31 Best November Picture Books for Kids: Favorite Reads

Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist featuring classic children's books and new releases children's book covers arranged in columns with watercolor deer and watercolor font.

November Picture Books for Kids. This November book list for kids is filled with literary gems centered around fall time adventures, giving thanks, honoring veterans, and animal friends. This booklist for kids is the eleventh of twelve monthly book lists, so make sure you sign up for my mailing list to have it delivered straight to your inbox. I hope you enjoy these beautiful stories throughout the month of November.
Please note that the targeted age range for this booklist is for 3-6 years old but you are never too old to enjoy a well written picture book.

Welcome to Sprinkled with Stories: A Story-Formed Childhood. Here is November Picture Books for Kids Booklist! Scroll to the pink box and grab your freebie and printable booklist.

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If you missed the 31 Best October Picture Books for Kids, grab the list here.

31 Best November Picture Books for Kids: Wholesome November Read Alouds

1. 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.

2. 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.” In November is a great addition to your list of Thanksgiving must reads.

3. 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 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. Thankful is my favorite November picture book to share with younger children.

4. A Farm Prepares for Winter: Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle

A farm scenery with a black horse being led in a field, a man pushing a wheelbarrow, a red barn, and a silo on the hilltop, and a white farmhouse with smoke coming from its chimney. — Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle

Winter is here. It is time for the farm to rest. But first, preparations must be made before putting the farm to a well-deserved rest. This book beautifully illustrates and informs about the tasks and seasons on the family farm. More books about Farm animals HERE.

5. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak

A gentle deer follows a brother and a sister through a grassy meadow outside their town on the book cover of "Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter," a book about snow for toddlers and kids. — Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak

In this beautifully illustrated book, a brother and a sister stroll through their town and greet the first day of winter.

6. Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston

A young child holding a notebook and wearing a red jacket and hood stares into the woods with the fall-colored leaves falling down to the ground on the book cover of "Winter is Coming." — Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston

This gorgeous picture book is about a young girl observing from her favorite place in the woods. From her tree, she watches the chipmunks, deer, and rabbits prepare for winter. The text is mediative with vivid illustrations.

7. Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende and Harry 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 Devlin

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. Cranberry Thanksgiving may be my all-time favorite Thanksgiving book.

8. 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.

9. 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 joined together. This is a great way to introduce young readers to the Pilgrims’ journey.

10. 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.

11. 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 depicts 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, then this is a great book to add to your list of great Thanksgiving books.

12. The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone

The gingerbread boy races across the grass on the classic folktale retold by Paul Galdone. — The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone

This is a classic tale retold by Paul Galdone. An elderly couple with no children of their own bake a gingerbread boy, but he hops out of the oven into a cross-country chase.

13. 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

In this adorable story, 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.

14. The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans by Barbara E. Walsh

An older lady wearing a long green dress and big straw hat holds a single poppy stem near her heart in a field of poppies on the children's book cover "The Poppy Lady," a book on the Best November Picture Books for kids booklist. — The Poppy Lady by Barbara E. Walsh

The Flanders Field Memorial Poppy was established as a tribute to support veterans and their families during World War I and II by Monia Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia who became known as the Poppy Lady. This picture book is an excellent addition to the list of Best November Picture Books for Kids to commemorate our veterans.

15. 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.

16. One is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale 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 Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale 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.

17. 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.

18. Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Yellow, fuzzy ducklings are crawling all over a big, black bear with a pouty face and paws on his hips. — Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce wants to enjoy his breakfast undisturbed, but he endures a case of mistaken identity.

19. Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue

A young boy wrapped in a quilt, wearing a crown, and holding a stuffed tiger cuddles next to a large striped tiger wearing a crown on the children's book cover "Sleep like a Tiger," a book on the Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book about a little girl who is not sleepy, pondering a big question, “Does everything in the world go to sleep?”

20. Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall

A man pets his ox hitched to a blue covered wagon on the beloved classic children's book "Ox-Cart Man" by Donald Hall, a book on the Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall

This is a wonderful picture book that follows the ox-cart man on his journey to sell his goods at the market and returns with his pockets full of coins. Then, the cycle begins again.

21. Just Like Floss by Kim Lewis

A young black and white sheepdog stands beside his mother named Floss in a snowy field on the children's book "Just Like Floss" by Kim Lewis, a book on the Best November Picture books for kids booklist. — Just Like Floss by Kim Lewis

This picture book is about picking a puppy that is just like Floss. Floss is a hardworking sheepdog, and the owner wants to keep one of her puppies that resembles her work ethic the most.

22. Sergeant Reckless by Patricia McCormick

A serious horse named Sergeant Reckless stands with bandaged ears and carries a heavy on the front of the children's book written by Patricia McCormick. — Sergeant Reckless by Patricia McCormick

This picture book is based on the inspiring true story of a brave horse named Reckless who became a Marine. A group of US Marines fighting in the Korean War train a skinny, underfed horse to be a packhorse. They discover she is no ordinary horse.

23. My Blue-Ribbon Horse: The True Story of The Eighty-Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts

A young girl with braids pets her white horse, wearing a blue ribbon pinned to his halter on the children's book cover "My Blue Ribbon Horse," a book on the Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist. — My Blue-Ribbon Horse by Elizabeth Letts

This sweet picture book is based on a true story about a white horse named Snowman that was bought for eighty dollars by Harry de Leyer, who taught at an all-girls school with competitive horse shows. The girls did not want to compete with him because he was not a fancy thoroughbred. He was sold to a young boy, but Snowman kept jumping the fence to return to the family that saved him. Could Harry enter Snowman into a show and win a prize?

24. Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett

A little girl and a little boy race their horses across the book cover "Fritz and the Beautiful Horses" by Jan Brett, a book on the Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett

A gentle and kind pony named Fritz dreamed of children riding him. He was not beautiful like the other horses in the city. One day, the beautiful horses refused to cross the river to help the children. Fritz came to their rescue.

25. Our Flag was Still There: The True Story of Mary Pickersgill and the Star-Spangled Banner by Jessie Hartland

A lady dressed in black and white holds a mini American flag on the shore filled with many people on the children's picture book "Our Flag was Still There," a book on the Best November Picture Books for kids booklist. — Our Flag was Still There by Jessie Hartland

This nonfiction picture book tells the story of the American flag that inspired the poem and the national anthem.

26. Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers by Matthew Cordell

A watercolor illustration of Mister Rogers and his imaginary world featuring Daniel the tiger on the children's book cover "Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring world of Mister Rogers" by Matthew Cordell, a book on the Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Hello, Neighbor! by Matthew Cordell

This is a picture book biography of Mister Rogers and how he created the Neighborhood. It captures the power and beauty of Fred’s mission. We always grab one of the original Mister Roger’s Neighborhood DVDs from the library when borrowing this book.

27. Snow Bears by Martin Waddell

A mama bear and her three cubs play in the snow on the cover of a book about snow for toddlers and kids called "Snow Bears" by Martin Waddell. — Snow Bears by Martin Waddell

In this simple story, a mama bear spends her snow day playing with her three little snow bears.

28. 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.

29. Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick

A snowy scene in the woods with a snowman with a red hat, black mittens for hands, and long carrot nose surrounded by two curious deer on the children's book featuring a photographic fantasy "Stranger in the Woods," a book on the best November Picture Books for kids booklist. — Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick

This picture book features photography of forest animals discovering a stranger in the woods.

30. Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell

A young boy wearing a red jacket with a hood reaches out to a small gray wolf on a snowy hill featured on the children's book cover "Wolf in the snow" by Matthew Cordell, a book on the Best November Picture Books for kids booklist. — Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell

This is a wordless picture book about a little girl who finds a baby wolf lost in the snow. In a snowstorm, she returns it to its pack, but she’s too tired to make it back. The thankful wolf pack howls to help her family find her.

Featured Board Book

31. Don’t Wake the Dragon by Bianca Schulze

A big red dragon sleeps soundly curled with his a night hat and teddy bear on the children's interactive board book "Don't wake the dragon," a book on the Best November Picture Books for Kids Booklist. — Don’t Wake the Dragon by Bianca Schulze

This is a fun interactive board book for young readers about a rascal of a dragon who is finally asleep. The goal is to not wake the dragon, but pans are clanking, doors are knocking, and people are singing. Will the dragon sleep through the ruckus?

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

Favorite 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.

Get the full list of great picture books for Thanksgiving HERE.

Best Fall Picture Books for Kids

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-themed list of books HERE.

Best Read Alouds for October: A Picture Book Collection

Best October Picture Books for kids booklist with classic children's books and new releases book covers arranged in columns with a watercolor black cat and orange pumpkin stack, and colorful watercolor font.

Check out this booklist of our favorite children’s books to read in October HERE.

Featured Crafts and Activities

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share one of your favorite books on the Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist. This booklist was so fun to make. If you enjoyed this booklist, subscribe to my mailing list to receive each monthly picture booklist right in your inbox. Each booklist includes 31 wholesome picture books for kids and a free printable. My goal is to help you build a list of great read alouds for all the little readers in your life.

Please note this booklist does not encompass a comprehensive list of all the themes and November holidays and is curated for ages 3-6 years old. I will continue to add more themed booklist.

HAPPY READING!