As we head into the season to be thankful, the following books, both new and older favorites, can help little ones get into the spirit.
I AM THANKFUL: A THANKSGIVING BOOK FOR KIDS, by Sheri Wall, Callisto Kids, Aug. 11, 2024, Hardcover, $12.99 (ages 3-7)
Teach kids about coming together with loved ones to give thanks! I Am Thankful is an adorable, rhyming storybook that follows three different families as they celebrate the holiday with their own traditions, acts of kindness, and ways of giving back.
This Thanksgiving book features:
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- A holiday adventure―Enjoy a narrative, rhyming story with more than 50 pages of Thanksgiving fun!
- Your own thankfulness practice―Discover a short section in the back including activities and crafts designed to foster more thankfulness.
- An inclusive story―Learn the true meaning of community with a diverse cast of characters and a universally welcoming story.
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If you are looking for Thanksgiving books for kids, I Am Thankful is a warm, fun story for all. —Synopsis provided by Callisto Kids
This charming picture book explores all the little things that make Thanksgiving special. Each little moment is a celebration of love, joy and gratitude. It’s a great way to help kids understand the concept of giving.
TURKEY ON THE RUN! by Alayne Kay Christian, Neha Rawat, Flamingo Books, Sept. 29, 2026, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 4-8)
Run, run, run as fast as you can.
You won’t catch me for your roasting pan!
When a turkey is caught in a trap on Thanksgiving morning, he knows it can only mean one thing: a one-way trip to the dinner table. But this particular turkey won’t give up without a fight, so he takes to the streets in a daring escape! Tailed by a small group of pursuers, he’s determined to make it out of Thanksgiving Day without catching sight of a turkey baster.
But it’s possible that not is all that it seems. Maybe the group chasing him do not want to enjoy him as part of their Thanksgiving meal; maybe they have something else in mind instead . . . —Synopsis provided by Flamingo Books
Bouncy text and friendly characters make for a fun read with a twist. Kids will immediately understand the humor of a turkey who’s trying to escape becoming dinner.
IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR . . . THANKSGIVING! by Maisha Oso, Tom Knight, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Sept. 1, 2026, Hardcover, $10.99 (ages 4-8)
It’s almost time for Thanksgiving, and excitement is running high! It might not be here yet, but there’s so much to do before the joyful day arrives…
From family football gatherings to preparing the most fantastic and fanciful feast to watching wondrous parade floats on TV, there are endless ways to celebrate! But not everyone can read the signs of the highly anticipated holiday on the way…
It’s Almost Time for…Thanksgiving! is a perfect blend of festive fun and read-aloud magic that will have young readers laughing and identifying the misunderstanding at play before the characters catch on. This picture book makes a delightful gift for kids aged four to eight! —Synopsis provided by Margaret K. McElderry Books
This brightly illustrated picture book celebrates Thanksgiving with a touch of humor thrown in for good measure. Kids will enjoy the expressive characters and rhythmic text.
HOW TO CATCH A TURKEY, by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton, Sourcebooks Wonderland, Sept.4, 2018, Hardcover, $12.99 (ages 4-8)
From the bestselling How to Catch series comes a festive turkey tale and Thanksgiving book for kids!
A turkey is running loose in a school right before a Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it so the show can go on? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!). —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Wonderland
This silly book is sure to elicit giggles all around. Kids will love watching the turkey’s hijinks and will relate to fears when performing in front of groups. The wacky illustrations are perfectly matched with rhythmic text that’s a joy to read aloud.
Copyright © 2026 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
