November is a month for giving thanks. At Lucky Little Learners, we are so thankful for teachers like you who make a difference in the lives of students every day! We hope you enjoy this selection of picture books about Thanksgiving, family, friends, traditions, and being thankful. These books are perfect to use during the month of November, and some are great for any time of year! Thanksgiving read alouds and activities are included! Happy reading, and Happy Thanksgiving!
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1. Around the Table that Grandad Built
By Melanie Heuiser Hill, illustrated by Jaime Kim
A family gathers from near and far, each bringing their own unique dish. They will celebrate a special meal around a precious table, that was built by Grandad's own hands. A lovely book that shows how traditions can grow and change with each passing year.
Book Activity
Have each student write and share their favorite family recipe with the class. Compile a classroom cookbook to share.
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2. Feast for 10
By Cathryn Falwell
Follow along as a family prepares a feast for everyone to enjoy. This classic counting book is a classroom favorite!
Book Activity
Extend the book with our November Math Centers! 10 different math skills are available for students to practice, all with a fun Thanksgiving theme.
All Access member? Download our Build a Turkey Addition Math Center free.
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3. We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
By Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac
This beautiful, multi-award-winning picture book highlights the traditions of gratitude celebrated by the Cherokee Nation.
Book Activity
As a class, research the indigenous peoples that lived or are living in your geographical area.
4. Our Table
Written and illustrate by Peter H. Reynolds
Things are different in Violet's home. She misses when her family would make time to gather around their table and share stories, meals, and laughs. What can be done to bring her family together at the table again? A beautiful story of family togetherness and gratitude for the small things we often overlook.
Book Activity
For a writing prompt and discussion sharing, have students write about a special place where they like to spend time with their family.
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5. The Thank You Book
Written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Elephant and Piggie star in this easy reader. The two best friends share all the things for which they are thankful. Students may join in agreement with these beloved book characters.
Book Activity: Students can complete an “I am Thankful” Lapbook – perfect for Thanksgiving. This lapbook makes a great keepsake to share with family at Thanksgiving.
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6. Apple Cake
By Dawn Casey, illustrated by Genevieve Godbout
Book Activity
Take a mindful minute in the classroom. Turn the lights down, and guide students through a quiet moment of reflection and gratitude for the things they experience at school. If students are willing, they can share their reflections with the class. Once the gratitude starts flowing, it's easy to keep it rolling. Encourage students to try this activity at home as well. There is always something to be thankful for! For more ways to guide students through their gratitude journey, check out our post about A Week of Gratitude: 5 Lessons to Teach Your Students about Being Thankful.
7. Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie: A Thanksgiving Celebration
By Jack Bishop, illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter
This Thanksgiving, Peyton is determined to try a new food. Will she find something new that is best for her? Choosy eaters will find a kindred spirit in Peyton.
Book Activity
Survey the class and make a list of their favorite Thanksgiving foods. Then make a chart to compare how many people like the same food. It is wonderful to see how unique each families' Thanksgiving meal can be!
8. Thank You, Omu!
Written and illustrated by Oge Mora
Omu is a generous neighbor. She shares her delicious stew with anyone who asks for a bowl. But suddenly, Omu discovers that she has run out of stew! What will her neighbors do to help? A story about generosity and being a good neighbor that is sure to resonate with students.
Book Activity
Make a bowl of “Friendship Stew.” Have students brainstorm ideas about what characteristics a good friend should have. Add each “ingredient” to a classroom picture poster about being a good friend.
9. Gracias, Thanks
By Pat Mora, illustrated by John Parra
Each page of this book reads like a beautiful poem. A young boy makes a list of all the things for which he is thankful. With text in both English and Spanish, this book makes a wonderful addition to any classroom, especially classes with ELL and multilingual learners.
Book Activity
As a class, brainstorm all the ways to say “Thank You!” Do you know how to say thank you in other languages? Write all the answers and suggestions on a poster to share with the class.
10. Run, Turkey, Run!
By Diane Mayr, Illustrated by Lauren Rader
It's almost time for Thanksgiving dinner, and the farmer is looking for Turkey. You know what that means – Run! Turkey! Run! The class will giggle and shout along with this fun Thanksgiving read aloud.
Book Activity
Hold your own classroom Thanksgiving Turkey Relay Games! Try balancing a ping-pong ball on a spoon relay, or balancing a plate of “thanksgiving dinner” on your head. Have fun playing a game of “Farmers and Turkeys,” a fall twist on “Sharks & Minnows.”
Thanksgiving Musical Pictures
Another activity incorporating movement is Thanksgiving Musical Pictures. Think of it as musical chairs without the chairs, running or arguing! This is an absolute student favorite!
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11. Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade
Written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet
This picture book biography tells the real-life story of Tony Sarg, a puppeteer who helped make the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade the joyful spectacle we know today.
Book Activity
For an extension activity, have students design their own working model of a parade float. Have your own class parade to celebrate Thanksgiving! We've got step-by-step instructions on how to set up your own Balloons Over Broadway classroom event!
12. Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving
By Laurie Halse Anderson, Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Did you know that many years ago, Thanksgiving was almost canceled? This book tells the true story of Sarah Hale, an activist who petitioned for Thanksgiving to be a national holiday.
Book Activity
In this book, the author writes, “When Sarah saw something she didn't like, she picked up her one and wrote about it. She wrote letters. She wrote articles. She wrote and wrote and wrote until she persuaded people to make the world a better place. Nothing stopped Sarah.” For this activity, have students identify a cause they care about. Write a letter to a community leader expressing their opinion and how they can make a change.
13. Pumpkin Pie for Sigd
By Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod, Illustrated by Denise Damanti
Maddie has just moved to Israel from the United States, and she is feeling homesick for Thanksgiving. Her new friend Orly tells her about Sigd, a Jewish holiday from Ethiopia, that is celebrated around the same time as Thanksgiving. Together, Maddie and Orly gather ingredients from their diverse community to create a taste of home. They have fun sampling new foods and creating new traditions with each other.
Book Activity
The United States is not the only country that has a special day for giving thanks. Research another country or culture that has a day or celebration of giving thanks, and share it with the class.
14. How to Catch a Turkey
By Adam Wallace, Illustrated by Andy Elkerton
Join a group of students on their adventure to catch a turkey before Thanksgiving day. Will their plan succeed, or will Turkey get away?
Book Activity
Provide students with recycled materials and building materials like tape, glue, or blocks. Students will use STEM skills to design, create, and test their own turkey trap.
15. Bear Says Thanks
By Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
Book Activity
Have students write an acrostic poem for the word “Thankful.” You can find a template for this acrostic poem in the I am Thankful lapbook, mentioned above.
16. The Thanksgiving Door
Written and illustrated by Debby Atwell
This story features an elderly couple and an immigrant family who, through a series of mishaps, come to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner together. No matter who you are or where you are from, everyone is welcome around the table at The New World Cafe.
Book Activity
Students can work together to complete November Math Puzzles, featuring pictures of fun fall themes.
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17. Turkey Trouble
By Wendi Silvano, Illustrated by Lee Harper
It's that time of year again – time to prepare the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. But Turkey does not want to end up on a plate this year! Follow Turkey around the barnyard as he disguises himself to avoid the farmer.
Book Activity
Give each student a blank printout of a turkey. Have them draw and use creative materials to disguise their turkey from the farmer. Encourage students to write about their costumes using plenty of adjectives.
18. Sharing the Bread: An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Story
By Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Jill McElmurry
This story-in-a-poem tells about how a family celebrated Thanksgiving dinner long ago. As you are reading, ask students what similarities or differences they see with how we celebrate Thanksgiving dinner today.
Book Activity
Share the bread in your own classroom. This bread in a bag recipe is fun, easy, and delicious for the whole class! To try the bread in a bag recipe, click here.
19. Turkey Bowl
By Phil Bidner, Illustrated by C.F. Payne
Ethan is so excited. He is finally old enough to play in his family's annual football game, the Turkey Bowl. When a snowstorm arrives on Thanksgiving and changes his plans, Ethan is so disappointed. How can he make this the best Turkey Bowl yet?
Book Activity
Write about something you couldn't do when you were small, but are able to do now. Or, write about something that you are looking forward to doing when you are older. Pass a football around the classroom as you brainstorm and share ideas for this writing prompt.
20. Friendsgiving
By Nancy Siscoe, Design by Sabina Gibson
Follow along with a group of forest friends as they prepare and celebrate their first “Friendsgiving” together.
Book Activity
In the story Friendsgiving, the forest friends make a “Thankful Tree.” Create your own classroom thankful tree. Have students write what they are thankful for on a cut-out leaf, and add it to the tree. This can be an activity done throughout the entire month of November. A Thankful Tree makes a wonderful hallway bulletin board or classroom display.
BONUS: The Thankful Tree easily transforms into a kindness tree in December!
21. Over the River and Through the Woods
By Linda Ashman, Illustrated by Kim Smith
Everyone is invited to Grandma and Granpa's house for Thanksgiving, but when a snowstorm arrives, travel plans must change. Will everyone make it to Grandma's house in time for Thanksgiving dinner?
Book Activity
This book features several different types of transportation. First, make a list of the transportation used by family members in this book. Then, discuss map skills with the class (key/legend, compass, labels, landforms, etc.) Imagine that Thanksgiving dinner is being held at school this year! Have students make a map and plan out the best route from their house to school. What method of transportation will they use to get there? Use GoogleMaps to help plan your trip.
Bonus Ideas
Thanksgiving Bingo
Take a reading break to play a fun game of Thanksgiving themed bingo!
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Thanksgiving Crown
Finish the day off royally with a Thanksgiving crown to celebrate all of the reading, learning and crafting!
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