5 Books for Kids About the True Meaning of Thanksgiving

The true meaning of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for those blessings in our lives. It started several centuries ago when the Pilgrims gave thanks for the bountiful feast they were able to share with the Native Americans. These Thanksgiving children's books celebrate the true meaning of the holiday.

Celebrating Thanksgiving: Giving Thanks by Joel Kupperstein

This book is a part of the holiday series by Creative Teaching Press. It is designed to be an early reader, as opposed to a read aloud book. However, there is still a lot of meaning in its simple words and pictures. On one page, it shows something for which the Pilgrim children were thankful. Then, it shows something for which a modern child is thankful, that is similar. It lays a good foundation for deeper comparison and contrast of Pilgrims and modern children. It can also help children create their own simple stories about that for which they are thankful.

This book is available from Creative Teaching Press, ISBN 9781574715767.

My Thanksgiving Prayer by Crystal Bowman

This large board book features a small child giving God thanks for the big and little things in her life. It's a great introduction to children about the meaning of giving thanks, and can inspire their own prayers and thanksgivings.

This book is available from Zondervan, ISBN 9780310711629

The Story of Thanksgiving by Nancy J. Skarmeas

This is one of a set of charming board books that are ideal for early childhood. They have simple text and sweet pictures and provide a clear concise history and meaning of the holidays. This Thanksgiving version is no exception. It's an annual favorite in my classroom.

This book is available from Ideals Publications, ISBN 9780824941642.

Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland

This book, designated for preschoolers and kindergartners, celebrates the true meaning of the holiday of Thanksgiving. The children in this story may reminisce about the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving, but they focus on what is important to them in their own lives. Follow up this a reading of this book with a discussion of what the children are thankful for this Thanksgiving.

This book is available from Penguin Group, ISBN 9780448422862.

Thanksgiving Day by Anne Rockwell

Mrs. Madoff's class is putting on a special Thanksgiving Day play. As they study the history of the holiday, they are reminded to also be thankful for the things they have. This is an annual read in my classroom.

This book is available from Harper Collins Publishers, ISBN 9780064437899.

Read these books, then have children write their own. Create a poster, mural, or other art project that represents the ideas of the entire class or your family.