thanksgiving + autumn books
THANKSGIVING is such a lovely holiday. I mean, a day reserved just for cooking and eating with family and friends is a total winner in my book. I love hearing about other family’s traditions and the dishes they HAVE to have on their holiday table [def sweet potatoes with marshmallows here]. Plus there’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Westminster Dog Show and football… I love it all.
IT FEELS to me like the wealth of super amazing books that perfectly illustrate the lovely tradition and sentiment of Thanksgiving are a bit trickier to find than with some other holidays. Maybe it’s something to do with an adorable [only in books] farm animal being eaten at the end or the controversial history of the holiday that just makes it tough to honor properly? BUT, never fear, I totally have you covered. Our little family def has a few really beloved favorites that are meaningful and funny or sweet and help start a conversation about gratitude and enjoying family and friends [plus a few more that I have my eye on]. I also included a few really lovely books about nature and the magical season change. As always, if you know of some Turkey Day gems, please share them in the comments so we can add to our collection. And Happy Thanksgiving, lovelies. I’m so grateful for you. xo
thanksgiving + autumn books for kids
> Bear Says Thanks is our hands-down FAVORITE Thanksgiving book. We really love the whole series of ‘Bear’ books, they’re all so charming and lovely. And the perfect lilting rhyming aside, this is just the sweetest story and it beautifully captures the real spirit of the holiday.
> ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving is such a cute + FUNNY book from the creator of the super popular Dog Man and Captain Underpants series’. It follows the rhyming structure of its original counterpart, but has a VERY different ending. See what happens when a class full of kids on a farm field trip discover the fate of their new feathered friends. And of course Dav Pilkey’s illustrations are so fun and whimsical.
> Fans of Bruce will love this wee, funny Thanks for Nothing. The mice are SO thankful for everything that they accidentally leave nothing left to celebrate with.
> Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie is a super inclusive, interesting and cool story that both teaches you about the origin of some of your favorite Thanksgiving desserts AND gently encourages ‘particular’ kids to try something new.
> Holly's Thanksgiving Wish is a super cute book about following your dreams with the loving support and encouragement of family and friends. It has a fun rhyming style and adorable illustrations.
> Poor Fletcher is concerned about all of the leaves falling from the trees. When winter comes he gets a sweet surprise in Fletcher and the Falling Leaves.
> Learn about the puppeteer who invented the original balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Balloons Over Broadway. With incredibly detailed collage illustrations, this cool book really shows the genius behind the beloved tradition.
> I love Tomie dePaola [I mean, who doesn’t?]. Strega Nona was one of my absolute favorite books growing up. Strega Nona's Harvest has the beloved Italian grandmother teaching you about the season’s bounty and what it takes to get there.
> I am Thankful is an inclusive book about the true spirit of gratitude. It also includes a little section to practice your own gratitude.
> A sweet simple story about gratitude for nature that ends with all the ingredients needed for you to make an apple cake at home. Apple Cake: A Gratitude is super sweet for littles especially.
> The Leaf Thief is just about the cutest way ever to learn about the changing of the seasons. The illustrations are so adorable.
> Cynthia Rylant is known for her poetic + peaceful stories. In November is about nature’s seasonal cycles, people gathering together and family.
> Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is such a sweet celebration of nature in all of its transitional glory.
> Thanks for Thanksgiving is a cute, simple book that highlights everyday things to be grateful for, like puppies and piggyback rides and rain boots. But MOSTLY for family. There’s a page in the back for kids to write their own list of things they’re thankful for, too.
> Ok Peppa Pig Day of Giving Thanks is just adorable. It’s a super sweet story about being thankful for the little things in nature. The end is pure Peppa and very cute, especially for little fans of the Pig family.
> The Scarecrow is a really precious story of unlikely friendship and defying expectations. The illustrations are very detailed but serene.
> Turkey is terrified when Moose comes looking for him for Thanksgiving dinner. A Turkey for Thanksgiving is a sweet story about friendship and a big misunderstanding.
> We are So Thankful is a guided gratitude journal that provides prompts for you to talk about what you’re grateful for each day.
> In true Peanuts style, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is about friendship and being together with a few of the gang’s silly snafus and life lessons along the way.
> Gratitude is my Superpower teaches kids that happiness is about simple things like family and friends and that gratitude is always in their hearts.
MORE IN… little kids + big kids
