15 Best Thanksgiving Read Alouds You Will Love
We don’t normally do read alouds in our home, mainly because our son has always enjoyed reading.
However, I have recently discovered that we should be reading to our children until AT LEAST the age of 13!
Oops! Hey, I never said I was perfect!
As we are fairly new to America, I thought finding the best Thanksgiving read alouds would be a fantastic place to start.
A child’s reading age, in general, catches up with their listening age around the age of 13.
That way we can both learn all about Thanksgiving together.
My son absolutely loves reading, check out our favorite book lists for kids there are over 20 book lists included for kids of all ages, for school, for reading, and for every season. Plus lots of free book printables.
As a side note – as it is nearly Thanksgiving make sure you keep checking our homeschool black Friday deals post. This will be updated as soon as we spot any new deals!
If you are wanting to find even more Thanksgiving homeschool activities check out over 25 fun resources for kids aged 5-14.
Grab our free Thanksgiving bookmarks to color and add them to these books.
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I have split these best Thanksgiving books into picture books and non-fiction books.
Thanksgiving Picture Books for Read Alouds
These books are a great way for young children to learn about the history and traditions of the holiday season. These books can help children develop a sense of gratitude, compassion, and community as they learn about the importance of giving thanks, spending time with loved ones, and showing kindness to others.
Sharing these books with young children, parents, teachers, and caregivers can also create lasting memories and traditions that children can carry with them throughout their lives. Reading aloud to children is also a perfect way to improve literacy skills, expand vocabulary, and foster a love of learning.
Furthermore, these read alouds provide an opportunity for families and communities to come together and bond over shared stories and experiences. Whether it's reading a favorite book together or discussing the themes and messages in each story, these books can help strengthen family and community connections during the holiday season and beyond.
this book is a playful take on the classic nursery rhyme "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly."
In this Thanksgiving-themed story, the old lady swallows a variety of foods and objects in preparation for a feast.
In this book, the residents of Squawk Valley are in search of a turkey to feature in their annual Thanksgiving Day parade.
When they come across a clever turkey who suggests that he could be their model for the parade float, they think they have found the perfect solution. But will the turkey outsmart them in the end?
In this classic Berenstain Bears book, Mama Bear teaches her cubs the importance of gratitude and giving thanks.
The book explores the theme of thankfulness through the Bears' preparations for a Thanksgiving feast and their reflections on all the things they are grateful for in their lives.
This fun and silly book follows the adventures of Mr. Wobble, a turkey who struggles to keep his balance as he searches for food.
The book features colorful illustrations and playful language that young readers are sure to enjoy.
In this historical fiction book, readers are introduced to Sarah Hale, the woman who worked tirelessly to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
The book explores the historical context and political struggles that led to the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
This book tells the inspiring true story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who created the first giant helium balloons for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The book features colorful illustrations, photographs, and collages, and offers an engaging and informative look at the history of one of America's most beloved holiday traditions.
This children's book follows a young girl as she reflects on all the things she is thankful for during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The book uses colorful illustrations and simple language to help young readers understand the importance of gratitude and appreciation.
This picture book tells the heartwarming story of a family's annual tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving in the woods with their friends and loved ones.
The book highlights the importance of community and togetherness during the holiday season.
Turkey Trouble is a humorous and entertaining Thanksgiving story about a clever turkey who tries to avoid being the main course for dinner.
The book uses clever wordplay and fun illustrations to keep young readers engaged and entertained.
Part of the popular Magic Tree House series, Thanksgiving on Thursday takes readers on a historical adventure with main characters Jack and Annie as they travel back in time to the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
The book combines fun and educational elements to teach young readers about the origins of the holiday.
Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving is a playful and engaging Thanksgiving story about a group of children who save a group of turkeys from becoming Thanksgiving dinner.
The book uses humorous rhymes and silly illustrations to keep young readers entertained while also conveying a message of compassion and empathy toward animals.
Non Fiction Thanksgiving Books for Kids
Thanksgiving nonfiction books for read alouds are important because they provide a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of Thanksgiving. These books offer children an opportunity to learn about the origins of the holiday and the people who played a significant role in its creation.
By sharing these books with children, parents, teachers, and caregivers can help them understand the significance of Thanksgiving beyond the traditional symbols and customs associated with the holiday. These books can help children appreciate the struggles and challenges that the Pilgrims and Native Americans faced during the early years of the colonization of America, and the role that sharing, gratitude, and togetherness played in their survival and eventual prosperity.
Nonfiction books for read-alouds are the best way to enhance children's comprehension skills, vocabulary, and knowledge of historical events. They encourage critical thinking and help children develop an appreciation for learning and the pursuit of knowledge.
Furthermore, Thanksgiving nonfiction books for read alouds can serve as a catalyst for discussions about diversity, cultural understanding, and respect for different perspectives. They can help children develop empathy and compassion for others, and inspire them to make positive contributions to their communities.
This nonfiction book explores the history of Thanksgiving and its origins in the United States.
The book examines the story of the Pilgrims, their arrival in the New World, and their interactions with the Native Americans who lived there. It also discusses how the holiday has evolved over time.
The Story of the Pilgrims tells the story of the Pilgrims' journey from England to the New World and their struggles to establish a new colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The book explores the challenges the Pilgrims faced, including harsh weather, disease, and food shortages, and highlights their determination and resilience.
The First Thanksgiving is a nonfiction book that tells the story of the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving celebration in 1621.
The book explores the Pilgrims' relationships with the Native Americans, the foods they shared at the feast, and the traditions that have evolved around Thanksgiving over time.
Other Thanksgiving Activities you will enjoy:
If you are looking for even more fun on Thanksgiving check out our FREE Thanksgiving scattergories printables and our Thanksgiving scavenger hunt printable.
If you are looking for Christmas read alouds check out our latest post.
If you are looking for some more Thanksgiving gifts for kids check out our top 20 ideas.
What are your favorite Thanksgiving read alouds? Let me know in the comments below.
Last Updated on 12 April 2023 by homeschoolof1