Thanksgiving Picture Books

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliated links, meaning that I will earn a commission if you click through the links and make a purchase. When…

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliated links, meaning that I will earn a commission if you click through the links and make a purchase.

When November rolls around, I love pulling out all of my favorite Thanksgiving books! Below is a list of my favorite Thanksgiving picture books for the primary classroom!

Click on the links to grab them for your classroom now!

  1. How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton- What happens when the turkey meant for the school play runs loose around school? Will the kids, teachers, and even the principal catch the turkey in time for the show? Follow along this fun and whimsical adventure to find out!
  2. Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano and Illustrated by Lee Harper- Turkey was in trouble- the kind of trouble he knew he needed to get out of before Thanksgiving dinner rolls around. How does a desperate turkey get out of being dinner himself? Get creative and put on different disguises, of course! Read on to see the adorable disguises and if they work.
  3. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson & Illustrated by Jane Chapman- Bear is alone and bored in his cave when he decides to make dinner for his friends. When he finds out that he doesn’t have anything to make a feast, his friends decide to help and create something that is special for all everyone.

4. The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming & Illustrated by Nicola Slater- Squirrel loves fall and all the beautiful colorful leaves on his tree. When he discovers that his leaves are missing, he enlists his friend Bird to help solve the mystery. Will he find out who has taken his leaves and find peace in a season that calls for changes?

5. Thanksgiving is For Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland & Illustrated by Sonja Lamut- This sweet lyrical book shares different things that children can be thankful for and encourages them to celebrate the holiday by simply being thankful.

6. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard & Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal- Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and creating foods that are special to us. Fry Bread teaches readers this very special food part of Native American culture and how it brings family and friends together.

7. The Pilgrims First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern & Illustrated by Elroy Freem- This kid-friendly nonfiction book helps young readers trace back the first steps of the pilgrims during their first Thanksgiving. It’s informative, kid-friendly, and has beautiful illustrations to make learning accessible for children.

8. Who Will Carve the Turkey This Thanksgiving? by Jerry Pallotta & Illustrated by David Bieddryzcki- This fantasical book poses the burning question of who will take the honor to carve the turkey on Thanksgiving. Follow along as the main character fantasizes different mystical and charming creatures who may take charge of dinner.

9. A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman and Illustrated by Jeff Shelly- The people of Squawk Valley need a plump and perky turkey for Thanksgiving. So what did they decide to do? They created a plan to coax turkeys from the woods to be their models as they put on a turkey art show. When Pete, the turkey, shows up to take on the challenge, the people thought that their plan had worked perfectly….but did it? Read to the very end to find out how Pete gets himself out of an elaborate plan to make him dinner.

10. Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman & Illustrated by Teresa Murfin- Did you know that Thanksgiving has lots of rules to follow? Read this fun, rhyming book to make sure you follow all the rules to ensure a fun and festive Thanskgiving meal!

If you need Thanksgiving activities, click on the images below.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

For More Thanksgiving & Fall Activities on the Blog, Click on the Image Below!