10 Thanksgiving Books for Children

These books are listed in order of preference with a description and summary. Local libraries often display seasonal items in the children's sections for easy discovery.

Another excellent resource for book ideas is Amazon.com. Readers post lists of their favorites and post ratings and reviews. Also, Amazon allows you to browse through holiday bestsellers.

1.Thanksgiving With Me. By Margaret Wiley, Illustrated by Lloyd Bloom. 1998. Ages 4-8.This storyline is short and simple. The recommended age begins at four, but my three year old enjoyed it. A mother shares her memories with a daughter as they wait for family members to arrive for Thanksgiving. This story is suitable for young children. Older readers may enjoy being introduced to the work of Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975), an American Regionalist painter whose style may have inspired the book's illustrator.

2.Thanksgiving Day. By Anne Rockwell, Illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell. 1999. Ages preschool - K. This book is perfect for introducing the concept of Thanksgiving to young children. A young boy tells his family about what he learned about Thanksgiving in school and the historical images are separated through framing borders, similar to a photo album.

3.The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin. By Stan & Jan Berenstain. 1990. The Berenstain Bears compete for the largest pumpkin prize. The competition becomes all important to Papa Bear. In the end he is reminded of the real reason for celebration at Thanksgiving.

4.Albert's Thanksgiving. By Leslie Tryon. 1994. A cute book with an original concept and beautiful illustrations. Albert the Goose is called upon to assist with more and more of the Thanksgiving preparations.

5.Clifford's Thanksgiving Visit. By Norman Birdwell. 1993. Great for very small children, the story is short and the character familiar from the PBS cartoon.

6.Arthur's Thanksgiving. By Marc Brown. 1983. . A bit long for small children, but a cute story. The plot follows Arthur as he attempts to find someone willing to dress as a turkey for the school play.

7.Thanks for Thanksgiving. By Julie Markes, Illustrated by Doris Barrette. 2004. Ages 3-7. A list of items to give thanks for and space to record your own.

8.This is the Turkey. By Abby Levine, Illustrated by Paige Billlin-Frye. 2000. A rhythmic rendition of Thanksgiving preparations with a surprise twist as they sit down to eat. The turkey is ruined but the festivities carry on.

9.This is the Feast. /By Diane Z. Shore, Illustrated by Megan Lloyd. 2008. Ages 4-8. The most historically oriented of any on this list. The illustrations are vibrant and attractive, thought some of the figures feel a bit stiff. This book pays careful attention to the religious nature of the new settlers.

10.Thank You Thanksgiving. By David Milgrim. 2003. This book is very simple and would be perfect for even the youngest child. The storyline follows a young girl on an errand as she gives thanks along the way.