Get ready for Thanksgiving with stories and free printables that inspire gratitude and togetherness.
There’s something extra cozy about fall—the crisp air, changing leaves, warm meals and for many families, a tradition of sharing stories together. If you want Thanksgiving books for kids that go deeper—stories about thankfulness, tradition and togetherness—you’re in the right place.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite fall books for children to share with your family this season. From preschool read alouds to gratitude books for kids, these stories are full of warmth, reflection and celebration. We’ve also included free printables to keep them busy (and learning!) over Thanksgiving break.
Thanksgiving Books for Ages 3–5
My First Dino-Thanksgiving
By Lisa Wheeler
What happens when dinosaurs host a holiday feast? This playful, rhyming story brings prehistoric charm to the table. It’s a great kids’ holiday book for introducing little ones to Thanksgiving traditions with a lighthearted twist.
Turkeys
By Wendy Strobel Dieker
Curious kids will love this simple nonfiction read all about turkeys, the bird that’s become a holiday icon. Perfect for early readers learning about animals and family traditions.
A Cubby Hill Tale: The Giving Day
By Cori Doerrfeld
A sweet picture book about gratitude for kids, this one highlights giving, community and helping others. With gentle storytelling and adorable animal characters, it’s a heartwarming way to show how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Who’s Coming for Dinner, Little Hoo?
By Brenda Ponnay
When unexpected guests arrive, Little Hoo feels a bit unsure. But this charming story shows that opening your heart (and your home) can lead to joyful surprises and new family traditions.
Thanksgiving Books for Kids Ages 6–8
Little Mole Gives Thanks
By Glenys Nellist
Little Mole is feeling down—until his friends help him see the small but special things he has to be thankful for. This gentle gratitude book for kids is perfect for quiet moments and meaningful conversations.
Thanksgiving in the Woods
By Phyllis Alsdurf
Based on a true story, this book about family traditions follows a group that gathers every year to celebrate Thanksgiving outdoors. With poetic text and cozy illustrations, it captures the beauty of nature, community and the warmth that comes from being together.
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story
By Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis Bunten
In this beautifully told Wampanoag story, shared in the Native oral tradition, two children from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe sit down with their grandmother to learn the deeper truth about the first Thanksgiving. Told from an Indigenous perspective, this story helps kids understand Thanksgiving in a more meaningful way.
The Very First Thanksgiving Day
By Rhonda Gowler Greene
This engaging audiobook takes young listeners on a journey back to the very first Thanksgiving Day, when two communities came together to celebrate a shared harvest and honor the earth’s bounty. With rhythmic narration and rich imagery, the story highlights gathering food, sharing friendship and beginning traditions of gratitude and thanks.
Thanksgiving Books for Kids Ages 9–12 Who Are Ready to Think Bigger
Celebrate November
By Kari Noel
This nonfiction gem explores all the things that make November unique—from historical moments to quirky holidays and fun facts. A great addition to any fall reading list for older kids who love learning something new.
Creating Thanksgiving Crafts
By Dana Meachen Rau
For kids who like to work with their hands, this book blends reading with creativity. Packed with simple, festive projects, like a stuffed turkey puppet, Pilgrim place cards and a corn husk doll. It highlights the meaning behind the celebration while offering up some DIY fun.
Pilgrims
By L.L. Owens
This accessible history book dives into the journey of the Pilgrims, their challenges and the events that shaped the early days of the holiday. It’s a thoughtful introduction to early American history. It’s clear enough for younger readers, but layered enough to spark great conversations about what Thanksgiving really means.
Thanks for Nothing (From the Files of Madison Finn)
By Laura Dower
Middle schooler Madison is having a rough time: friend troubles, family stress and not much to feel thankful for. But through ups and downs, she starts to see things differently. This chapter book is full of humor, heart and the kind of real-life moments older kids will recognize.
Why These Thanksgiving Books Are Great for Kids
We selected these titles based on age-appropriate themes, strong storytelling, educational value and their ability to spark meaningful conversations about gratitude, kindness, history and family traditions. Many of these Thanksgiving stories for kids are also popular classroom read-alouds and align well with fall literacy goals.
Free Thanksgiving Printables to Keep the Gratitude Growing
Looking for a simple way to make storytime stick? Something to keep kids busy over Thanksgiving break? These printable activities are perfect for inspiring gratitude and bringing the fun!
- Thankful Template
Kids can write or draw about what they’re grateful for or share a favorite family tradition. - Thanksgiving Activity Packet
A fun way for kids to celebrate the season, with coloring pages, a word search and more.
Whether you’re hoping to spark gratitude, explore family traditions, dive into the history behind Thanksgiving or just have a little fun, these stories and activities have you covered.
Explore Epic’s Thanksgiving collection and make reading part of your family’s celebration!
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Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What age group are these Thanksgiving books best for?
We’ve included something for everyone! You’ll find cozy preschool read alouds for ages 3–5, meaningful gratitude books for kids ages 6–8, and thoughtful reads for tweens ages 9–12. Many stories work well as family read aloud books for fall, too—especially if you have mixed ages at home.
▶ Are these books available on Epic?
Yes! All the books featured here are available on Epic’s digital library. If you’re an Epic subscriber, just click the link above, search the title in the app or visit our Thanksgiving collection to explore.
▶ What if my child isn’t into reading?
That’s totally normal—and that’s why we picked books that are fun, relatable and visually engaging. Try a short, illustrated story, a nonfiction title about turkeys or a craft book to spark their interest. Even five minutes of reading together counts!
▶ Can I use these books and printables in a classroom?
Absolutely! These titles are perfect for classroom read-alouds, book clubs or literacy centers. The printables make great extension activities for writing time or social-emotional learning. Teachers love that they reinforce themes like gratitude, kindness and family connection.
