10 Beautiful Thanksgiving Children’s Books to Read This November
There’s something about November that makes us want to slow down, pull out a stack of picture books, and spend a little more time reading together.
Thanksgiving books are some of our favorites because they remind us of the things we love most about this season: family gatherings, meaningful traditions, generosity, and gratitude for the little things.
We’ve gathered 10 beautiful Thanksgiving children’s books that are perfect for your November bookshelf. Some tell the stories behind familiar Thanksgiving traditions, others celebrate the beauty of autumn, and a few are simply wonderful reminders to make room for others.
Whether you’re looking for a new Thanksgiving read-aloud, building a seasonal book basket, or planning a trip to the library, we hope you’ll find a few new favorites here!
1. Giving Thanks by Jonathan London
A beautiful reminder that gratitude doesn’t have to be reserved for Thanksgiving Day.
In this story, a father and son take a walk through the woods, stopping along the way to give thanks for the natural world around them. The father’s expressions of gratitude initially embarrass his son, but as they continue their walk, the boy begins to understand the beauty of noticing and appreciating the world.
Why we love it: It’s a gentle reminder to slow down and recognize the gifts that surround us every day. A lovely choice for encouraging gratitude in children without making it feel like a lesson.
2. Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
If watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is part of your family’s Thanksgiving morning, this book deserves a spot on your shelf!
Balloons Over Broadway tells the true story of Tony Sarg, the imaginative puppeteer who helped create the giant balloons that have become such an iconic part of the parade.
With colorful illustrations and a fascinating look at the creative process, this book brings a beloved Thanksgiving tradition to life.
Why we love it: It’s a wonderful combination of history, creativity, and Thanksgiving magic. We especially love books that help children see the people and ideas behind familiar traditions.
Find Balloons Over Broadway on Amazon
3. In November by Cynthia Rylant
Not every book on your November bookshelf needs to be specifically about Thanksgiving.
In November captures the quiet beauty of late autumn as animals prepare for winter, the days grow colder, and families gather together.
Cynthia Rylant’s lyrical writing and Jill Kastner’s warm illustrations make this one of those books that feels like November itself.
Why we love it: It’s peaceful, nostalgic, and full of the little seasonal details that make autumn special. Perfect for a cozy afternoon read-aloud.
4. Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf
Inspired by a real family tradition, Thanksgiving in the Woods follows a family gathering for an outdoor Thanksgiving celebration.
There’s food, music, laughter, and a wonderful sense of community as everyone comes together beneath the autumn trees.
Why we love it: This story reminds us that some of the best holiday traditions are the ones that bring people together. It’s especially fun for families who love the outdoors or enjoy celebrating in their own unique ways.
Find Thanksgiving in the Woods on Amazon
5. Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
Sometimes the simplest books have the sweetest messages.
Thanks for Thanksgiving celebrates all the wonderful things children can be grateful for, from family and friends to everyday experiences that make life special.
Doris Barrette’s cheerful illustrations and the gentle rhyming text make this a lovely read for younger children.
Why we love it: It’s an easy way to start conversations about gratitude with little ones. After reading, try asking everyone to share something they’re thankful for!
Find Thanks for Thanksgiving on Amazon
6. Thankful by Eileen Spinelli
What does it really mean to be thankful?
In this charming rhyming picture book, Eileen Spinelli introduces different people and the things they appreciate about their lives and work.
From everyday responsibilities to meaningful relationships, the story reminds readers that gratitude can be found in all sorts of places.
Why we love it: The playful rhymes make it fun to read aloud, while the message encourages children to look beyond the obvious things they’re grateful for.
7. Giving Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday by Denise Kiernan
Have you ever wondered how Thanksgiving became an official American holiday?
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Sarah Josepha Hale, the determined writer and advocate who spent years encouraging national leaders to establish a shared day of Thanksgiving.
It’s a fascinating introduction to an important piece of American history and the persistence of one woman who believed in the power of gratitude to bring people together.
Why we love it: We love a picture book that teaches us something new! This is a wonderful choice for older children who are ready to learn more about the history behind Thanksgiving.
8. Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
Here’s another wonderful look at the remarkable woman behind our national Thanksgiving holiday.
Thank You, Sarah introduces readers to Sarah Josepha Hale, whose determination and years of letter-writing helped convince President Abraham Lincoln to proclaim a national day of Thanksgiving.
With lively storytelling and expressive illustrations by Matt Faulkner, this book makes history especially engaging for young readers.
Why we love it: It’s a fun reminder that one determined person can make a difference. We also love the opportunity to introduce children to an interesting woman from history.
Find Thank You, Sarah on Amazon
9. Over the River and Through the Wood by Lydia Maria Child
Few things feel more nostalgic than this familiar Thanksgiving song!
This illustrated edition pairs Lydia Maria Child’s beloved poem with Christopher Manson’s beautiful woodcut illustrations, following a family on their journey to Grandmother and Grandfather’s house for Thanksgiving.
The old-fashioned winter scenes and familiar words make this a lovely book to revisit year after year.
Why we love it: There’s something special about sharing the songs and stories we remember from childhood with our own children. This one feels like a little piece of Thanksgiving nostalgia.
Find Over the River and Through the Wood on Amazon
10. The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell
This heartwarming story begins when an elderly couple’s Thanksgiving plans don’t go quite as expected.
After their dinner is ruined, they find themselves at a restaurant where a family is preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving together. What follows is a touching story about hospitality, generosity, and making room for others.
Why we love it: This is such a beautiful reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t only about the food on the table. It’s about the people we welcome around it.
Find The Thanksgiving Door on Amazon
Make Thanksgiving Books Part of Your Family Traditions
One of our favorite things about seasonal books is how easily they become part of a family’s traditions.
You don’t need a huge collection or an elaborate reading schedule. A few books from the library, a cozy blanket, and ten minutes together can be enough.
Here are a few simple ways to enjoy Thanksgiving books this November:
- Create a November book basket. Gather your Thanksgiving and autumn favorites in one spot where the kids can reach them.
- Read a book before Thanksgiving dinner. Choose a story about gratitude or gathering together to set the tone for the day.
- Start a gratitude conversation. After reading, ask everyone to share one little thing they’re thankful for.
- Pair a book with a tradition. Read Balloons Over Broadway before watching the parade, or sing Over the River and Through the Wood on your way to Thanksgiving dinner.
However you choose to celebrate, we hope these stories bring a little extra warmth and meaning to your November days.
Happy reading, and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The Threads Between!
