Favorite Thanksgiving Books

One of our favorite ways to include some holiday magic is through reading good picture books in our morning time.  Even though my youngest is now in high school, picture books still are a great way for us to open up conversation.  This is a list of some of our favorites... from learning about the pilgrims to focusing on gratitude and community.  I'm hoping you'll find something here that inspires your homeschool as well.

 

Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation by Diane Stanley

The time traveling twins and their grandmother are at it again.  This time they don their clothing and travel to Plymouth Plantation to experience the hardships of Early American life.  They learn about harvest, Sunday traditions, and meet a few historical figures along the way.

Sarah Morton's Day by Kate Waters

This photographic picture book follows Sarah Morton as she completes the chores and tasks of the day.  Sarah represents a young girl living in on Plymouth Plantation as she learns to cook, tend the goats and chickens, complete household chores, converse with a friend, and learn how to get along with her new stepfather.  The pictures add a significant amount of context to the story and really make Early American history come alive.

Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf

A cozy read about a real family who hosted a Thanksgiving feast in the woods for over 20 years.

The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell

When Ed and Ann's Thanksgiving dinner burns, what they thought was a disaster turns out to be a blessing.  An immigrant family welcomes them in to their own celebration where they share an evening of food, warm, and community.  This is a great reminder to open our doors and hearts to others during this time of year, and year round.

Thank You, Sarah by Laurie Halse Anderson

This inspirational and historical tale tells the story of Sarah Hale who spends 35 years petitioning Presidents and Congress to revive the tradition of Thanksgiving.  It was through her tireless efforts that Thanksgiving became a national holiday.

Sharing the Bread by Pat Zietlow Miller

This picture book tells the story of a family working together to prepare a Thanksgiving feast.  Everyone plays a part... from the grandfather who makes the cranberry sauce on down to the little boy making pilgrim hats.  When the work is through, all sit down to enjoy together.

Bear Says Thanks by Kara Wilson

Bear decides to throw a feast, and all his friends arrive with dishes to share.  Only one problem... Bear's cupboard is empty.   A heartwarming tale about friendship and being truly thankful.

Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wendi and Harry Devlin

Every year Grandmother and Maggie each invite a guest to Thanksgiving dinner.  This year, Maggie has extended an invitation to Mr. Whiskers, a gruff seaman that Grandmother definitely doesn't approve of.  But this Thanksgiving both Grandmother and Maggie are about to learn that one shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving books?