15 Best Thanksgiving Picture Books for Kids

Thanksgiving picture books have always been part of our holiday season, especially when my son was younger.

Reading together gave us a chance to slow down, laugh, and talk about what being thankful really means.

Some of these stories are lighthearted and fun, perfect for keeping little ones engaged while you’re cooking, while others open the door to history and deeper conversations for older kids.

Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching, or simply looking for a cozy family read-aloud, these books about Thanksgiving can make November feel more meaningful.

Collage of Thanksgiving picture books for kids, including titles like Balloons Over Broadway and Sharing the Bread.

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Learn About Thanksgiving Through Picture Books

Thanksgiving picture books make some of the best read-alouds, especially when you want stories that spark curiosity and meaningful conversations.

The illustrations draw children in, but it’s the themes, gratitude, history, and togetherness, that keep them thinking long after the story ends.

Some of these titles highlight the Pilgrims’ journey, others honor Native American contributions, and many simply encourage kids to slow down and notice what they’re thankful for.

Whether you’re gathered as a family or weaving them into a classroom lesson, these Thanksgiving Day books offer perspectives that make the holiday feel more memorable and heartfelt.

Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

Tony Sarg’s story is a favorite in our house because it shows kids how creativity and engineering come together. The detailed illustrations of the Macy’s balloons fascinated my son when he was about 7, and it sparked a whole conversation about how parades are made. This Thanksgiving picture book works especially well for ages 6–10 if you want to mix history, art, and STEM in one engaging read.

Giving Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

This book introduces kids to Sarah Josepha Hale, the woman who convinced President Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. I like how it blends history with storytelling, older elementary kids will see how one person’s persistence can change a tradition. It’s a useful choice for ages 7–11, especially if you’re looking for Thanksgiving picture books that go beyond the feast and show real historical impact.

Sharing the Bread: An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Story

Pat Zietlow Miller’s gentle rhyme makes this book feel like a song, which makes it fun to read aloud with younger children. My son used to chime in on the repeating lines when he was in kindergarten, and older kids enjoy spotting how each family member helps with the meal. This one works beautifully with ages 4–8 and ties into conversations about teamwork and gratitude.

Around the Table That Grandad Built

This story celebrates a family gathering where every dish and decoration connects back to something Grandad made. I love how it shows kids that Thanksgiving isn’t just about food, it’s about the memories tied to what we share. For us, it opened up a nice talk about our own family heirlooms. Best for ages 3–7, this Thanksgiving picture book has a warm, multigenerational feel that works well for bedtime or group read-alouds.

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story

This is one of the most important Thanksgiving picture books I’ve read with my son because it brings Native American voices into the holiday. Through Weeâchumun’s perspective, kids learn about generosity and respect for the land. When we read it together, my son asked thoughtful questions about Native traditions, exactly the kind of discussion starter you want. A strong choice for ages 6–10 if you’re teaching cultural respect alongside holiday history.

This Is the Feast

This Thanksgiving picture book uses lyrical, almost song-like text to retell the story of the first Thanksgiving. When I read it aloud, the rhythm kept younger kids engaged while the illustrations helped older ones picture the Pilgrims’ struggles and celebrations. It’s best for ages 5–9 and works well if you want to weave history into story time without it feeling like a textbook.

Three Young Pilgrims

This book follows three children making the journey on the Mayflower, which makes history feel more relatable for kids. My son connected with it when he was about 8 because he could imagine himself in their place. The illustrations show both the hardship and hope of the voyage, making it a good fit for ages 6–10 if you’re covering the Pilgrims in homeschool or classroom lessons.

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving

This story focuses on Squanto’s role in helping the Pilgrims survive, with themes of generosity and cross-cultural friendship. When I first shared it with my son, it led to some thoughtful questions about kindness and survival. It’s best for ages 6–9, though younger listeners can follow along too, and it works well as a read-aloud that ties faith, history, and gratitude together.

The Story of the Pilgrims

This is a straightforward introduction to the Pilgrims’ voyage and the first Thanksgiving, written in clear language that younger kids can follow. I found it especially helpful when my son was just starting to learn about the holiday’s history, it gave him the basics without overwhelming detail. It’s a solid choice for ages 4–7 if you want a simple, accessible starting point.

The Thanksgiving Story

This Caldecott Honor book takes a more detailed look at the Pilgrims’ arrival and their first feast with the Wampanoag people. The illustrations are rich and the text is a bit longer, so it’s better for ages 7–11 who can sit through a fuller narrative. My son and I used it as a springboard to talk about both the hardships of the Pilgrims and the role of Native Americans, making it a classic for holiday reading.

A Dinner to Remember: A Tale of Comparison and Gratitude

This story follows a boy who compares his family’s Thanksgiving meal with others, eventually realizing that every tradition has value. When I read it with my son, it reminded us that gratitude isn’t about having the “biggest” or “fanciest” celebration but about enjoying what’s ours. A thoughtful choice for ages 6–9 if you want to highlight thankfulness in a way kids can relate to.

I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids

This interactive picture book encourages children to share what they’re thankful for through simple prompts and colorful art. My son enjoyed filling in his own answers, which made it feel more personal than just reading a story. It works best for ages 3–7 and is a lovely way to start conversations about gratitude with younger kids during the holiday season.

Thanksgiving in the Woods

This book paints a cozy picture of families gathering outdoors for a woodland Thanksgiving celebration. The gentle rhythm and atmospheric illustrations pulled my son in, and afterward he wanted to plan our own outdoor dinner (even though November weather doesn’t always cooperate!). It’s an enchanting choice for ages 4–8 if you’d like a Thanksgiving picture book that feels both magical and grounded in tradition.

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks

This classic series adds a Thanksgiving spin, with the Bear family focusing on gratitude and faith. When my son was little, he always liked how familiar the characters felt, making it easier to connect with the story’s message. Best for ages 3–7, this one is especially nice if you’re looking for a gentle, faith-based picture book for the season.

Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks!

This simple story highlights everyday blessings, family, friends, pets, and more, making gratitude easy for young children to grasp. My son enjoyed pointing out the things in the illustrations that matched his own life, which made reading it together feel more interactive. A good choice for ages 3–6 if you want a short, sweet Thanksgiving picture book that keeps the focus on thankfulness.

Last Updated on 2 September 2025 by Clare Brown

Learn About Thanksgiving Through Picture Books

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