Thanksgiving Books for Kindergarten: Celebrating Gratitude and Togetherness

Fall, Seasonal, Uncategorized

Thanksgiving offers a perfect opportunity to explore themes of gratitude, family, and turkeys, of course! Reading Thanksgiving books can bring these concepts to life in relatable ways for kindergartners, helping them understand the importance of giving thanks while also introducing them to holiday themes. Here’s a list of some favorite Thanksgiving books for kindergarten that will make read aloud time both meaningful and fun!

Thanksgiving Books About Turkeys

1. Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano

This humorous story follows a turkey as he disguises himself in different costumes to avoid becoming the Thanksgiving meal! Kids will enjoy seeing the turkey’s funny disguises!

Teaching Tip: After reading, let students do their own “disguise a turkey” activity. This can also be sent home as a family project!

2. 10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston

This is a rhyming countdown book that follows ten silly turkeys who engage in wacky antics on a fence. As each turkey falls off one by one, children will giggle at their goofy escapades while practicing basic counting skills.

3. A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman

A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman tells the story of the town of Squawk Valley, where townsfolk hatch a clever plan to lure a turkey for Thanksgiving by hosting an art show featuring turkey sculptures. Will their plump and perky guest, Pete the Turkey, outsmart them?

Teaching Tip: This Number Order Turkey Craft is a fun follow-up activity! Plus, it makes an adorable bulletin board!

4. Turkeys! By Hope Aicher

Have your students ever seen a real turkey? This nonfiction book includes many high-quality photographs of turkeys that students will find interesting. It also includes fun facts about turkeys!

Thanksgiving Books About Gratitude

1. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

The “Bear” series is just about perfect in every way, and this book is one of my all-time favorites. In this charming tale, Bear wants to have his friends over for a feast, but his cupboards are bare! Students always love the fun text and beautiful illustrations in this book.

2. I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids by Sheri Wall

This story follows children and their families as they share traditions and express gratitude during Thanksgiving. With its simple text, this book encourages children to reflect on what they’re thankful for, making it a great addition to your classroom during the Thanksgiving season.

3. Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego

Here’s a sweet story that follows a young girl as she learns the importance of being thankful for the little things in life. This book offers a gentle introduction to practicing gratitude, with relatable examples and charming illustrations that are ideal for discussions on thankfulness.

4. I Am Thankful by Sonali Fry

This Little Golden Book celebrates gratitude and the joys of Thanksgiving traditions through a child’s perspective. With simple text and classic illustrations, this book is perfect for kindergarteners, helping them understand thankfulness and family togetherness in a way they can easily relate to during the holiday season.

5. The Gratitude Goggles by Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez

This book introduces children to the idea of seeing the world through a positive, appreciative lens, even when things don’t go their way! Through a relatable story, this book encourages children to practice gratitude in everyday situations, making it a valuable tool for discussions about gratitude.

6. Dr. Seuss’s Thankful Things by Dr. Seuss

This is a quick but fun story about what Thing One and Thing Two are thankful for. It would work great as an introduction to naming things your students are thankful to have!

Teaching Tip: After reading about gratitude, make these “I Am Thankful!” turkeys or crowns!

More Great Thanksgiving Books for Kindergarten

1. Porcupine’s Pie by Laura Renauld

Here’s a heartwarming story about Porcupine, who sets out to make her famous pie for “Fall Feast Day” but soon realizes she’s missing ingredients. With a spirit of generosity, she shares what she has with friends in need, teaching children the value of kindness, sharing, and friendship.

2. Balloons Over Broadway: The Inspiring True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by Laura Sweet

This fascinating book introduces readers to Tony Sarg, the creative mind behind the famous balloon puppets in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With captivating illustrations and a true story of innovation, this book is a fantastic addition to your classroom this Thanksgiving!

3. Franklin’s Thanksgiving by Paulette Bourgeois

In this story from the classic “Franklin” series, Franklin is looking forward to everything he loves about Thanksgiving. However, when he finds out his grandparents won’t be there to celebrate with them this year, he decides to invite some friends over for Thanksgiving dinner instead. Children will love seeing how Franklin ends up celebrating the holiday!

4. Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf

This is a story of a family who gathers in the forest each year with friends and neighbors to celebrate Thanksgiving outdoors. It’s a wonderful story with great illustrations, and it’s the perfect read aloud to lead into discussions about Thanksgiving traditions.

Teaching Tip: After discussing Thanksgiving traditions, have students write about their own Thanksgiving traditions during center time. This writing center pack has printable story writing paper and other writing supports.

5. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey by Lucille Colandro

This is a Thanksgiving twist on the classic “There was an old lady…” tale. Kindergarteners will love following the silly story as the old lady swallows all kinds of Thanksgiving items, leading to a surprising and fun finale.

6. Bad Kitty Does Not Like Thanksgiving by Nick Bruel

Do your students love Bad Kitty? This silly story is about how Bad Kitty will do anything to get some Thanksgiving turkey! Your students will love finding out why Bad Kitty does not like Thanksgiving.

7. Clifford’s Thanksgiving Visit by Norman Bridwell

This story is about classic children’s character Clifford, who wants to go to the city on Thanksgiving to find his mom. Your kindergarteners will enjoy Clifford’s journey and the mishaps along the way!

Bonus Read Aloud: Nate the Great Talks Turkey by Marjorie Weinmann Sharmat

Young detective Nate the Great is on a mission to solve the mystery of a missing giant turkey just in time for Thanksgiving. With humor and clever problem-solving, this book makes an entertaining read aloud that you can spread out over several days!

Have Fun Celebrating Thanksgiving in Your Classroom!

These Thanksgiving books for kindergarten are a wonderful way to explore gratitude and kindness in an accessible and joyful way. Whether through silly stories, sweet illustrations, or heartfelt messages, each of these books has something unique to offer your students. So gather your students around and share these tales of thanks this season!