Sharing the Spirit of Thanksgiving with Your Kids

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year for traditions, family, and over-eating without guilt. However, Thanksgiving is more than just a meal. It's a story of hope, giving, and rejoicing. Share the spirit of Thanksgiving by reading one of these great Thanksgiving books for kids.

For children under the age of four, "The Story of Thanksgiving " by Nancy J. Skarmeas is an excellent choice. This board book is a colorful representation of the pilgrims and their first year in the new world.

"Thanks for Thanksgiving " by Julie Markes is an enchanting romp through colorful pictures of the various things that one has to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. It's simple sentences and colorful pictures encourage young readers and the special section for kids to write Thanksgiving memories makes a wonderful keepsake.

For advanced first graders, second and third graders, "The First Thanksgiving (Step-Into-Reading, Step 3) " by Linda Hayward is a history of the Pilgrims. The book covers their reasons for leaving England and their journey to the New World. It also covers how they suffered that first winter, how they met Squanto who helped them survive, and that first harvest feast. It's a great introduction to Thanksgiving history.

Squanto and the First Thanksgiving (On My Own Holidays) by Joyce K. Kessel focuses on the background of the Indian Squanto, who helped the Pilgrims survive in the New World. Squanto was an English-speaking Christian and former European slave, who was able to return to his village. This is an excellent perspective on the life of Squanto.

"Thanksgiving on Thursday" (Magic Tree House #27) by Mary Pope Osborne, is an excellent children's Thanksgiving book for fans of this popular children's series. The Magic Tree House transports the kids back to the first Thanksgiving where Jack and Annie have an adventure featuring the Pilgrims and Squanto.

Watching "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" by Charles Schulz on TV has become a Thanksgiving tradition, but few people know that it's also a children's thanksgiving book. It's colorful pictures help everyone relieve this wonderful tale of a friend trying to create holiday memories the best way he can. Just thinking of Snoopy in his pilgrim costume brings on a smile.

Spending quality time reading a kid's Thanksgiving book is a lovely way to start a family Thanksgiving tradition. It will teach your children that there is more to Thanksgiving than food and football.

References:

The Story of Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving (Step-Into-Reading, Step 3)

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Peanuts)

Squanto and the First Thanksgiving (On My Own Holidays)

Thanks for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving on Thursday (Magic Tree House #27)