27 Best Thanksgiving Books for Kindergarten

Pete the Cat puts his signature cool spin on Thanksgiving, making it easy for little ones to connect with the holiday’s history and meaning. My son loved Pete’s groovy style, and the mix of storytelling with historical elements keeps kids both entertained and learning. It’s an excellent way to explore traditions without feeling too formal or serious.

This book never fails to make us giggle with its silly storyline. The unexpected antics of the old lady swallowing a turkey—and a series of other Thanksgiving oddities—had my child howling with laughter. It's the kind of book that sticks in their minds, perfect for a lighthearted family read.

There’s something so comforting about reading a familiar Sesame Street story. Elmo’s journey of gratitude makes this a heartwarming choice for young readers. The book emphasizes family and kindness in a way that resonates with kids, making it a lovely bedtime option during the holiday season.

This playful countdown story is a go-to in our house. The silly turkeys and their rhymes make it easy to keep my little one engaged.

We usually follow it up with a quick math activity, like the free Thanksgiving counting worksheet, for a seamless learning experience.

This isn’t just a fall story; it’s a great conversation starter about nature. My child was captivated by the vibrant autumn colors and the mischievous leaf thief, and it gave us the perfect opportunity to learn more about leaves with a worksheet activity.

We turn to this book when we want to connect with Thanksgiving's origins in a way that’s approachable for young learners. It’s a simple but meaningful introduction to the Pilgrims’ journey, and my son found Squanto’s story especially interesting.

This bedtime favorite teaches kindness without being preachy. It’s one of those stories that leaves everyone feeling cozy. The snowman’s message about gratitude carries through the season, making it ideal to read together in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

This book had us all chuckling as we followed Turkey’s many attempts to avoid becoming dinner. My son found the costumes hilarious, and it’s become a yearly tradition to read it before we dive into our own Thanksgiving meal.

The anticipation in this story really draws kids in. My child loved brainstorming his own ideas for turkey traps, and the humorous tone kept us laughing the whole way through. Plus, the turkey scavenger hunt activity pairs perfectly with it.

The Berenstain Bears’ Thanksgiving adventure feels familiar and comforting. The way it highlights gratitude and family values makes it a gentle reminder of what the holiday is all about. It’s a great conversation starter around the dinner table.

This book’s simple text and sweet illustrations encouraged my son to reflect on the small things he’s thankful for. We followed it up with an acrostic poem activity, using the letters in “THANKFUL” to create a personalized poem.

Nancy’s flair for the dramatic brings a touch of sparkle to the holiday. My child loved the stickers and planning her own fancy banquet inspired by Nancy’s adventures. It’s a playful way to introduce the idea of hosting and sharing with others.

This story captivated us with the creative journey behind Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. My son was fascinated by the giant balloons, and it sparked a great discussion about the artistry involved in bringing joy to so many people.

Biscuit’s simple adventures are perfect for young readers. My child loved following Biscuit’s small but meaningful celebrations, reinforcing the importance of spending time with loved ones during the holidays.

We read this together to introduce the historical roots of Thanksgiving in a kid-friendly way. The clear, simple language made it easy for my son to follow, and it helped us have a meaningful discussion about the Pilgrims and Native Americans.

This book was an instant favorite, thanks to its silly humor. My son couldn’t stop laughing, and it gave us an opportunity to talk about acceptance and embracing differences—wrapped in fun, of course.

Turkey’s adventures at school had my child hooked. The disguises added humor, and the playful storytelling made it a hit. It’s a great way to keep the fun going throughout the season, beyond Thanksgiving Day.

This book introduces the concept of gratitude in a fun and accessible way. Spot’s journey encourages kids to think about being thankful daily, not just on Thanksgiving, which is a message we try to reinforce at home.

We love reading this together to connect with the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It offers an accessible retelling of the Pilgrims’ experience, sparking curiosity and discussions about the holiday’s origins.

This story quickly became one of our Thanksgiving favorites. The message of inclusion and friendship comes through in a heartwarming way, and my child enjoyed the surprising twist at the end.

We always return to this classic for a bit of nostalgia. My child loves the Peanuts gang’s funny mishaps, and it’s a nice way to explore themes of friendship and gratitude with a familiar set of characters.

This book inspires kids to see thankfulness as a superpower, which resonated well with my son. The illustrations are vibrant, and the positive message made it a great pick for reinforcing gratitude.

This lively story had us cheering for the turkey all the way through. It’s fast-paced and funny, keeping kids engaged, and it’s a perfect reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things during the busy holiday season.

Little Critter’s relatable experiences made this a hit in our home. The mix of mishaps and sweet moments reflect real-life holiday preparations, making it a cozy and enjoyable read for kids.

This book brings a chaotic but funny twist to Thanksgiving preparations. My child found Bad Kitty’s antics hilarious, and the story wraps up with a lovely message about appreciating the spirit of the holiday.

We love how this book focuses on the core message of the holiday—giving thanks. It’s simple, yet meaningful, making it a great way to introduce young children to the idea of gratitude.

The build-up to Thanksgiving Day in this book mirrors the excitement we feel at home. My child enjoyed following the preparations, and it got us all in the holiday spirit. It’s a delightful way to kick off the festivities.