Thanksgiving Books for Preschoolers

This handpicked collection of Thanksgiving books for preschoolers is a perfect way to help make this holiday season extra special.

Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming story that highlights the value of having a thankful heart, a silly book about turkeys, or an age-appropriate book for little ones learning about the first Thanksgiving, you will find it here!

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Thanksgiving Books for Preschoolers

Choose your favorite Thanksgiving books from the wide variety below then cozy up and read with your little one as the holiday season begins.

At the end of this post, I have included a free printable list that you can take to the library or shopping as you look for these books.

What is Thanksgiving? by Michelle Medlock Adams

This is a perfect introduction to Thanksgiving for preschoolers from a Christian perspective. A child wants to know what Thanksgiving is all about. Their questions give you a glimpse of things usually associated with Thanksgiving like parades, pilgrims, relatives, and food. But none of these are what Thanksgiving is really about.

[Spoiler alert] Thanksgiving is really about thanking God for all He’s given us.

I Thank God for This Day by Phil Visher ( Veggie Tales)

This is a cute Veggietale book based on the song Junior sings called, “I Thank God for This Day”. There is a button for your little one to push that plays part of the song.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Bear wants to have everyone over for dinner but he doesn’t have any food to share. His friends suggest something else he can share besides food.

The Story of Thanksgiving by Nancy Skarmeas

This book is very well done! It’s a simple summary, from a Christian perspective, of the story of the pilgrims and Indians (Native Americans) told in a way that will keep a preschooler’s attention.

Thanksgiving is Here! by Diane Goode

This is a charming Thanksgiving story about a big family that comes over to Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving Dinner. It follows the family from sun up when the turkey goes in the oven until evening when everyone says goodbye and heads home.

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B.G. Hennessey

This book is illustrated with pictures showing samples of how pilgrim children and Wampanoag children spent their days. The text is set to the tune of the traditional song, “One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians” but uses the words Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.

Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf

This fun book is based on a true story about a family that shares Thanksgiving in the woods each year with family and friends. Warning – this book does such a great job at making Thanksgiving in the woods look like so much fun your child may want your family to start a Thanksgiving tradition like this. – lol.

Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland

Through fun illustrations and simple text this book shares things children can be thankful for like moms and dads, friends, and Thanksgiving!

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli

Everyone has something to be thankful for. In this story, two children explore what people in their neighborhood are thankful for.

10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston

This is the antics of 10 silly turkeys sitting on a fence. It’s one of the more popular Thanksgiving books among preschoolers. The story is told in predictable rhyming text which will have your child laughing out loud while practicing to count backwards from 10.

The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing

A cute, whimsical story about how one family spent Thanksgiving, told in the rhyming pattern of The Night Before Christmas. This will bring a chuckle or two.

Note: Don’t confuse this book with ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving – which I don’t recommend because the message I think it sends kids is that if they have a good reason, then it’s ok to steal.

Thanksgiving Books for Preschoolers with Favorite Characters

Does your child have a favorite character? Preschoolers will love reading about how their favorite character celebrates Thanksgiving.

• Olaf Gives Thanks by Colin Hosten
• Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving by Kimberly and James Dean
• Happy Thanksgiving, Biscuit! by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
• Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George by H.A. Rey
• Thanks From the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• The Berenstain Bears: Thanksgiving All Around (Lift a Flap) Mike Berenstain
• Mickey’s Thanksgiving by Disney
• Let’s Be Thankful by Tex Huntley (Paw Patrol)
• Just a Special Thanksgiving by Mercer Mayer (Little Critter)
• Caillou Happy Thanksgiving! by Sarah Margaret Johanson
• Corduroy’s Thanksgiving by Lisa McCue
• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M Schultz
• Dr. Seuss’s Thankful Things by Dr Seuss
• Elmo’s Best Thanksgiving Ever! by Jodie Shepherd
• Dino-Thanksgiving by Lisa Wheeler
• Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney
• Spot’s Thanksgiving by Eric Hill
• Construction Site a Thankful Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
• Clifford’s Thanksgiving Visit by Norman Bridwell

Grab your Free printable Thanksgiving Book List! ENJOY!

Looking for more holiday activity ideas?

• Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Preschoolers
• Fun Fall Activities for Preschoolers
• Christmas Books for Preschoolers

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