10 Kids’ Table-Approved Thanksgiving Books

Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story, by Pat Zietlow Miller and Jill McElmurry
Step back into the nineteenth century, and watch a family as they prepare a delicious Thanksgiving feast. From Grandma to Little Brother, everybody has a job to do, and each has a place at the table—there’s more than enough love (and mashed potatoes) to go around in this warm, lyrical tale.

Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a Holiday, by Mike Allegra, illustrated by David Gardner
In the mid-1800s, Sarah Josepha Hale was a widowed mother of 5 children, a writer, an abolitionist, and a feminist. She was known as the author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” but this month, we remember her as the tireless champion of the Thanksgiving holiday. Her efforts led to President Lincoln’s formal recognition of the day, and her story is inspiring—one you’ll love sharing year after year.

The Boy Who Fell Off The Mayflower, or John Howland’s Good Fortune, by P.J. Lynch
Eager for adventure and the promise of the New World, John Howland indentured himself to Pilgrim John Carver just before the Mayflower disembarked in September, 1620, and his narration of the well-known voyage is fresh and thrilling. Lynch’s exquisite watercolor illustrations complement tender, insightful language—you’ll be thankful for this instant holiday classic.

The Autumn Visitors, by Karel Hayes
The fourth addition to the beloved Visitors series is a delight. Our favorite furry family of four is lumbering along (somehow undetected) in rural New England when they stumble upon some Harvest hullaballoo. From pumpkin patches to Thanksgiving Dinner, fun is ripe for the picking in this special tale that celebrates all of our joyful Autumn traditions.

The Very Stuffed Turkey, by Katharine Kenah, illustrated by Binny Talib
What do you do when you’ve been invited to 5 houses for Thanksgiving? After one too many courses, this very stuffed turkey finds out the deeper meaning behind the holiday. His is a humorous tale of gratitude and friendship that your littlest readers will most certainly devour.

You Wouldn’t Want to Sail on the Mayflower: A Trip that took Entirely Too Long, by Peter Cook, illustrated by Kevin Whelan
Filled with surprising facts and cartoon illustrations, this Mayflower audit is comprehensive, but brief enough to be ideal for the lag between courses—and it might even inspire a Thanksgiving trivia night or two!

Turkey Trouble, by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper
Turkey was “in the kind of trouble where it’s almost Thanksgiving…and you’re the main course.” Fortunately, his moment of self-realization came before the big day; however, he still has to hatch a plan to evade Farmer Jake. Brimming with hilarious disguises, puns, and a cast of plucky farm animals, this is a tasty treat you’ll definitely want to read aloud!

Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving, by James Dean and Kimberly Dean
Everybody’s favorite cool cat has snagged the lead in the Thanksgiving play, and we have a front row seat as he recounts the story of the first feast. Pete’s honest perspective and bold illustrations combine for a delightful holiday diversion.

A Plump and Perky Turkey, by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Jeff Shelly
The good people of Squawk Valley have found themselves without a single turkey in town, and the big day is quickly approaching. Their attempt to lure a fowl results in comic mayhem when a turkey named Pete teaches them to find meaning beyond the feast. This tale is clever, but silly enough to keep your littlest readers entertained.

The Little Kids’ Table, by Mary Ann McCabe Riehl, illustrated by Mary Reaves Uhles
Cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends can all agree: “We all know when the meal is done/which of the tables has had the most fun!” Banished they are not – questionable manners, exaggerated conversation, and dessert rule in this vivid world of rambunctious kids, and you’ll love taking a trip back in time with every read-aloud.
What are your favorite Thanksgiving reads?