Time for Turkey! Thanksgiving Picture Books

Thanksgiving Picture Books!

Christmas is coming but don’t forget to take time to be thankful first! Here are some of our Thanksgiving book picks to make turkey time even more special!

IN NOVEMBER, by Cynthia Rylant
In November, the weather gets cooler, and the earth and all its creatures prepare for winter. Animals gather food and seek shelter; and families and friends gather to celebrate their blessings. This story with the beautiful, warm illustrations should be enjoyed in a cozy chair with a cup of hot apple cider. (family, traditions)

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING, by Dav Pilkey
A busload of school children go on a field trip to a turkey farm where Farmer Mack Nuggett shows them around. When the children learn that the turkeys will be Thanksgiving dinner, they concoct a plan to save them. The children line up to get back on the bus, but they have grown mysteriously fatter with feathers sticking out from under their clothes. (caring, compassion)

A TURKEY FOR THANKSGIVING, by Eve Bunting
Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite Mr. and Mrs. Goat, Sheep, Rabbit, and Porcupine for Thanksgiving; but Mrs. Moose tells Mr. Moose they don’t have a turkey. So Mr. Moose promises he will find one. He searches the woods and finally finds Turkey’s nest with a sign that says, “No Turkeys Here!” However, Mr. Moose sees Turkey and lumbers after him yelling, “Don’t run! We just want you for Thanksgiving dinner.” Mr. Moose finally catches Turkey and takes him home. Poor, scared Turkey is surprised to discover that he is an honored guest for Thanksgiving and is seated at the head of the table. (friendship, celebration, belonging)

THANKSGIVING IS……, by Gail Gibbons
With minimal text and colorful illustrations, Gail Gibbons describes Thanksgiving as turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. But she also tells about the origin of the holiday with Pilgrims and Native Americans as well as how it has evolved into the familiar festivities shared with family and friends. (traditions, celebration, family, friends, history)

GIVING THANKS, by Jonathan London
On a nature walk, a father teaches his son to celebrate the interconnectedness of the natural world through daily words of thanks. (appreciation, gratitude, family)