Best Children's Thanksgiving Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 10, 2023

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Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to teach children about gratitude, history, and family traditions. Children's Thanksgiving books are a great way to introduce these concepts to young readers. From classic tales like "The First Thanksgiving" to more modern stories like "Thanksgiving in the Woods," there are plenty of options to choose from. Some books focus on the historical significance of the holiday, while others emphasize the importance of giving thanks and spending time with loved ones. No matter which book you choose, reading together as a family is a great way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Gratitude is My Superpower: A children’s book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity (My Superpower Books) Cover #TOP 1
Gratitude is My Superpower: A children’s book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity (My Superpower Books)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Thank You, Omu! (Caldecott Honor Book) Cover #TOP 2
Thank You, Omu! (Caldecott Honor Book)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
You're My Little Cutie Pie Cover #TOP 3
You're My Little Cutie Pie
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Children's Thanksgiving Books

#TOP 1

Gratitude is My Superpower: A children’s book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity (My Superpower Books)

Ortego, Alicia
Jul 7, 2021
Gratitude is My Superpower: A children’s book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity (My Superpower Books) Cover
Gratitude is My Superpower: A children’s book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity (My Superpower Books)

"Gratitude is My Superpower" is a heartwarming children's book that teaches the importance of being thankful for the little things in life. Little Betsy learns to appreciate her family, friends, and toys with the help of a magic stone. The book also includes a gratitude journal to help children practice daily gratitude. The charming illustrations and touching rhymes make this book a perfect read for parents and children alike. This book is a great way to teach kids to focus on the blessings they receive every day and to feel true happiness by realizing they have everything they need."

#TOP 2

Thank You, Omu! (Caldecott Honor Book)

Mora, Oge
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Oct 2, 2018
Thank You, Omu! (Caldecott Honor Book) Cover
Thank You, Omu! (Caldecott Honor Book)

In "Thank You, Omu!" by Oge Mora, readers are introduced to a kind and generous woman who shares her delicious stew with her entire community. As everyone follows the mouth-watering scent, Omu offers a portion of her meal until the pot is empty. The story teaches the importance of sharing and community, and the colorful cut-paper designs bring the heartwarming message to life. The book is also unique in that the author's note explains that "Omu" means "queen" in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean "Grandma." Overall, "Thank You, Omu!" is a delightful read that is perfect for the Thanksgiving season and for fans of "Last Stop on Market Street."

#TOP 3

You're My Little Cutie Pie

Edwards, Nicola
Marshall, Natalie
Sep 5, 2023
You're My Little Cutie Pie Cover
You're My Little Cutie Pie

You're My Little Cutie Pie is a delightful board book for parents to read with their children this Thanksgiving. This installment in the bestselling You're My Little series features interactive elements such as cut-outs and raised illustrations that will keep little ones engaged. The charming rhyming text and adorable illustrations celebrate Thanksgiving favorites like pumpkin pies and turkeys. Overall, this book is a heartwarming addition to any family's Thanksgiving traditions and a perfect gift for your own little cutie pie.

#TOP 4

How to Catch a Turkey

Wallace, Adam
Elkerton, Andy
Sourcebooks Wonderland
Sep 4, 2018
How to Catch a Turkey Cover
How to Catch a Turkey

How to Catch a Turkey is a fun and interactive Thanksgiving book for kids. The story follows a group of students trying to catch a turkey that's on the loose in their school before the Thanksgiving play begins. The book combines STEAM concepts and traps with a silly story and fun illustrations, making it a perfect fall family tradition or Thanksgiving gift for kids ages 4 and up. The twist at the end ensures that no turkeys are harmed or eaten. Overall, How to Catch a Turkey is a delightful addition to the bestselling How to Catch series and a must-read for young readers.

#TOP 5

Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))

Sweet, Melissa
Clarion Books
Nov 1, 2011
Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards)) Cover
Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of Tony Sarg, the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Sweet's collage illustrations and engaging storytelling capture Sarg's joy in his childhood inventions and his ingenious balloon creations that still delight viewers today. The book is a clever marriage of information and illustration that soars high and will capture the hearts of all ages. Overall, Balloons Over Broadway is a fascinating history lesson, inventor's sketchbook, and inspirational story all rolled into one marvelous mixed-media masterpiece.

#TOP 6

Turkey Trouble

Silvano, Wendi
Harper, Lee
Two Lions
Jan 5, 2012

"Turkey Trouble" by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper, is a hilarious children's book that tells the story of a turkey who fears being the main course of Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey comes up with various disguises to avoid being recognized as a turkey but fails. Finally, he finds the perfect ruse to avoid being eaten. The comical narrative filled with wordplay and puns is perfect for read-aloud sessions. The watercolor illustrations by Harper are spot-on, capturing the sardonic facial expressions of the animals. Overall, "Turkey Trouble" is a must-read for children during Thanksgiving and a great addition to holiday collections.

#TOP 7

Thanks from The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Carle, Eric
World of Eric Carle
Aug 15, 2017
Thanks from The Very Hungry Caterpillar Cover
Thanks from The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's colorful book of thanks is perfect for Thanksgiving or any day of the year. This charming book of pictures is a joyful way to show friends and family how much you appreciate them. Featuring art from the World of Eric Carle, the book follows The Very Hungry Caterpillar and celebrates all that makes us most thankful. With over 55 million copies sold and translated into 70 languages, Eric Carle's best-known work remains an important influence on artists and illustrators today. Overall, this book is a delightful addition to any children's Thanksgiving book collection.

#TOP 8

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story

Greendeer, Danielle
Perry, Anthony
Bunten, Alexis
Meeches Sr., Garry
Aug 2, 2022
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story Cover
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story

This children's book, Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story, is a retelling of the first Thanksgiving story that centers on the Wampanoag people. Written by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis Bunten, and illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr., this book tells the story of the importance of Weeâchumun (corn) and the Wampanoag tribe's contributions to the Pilgrims' survival. The book is an important addition to children's literature, honoring the history and tradition of the first Thanksgiving. The Kirkus Reviews gave it a starred review.

#TOP 9

Bear Says Thanks (The Bear Books)

Wilson, Karma
Chapman, Jane
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Sep 4, 2012
Bear Says Thanks (The Bear Books) Cover
Bear Says Thanks (The Bear Books)

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson is a heartwarming story about gratitude, sharing, and friendship. When Bear wants to throw a feast to say thanks to his friends, he realizes his cupboards are empty. But his friends come to the rescue with platters of delicious food. The illustrations by Jane Chapman are lively and colorful, making Bear and his forest friends even more charming. This book is perfect for preschoolers who are learning about the value of friendship and gratitude. It’s an excellent choice for storytime, and the repeated line, "and the bear says thanks," encourages children to participate in the story. Overall, this book is a delightful addition to the Bear Books series.

The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln (Turnabout Tales)

Arroyo, Raymond
Davis, Jacqui
Oct 3, 2023
The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln (Turnabout Tales) Cover
The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln (Turnabout Tales)

The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln by Raymond Arroyo is a delightful children's book that tells the story of Tad Lincoln, his relationship with his father, President Abraham Lincoln, and how he inspired the tradition of the Thanksgiving turkey pardon. Through Tad's mischievous adventures, readers learn about the power of mercy and the love between a parent and child. The illustrations by Jacqui Davis and the author's note add to the charm of the book. Overall, The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln is an entertaining and educational read for children and adults alike, and a unique addition to any children's US Presidents & First Ladies Biographies collection.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Thanksgiving book kids?

'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey On the night before Thanksgiving, a group of children visit a turkey farm. The children and turkeys giggle and gobble, and everything is gravy.

2. Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving for kindergarten?

Thanksgiving was originally a holiday to give thanks to God for the harvest. Today it is an opportunity to give thanks for all the good things God has given us. It is also a day to celebrate family.

3. How do you trap a turkey book?

How to Catch a TurkeyThis First Thanksgiving Day: A Counting StorySharing the Bread: An Old-fashioned Thanksgiving Story [Book]Baby's First ThanksgivingMy First ThanksgivingCorduroy's ThanksgivingThe First Thanksgiving: A Lift-the-Flap BookTurkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian Corn: The Story of the Thanksgiving SymbolsThanksgiving Day ThanksThanksgiving CountingThe Perfect Thanksgiving1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving [Book]Bright Baby: Happy ThanksgivingGracias, the Thanksgiving TurkeyThanksgiving Treat [Book]Super Simple Thanksgiving Activities: Fun and Easy Holiday Projects for KidsThe First ThanksgivingA Turkey for ThanksgivingThe Peterkins' Thanksgiving

Editor's Notes

During our children's thanksgiving book research, we found 1,000+ children's thanksgiving book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 46,711 customer reviews through our big data system to write the children's thanksgiving books list. We found that most customers choose children's thanksgiving books with an average price of $6.86.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.