse sniffing for food framed by fall leaves on the book cover of "In November," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — In November by Cynthia Rylant

This great book is a carol to the cozy month of November: the smells of cinnamon, the leafless trees, the sights of animals scurrying to prepare for winter, and the homes filled with family and friends, gathering to give thanks at “winter’s gate.”

5. Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas

Squanto, a native American male stands holding a spear with pilgrims in the background on the book cover of "Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas

This picture book biography by Eric Metaxas tells the difficult story of Squanto, a Native American, who returns to his village after being sold into slavery for ten years. He discovers his village wiped out by disease. Squanto’s faith is tested but not destroyed. Squanto comes to the Pilgrims’ aid to help them survive the winter.

6. Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac

Squanto paddles his wooden boat on the sea with the mayflower in the background on the children's picture book "Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving" by Joseph Bruchac, a book on the Thankful Books for Kids: Thanksgiving Books Booklist. — Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac

This is another favorite historical picture book about the story of Squanto.

7. Thankful by Eileen Spinelli

A little girl and a little boy play joyfully in the fall leaves on the book cover of "Thankful," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Thankful Book by Eileen Spinelli

This is the perfect book to encourage young children to practice thankfulness for everyday blessings. The book is filled with simple rhyming text and whimsical illustrations.

8. God Gave Us Thankful Hearts by Lisa Tawn Bergren

A mama wolf hugs her wolf pup on the Christian Thanksgiving Book "God Gave Us Thankful Hearts" by Lisa Tawn Bergren, a book on the Thankful Books for kids Thanksgiving Books Booklist. — God Gave Us Thankful Hearts by Lisa Tawn Bergren

In this heartwarming story, Little Pup discovers the importance of gratitude in his everyday life, guided by the wisdom of his parents.

“We can be thankful for how God paints our forest every autumn,” Mama said.

“I like fishing too,” Papa said. “But God gave us thankful hearts so we could praise him even when we don’t catch fish.”

9. A Very Thankful Prayer by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

A little bunny rides her bike down the path with autumn-colored trees on the board book "A Very Thankful Prayer" by Bonnie Jensen, a book on the best thankful books for kids Thanksgiving Books Booklist. — A Very Thankful Prayer by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

This is sweet board book to remind little readers that every good gift is from God.

“Every day I wake up with a happy, thankful heart. I fold by hands and say a prayer—the perfect way to start!”

10. Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende Devlin

A man helping carry sticks to the house, following behind a little girl in a red dress to a little brown house on a fall day on the book cover of "Cranberry Thanksgiving," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende and Harry Delvin

Thanksgiving Day is Grandmother’s favorite holiday. Every year she invites a guest for dinner. Maggie, her granddaughter, was instructed to invite someone too, someone “poor or lonely.” Grandmother wasn’t happy when she discovers the young girl invited Mr. Whiskers to dinner for fear that he might steal her secret cranberry bread recipe. This wonderful book includes a recipe at the end. My two favorite things combined: cooking and reading.

11. Over the River and Through the Wood: A Thanksgiving Poem by Lydia Maria Child

A family rides in a sleigh pulled by a horse on a snowy road on the classic children's picture book "Over the River and Through the Wood: A Thanksgiving Poem" by Lydia Maria Child and illustrated by Christopher Manson. — Over the River and Through the Wood: A Thanksgiving Poem by Lydia Maria Child

In this cherished book, A Thanksgiving Poem by Lydia Maria Child is beautifully complemented by stunning woodcut illustrations.

12. Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

A young man holds the strings to a large tiger balloon, pulling it down Broadway in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on the book cover of "Balloons Over Broadway," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

This picture book is a biography of Tony Sarg, the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Melissa Sweet’s collage, detailed illustrations brilliantly depict Sarg from his childhood inventions to the giant magnificent balloons that floated in the sky down Broadway. If the Thanksgiving Day parade is part of your family traditions, this is a great book to add to your list of great Thanksgiving books.

13. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

A little African American boy smells a big blue bowl of steaming red soup on the book cover of "Thank You, Omu!" a book on thankful books for kids booklist. — Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

Omu is so excited about her big red stew. The delicious smell brings many individuals from the neighborhood. And, Omu shares her stew with all until it is all gone. She has nothing left for supper. Omu’s generosity is returned by her neighbors, bringing a community feast of delicious food into her home. This is such a lovely story and is a must-read of children’s literature.

14. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Bear celebrates Thanksgiving day in his lair with all his woodland creature friends on the book cover of "Bear Says Thanks" a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

We love Bear so much. Bear wants to throw a Thanksgiving Day feast, but his cupboards are bare. His animal friends pile in his lair with all their delicious dishes. Bear learns a lesson about sharing gifts with others, such as blessing their hearts with his stories.

15. Pookie’s Thanksgiving by Sandra Boynton

Pookie, a pink pig that wears blue overalls sits on a pumpkin spilling out of a cornucopia on the book cover of "Pookie's Thanksgiving," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Pookie’s Thanksgiving by Sandra Boynton

We love so many of Sandra Boynton’s board books. This board book is about Pookie and Mom preparing for a family Thanksgiving dinner. They spend special moments baking pies in the kitchen together. Younger children will love to celebrate Thanksgiving with Pookie.

16. Thanksgiving is Here! by Diane Goode

A family gathers in a simple kitchen with a large roasted turkey on the children's thanksgiving book "Thanksgiving is Here" by Diane Goode, a book on the Thankful Books for Kids Thanksgiving Books booklist. — Thanksgiving is Here! by Diane Goode

“We all have a place at the table.” This is a sweet Thanksgiving book featuring a simple family gathering together around the table.

17. A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting

On Thanksgiving day in the woods with Rabbit, Mr. Moose with his toothy grin smiles at Turkey on the book cover of "A Turkey for Thanksgiving," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — A Turkey For Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting

Mrs. Moose wants to invite a turkey to their Thanksgiving meal. Mr. Moose sets out to find a Turkey for Turkey Day. However, Turkey trembles with fear as he is ushered to the prepared dinner table. Turkey is greeted with a place to set and finds himself a welcomed guest to the Thanksgiving Day feast.

18. Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

A Russian community joyfully surrounds a little girl, brining her boxes on sleds through the snow on the book cover of "Boxes for Katje," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

Katje’s town of Olst in Holland is devastated after After World War II. One day, Katje receives a package from an American girl named Rosie from Mayfield, Indiana. Katje sends a thankful letter, igniting a beautiful friendship. This story is so inspiring and filled with important lessons. I do not feel that I do it justice in this small summary. This great book is the perfect addition to the thankful books for kids book list.

19. The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell

An older lady sweeps the porch of a green brick cafe on the cover of the cultural children's book "The Thanksgiving Door" by Debby Atwell, a book featured on the Thankful Books for Kids Thanksgiving Picture Books Booklist — The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell

In this precious tale, Ann burns the turkey. On a mission to find a Thanksgiving meal at an open restaurant, Ann and her husband Ed unknowingly intrude on an immigrant family’s Thanksgiving celebration at The New World Cafe. Content warning: Initially, the children demonstrate poor behavior by trying to get Ann and Ed to leave, like beating pots together, but Grandmother rebukes them.

“In old country, Thanksgiving door is like happy heart, opened up, big, and wide. Potato good for that,” Grandmother said.

20. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De la Peña

A grandmother and her grandson holds hands while they wait for the city bus to stop on the orange book cover of "Last Stop On Market Street," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Last Stop On Market Street by Matt De la Peña

CJ is not happy about riding the city bus. CJ’s nana helps him see the beauty around him and have fun on the journey. This award-winning book is great for teaching kids about gratitude. “Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful.”

21. Give Thanks to the Lord by Karma Wilson

A little boy wearing a bright orange jacket throwing leaves and acorns into the fall crisp air on the book cover of "Give Thanks to the Lord," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist. — Give Thanks to the Lord by Karma Wilson

A great story about the Thanksgiving holiday, celebrating the joys of autumn, visits of distant relatives, the coziness of home, the delicious and mouthwatering smells, and a family prayer for all things wonderful. This sweet book is written in simple rhyme with a powerful message, referencing Psalm 92.

22. Sarah Give Thanks by Mike Allegra

Sarah Hale dressed in black and holding a pumpkin pie in front of the White House on the children's picture book "Sarah Gives Thanks" by Mike Allegra, a book on the Best Thankful Books for Kids: Thanksgiving Books Booklist. — Sarah Give Thanks by Mike Allegra

If I had to choose just one book about Sarah Josepha Hale, it would be this one. This picture book beautifully narrates her dedication to making Thanksgiving a national holiday, all while being a highly-spirited writer and devoted mother. The text is complemented by vibrant watercolor illustrations. Content Warning: The story begins with Sarah and her children gathered together around the table, mourning their deceased father.

23. Thank you, Sarah by Laurie Halse Anderson

Sarah Hale dressed in black sits at her writing desk with her writing pen on the Children's Thanksgiving Book "Thank You, Sarah" by Laurie Halse Anderson, a book on the Best Thankful Books for Kids Thanksgiving Books Booklist. — Thank you, Sarah by Laurie Halse Anderson

This is another favorite featuring the true story of Sarah Josepha Hale and the history of Thanksgiving Day becoming a national holiday.

24. Giving Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday by Denise Kiernan

A diverse family gathers around the table to pray for Thanksgiving Day on the children's Thanksgiving picture book "Giving Thanks" by Denise Kiernan, a book on the best Thankful books for kids Thanksgiving Books Booklist. — Giving Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday by Denise Kiernan

This picture book tells the true story of how Thanksgiving Day was established as a national holiday, all thanks to the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale.

25. One is a Feast for a Mouse by Judy Cox

A little mouse wearing glasses balances a blue plate stacked with Thanksgiving left overs on the children's book "One is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale" by Judy Cox, a book on the Best November Picture books for kids. — One is a Feast for a Mouse by Judy Cox

In this fun story, Mouse sneaks over to sneak a small green pea, but his greedy eyes cannot pass up the leftover cranberries, mashed potatoes, and roasted turkey. He is spotted by the house cat and has to dash back to his hole, saving only one green pea for his Thanksgiving dinner.

26. The Berenstain Bears: Thanksgiving Blessings by Mike Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears travel in a sleigh pulled by a horse across the snowy bridge on the classic children's picture book "The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings," a book on the Best Thankful Books for Kids Thanksgiving Books Booklist. — The Berenstain Bears: Thanksgiving Blessings by Mike Berenstain

This classic Berenstain Bears tale focuses on the importance of giving thanks and reflecting on the rich history of Bear Country as the family journeys to Grizzly Grams and Gramps’ house.

“Yes, indeed,” said Papa. “It’s a time for giving thanks and thinking of all our blessings.”

27. Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes

A young sister and brother gather apples with their dog on a crisp autumn day on the simple children's picture book "Thanks for Thanksgiving" by Julie Markes, a book on the best thankful books for kids Thanksgiving Books Booklist. — Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes

This charmingly brief picture book expresses gratitude for the little things in everyday life, ending in a heartfelt thank you for family.

28. The Very First Thanksgiving by Rhonda Gowler Greene

A little pilgrim girl and a little Indian girl race through the village on the first Thanksgiving Day on the children's book "The Very First Thanksgiving Day" by Rhonda Gowler Green, a book on the thankful books for kids Thanksgiving books booklist. — The Very First Thanksgiving by Rhonda Gowler Greene

This is a simple Thanksgiving book composed in a cumulative rhyme style, similar to the nursery rhyme “This Is the House That Jack Built.”

Hands-On Activities and Fun Projects:

Here is a list of simple crafts and activities with a Thanksgiving theme:

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

Favorite Farm Picture Books

The best farm books are arranged in two rows with a watercolor illustration of barnyard animals around a big red barn.

Get the complete list of farm favorite books {HERE}

Food & Story: Favorite Picture Books about Food

Images of Children's book covers arranged in two rows over a teal background with bold text reading Food and Story books for kids. Book covers include images of colorful birthday balloons, dumplings, bowl of ramen, tamales, geese, picnic, and children.

Get the complete booklist of favorite Food and Story Picture Books {HERE}.

Favorite Fall Picture Books

Fall books for kids book covers arranged in two rows with watercolor orange and rustic red pumpkins and leaf banners. Books included images of squirrels, signs of fall, big pumpkins, and fall colored leaves.

Get the complete fall booklist {HERE}.

More Booklists Coming Soon!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Finally, I want to thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite Thanksgiving book. I hope you and your children find a favorite book from this list of thankful books for kids. Happy Thanksgiving!