20+ FUN Thanksgiving Books for Preschoolers

Get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in November with these fun thanksgiving books for preschoolers. We have over 20 clever stories centering around a turkey, thanksgiving story for preschoolers, Pilgrims, being thankful, and more! These are such fun book recommendations for toddler, preschool, pre k, and kindergarten age children to read together this fall!

Thanksgiving Books for Preschoolers

Thanksgiving is a time of family, food, and gratitude. There are a wide range of beautiful children’s books available to introduce kids to this holiday and all of the traditions associated with it. This list of Thanksgiving books for preschoolers is full of fun characters, yummy foods, and family traditions.

Thanksgiving books for preschool

These preschool thanksgiving books are such fun picture books filled with beautiful illustrations, rhyming text, or wonderfully retold stories of the first thanksgiving. From turkey books for preschool to pilgrims – we’ve got lots of fun picture books for toddlers, prek, kindergartners, first graders and more!

Thanks for Thanksgiving was written by Julie Markes and illustrated by Doris Barrette. This sweet rhyming story reminds kids of all of the things that they can be thankful for, both big and small. The simple rhyming text is paired with colorful and detailed illustrations.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! was written by Lucille Colandro and illustrated by Jared D. Lee. This addition to the popular Old Lady series follow the old lady as she swallows a variety of Thanksgiving symbols. The repeating text and silly ending will make this a favorite for young kids.

How to Catch a Turkey was written by Adam Wallace and illustrated by Andy Elkerton. When a turkey breaks free during a practice for the school Thanksgiving play, all kinds of silliness ensues. The wacky story is paired with striking and funny illustrations that kids will laugh along with.

Turkey Trouble was written by Wendi Silvano and illustrated by Lee Harper. Turkey knows that Thanksgiving spells trouble for him. So he decides to dress up in different costumes to hide himself. Kids will love the different costumes that Turkey comes up with.

Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks! was written by Margaret Sutherland and illustrated by Sonja Lamut. This sweet book follows a group of kids as they share the many things that they are thankful for. The gentle illustrations and simple text make this an easy one to read aloud with young kids.

Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving was written and illustrated by James and Kimberly Dean. Join Pete the Cat as he shares the history of Thanksgiving Day. The lift the flap illustrations are done in the same familiar style, which fans of the character will love.

Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving was written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer. This story follows the popular Little Critter character as he takes part in the school play, attends a parade, and participates in more familiar holiday traditions. The story doesn’t explain about the background of the holiday, but touches on other familiar traditions.

Bear Says Thanks was written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman. This adorable story of gratitude follows Bear as he plans a feast for his friends. But after he realizes that his cupboards are bare, he is surprised and grateful when his friends bring all kinds of delicious treats to share. Teach kids about gratitude with these fun ideas!

fLlama Llama Gives Thanks was written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. This sweet board book is a short poem featuring Llama Llama and his loved ones. The simple rhyming text highlights the sights, smells, and symbols of the holiday, while the colorful and gentle illustrations are done in Dewdney’s signature style.

Thankful was written by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Archie Preston. Everyone has something that they are thankful for. The sweet rhyming text in this book and the adorable illustrations highlight the many things that different kinds of people are thankful for every day.

The Story of the Pilgrims was written by Katherine Ross and illustrated by Carolyn Croll. This story offers follows the Pilgrim’s on their voyage across the ocean, and offers a simple explanation of the First Thanksgiving. The story is paired with colorful illustrations.

The Night Before Thanksgiving was written by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Tammie Lyon. This seasonal spin on the classic Christmas poem follows a family as they prepare for the holiday. The familiar rhyme and fun illustrations make this a great story for reading aloud. Check out these fun ideas for celebrating the night before Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Books for Kids

In November was written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Jill Kastner. This beautiful book celebrates all of the preparations and celebrations that the month of November brings. From animals preparing for the winter months to people giving thanks, the lyrical text and detailed illustrations show the reader the many important things that happen during the month.

The Great Thanksgiving Escape was written and illustrated by Mark Fearing. Gavin and his cousin Rhonda are celebrating Thanksgiving at their Grandma’s house. They decide to make a break for the backyard and the swing set that is calling to them, but first they have to get through the obstacles in the house. The funny story and hilarious illustrations are sure to delight young readers.

My First Thanksgiving was written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. This colorful board book introduces young readers to the story of Thanksgiving with very simple text and colorful illustrations done in his signature style.

A Turkey for Thanksgiving was written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Diane deGroat. Mr. and Mrs. Moose are preparing for Thanksgiving, and she really wants a turkey for her table. So Mr. Moose heads out on a mission to find one. Kids will love the sweet twist at the end of the story, as well as the adorable animal illustrations.

A Plump And Perky Turkey was written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Jeff Shelly. When the townspeople of Squawk Valley want a turkey for Thanksgiving, they have to come up with a plan to trick the clever bird. Kids will enjoy this silly story which uses a peppy rhyming text and is paired with colorful and funny illustrations. Check out these fun activities to pair with the book!

Franklin’s Thanksgiving was written by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark. When Franklin finds out that his grandparents won’t be joining them for Thanksgiving, he decides to invite some friends over. But his parents have the same idea! The story of gratitude and community is paired with adorable illustrations of Franklin and his animal friends.

Thanksgiving Rules was written by Laurie Friedman and illustrated by Teresa Murfin. This hilarious story follows a young boy named Percy Isaac Gifford as he lays out his rules for Thanksgiving. Kids and parents will both appreciate the funny rules and the silly detailed illustrations that match with them.

Fancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving Banquet was written by Jane O’Connor and illlustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Join the Clancy family as they celebrate Thanksgiving in style. The text is full of Nancy’s fancy vocabulary words, and paired with colorful illustrations highlighting Nancy’s over the top style.