20 Heartwarming Kids’ Books About Thanksgiving And Gratitude
Just a little fine print 😉 Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means if you decide to grab a book or two, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That being said, I only share things we truly love around here 💛
These sweet reads make it easy to share the spirit of gratitude with little ones.
Between the cooking, the noise of a full house, and little ones who need something to do while they wait for dinner, Thanksgiving with kids often feels like beautiful chaos.
But Thanksgiving is also the perfect time to slow down, snuggle up, and read stories that remind our kids (and us) what the season is really about…gratitude.
Whether you’re building a Thanksgiving book basket or looking for books to help your kids appreciate more and expect less, this list has you covered like gravy on stuffing.
Thanksgiving-Themed Favorites for Storytime
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
This turkey doesn’t want to be the main course, so he tries disguising himself as other animals. Silly, giggle-worthy, and a big hit with preschoolers.
2. Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
This charming picture book is a gratitude-filled celebration of all the little things kids love most…family, food, fall leaves, and pie (of course!). With warm illustrations and simple, heartfelt text, it’s a perfect read-aloud to help even the littlest readers recognize all they have to be thankful for.
3. Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving by Kimberly & James Dean
When Pete takes the stage in his school play, he brings cool-cat confidence to the story of the first Thanksgiving. With lift-the-flaps, fun facts, and plenty of Pete’s laid-back charm, this book is a great intro to the holiday’s history for younger readers.
4. I Am Thankful by Sheri Wall
Part of the “I Am Learning” series, this book uses rhyme and real-life situations to help kids learn what gratitude looks like in their daily lives. A cozy addition to your stack of Thanksgiving picture books.
5. Turkey Surprise by Peggy Archer
Two pilgrim brothers set out to catch a turkey for their Thanksgiving feas but one of them has a different plan. With clever rhymes, playful illustrations, and a heartwarming twist, this story turns the traditional Thanksgiving tale on its head. Gobble this one up, it’s perfect for giggles and gratitude!
6. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M. Schulz
This cute classic brings the Peanuts gang together for a Thanksgiving full of heart, humor, and... popcorn? When Peppermint Patty invites herself (and half the neighborhood) over, Charlie Brown scrambles to host a holiday meal with a little help from Snoopy, Woodstock, and friends.
7. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! by Lucille Colandro
Yep, she’s back…and still swallowing the weirdest things. Kids always love these ridiculous rhyming stories.
8. Thanksgiving Is... by Gail Gibbons
If you're looking for a kid-friendly way to explain the history and heart of Thanksgiving, this classic nonfiction read is a go-to. With simple language and detailed illustrations, Gail Gibbons walks kids through the origins, traditions, and meaning behind the holiday. It’s a perfect blend of learning and thankfulness, making it a great pick for classrooms, dinner table chats, or snuggly November storytimes.
9. Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston
Get ready for some seriously silly fun! This rhyming, rhythmic countdown follows ten goofy turkeys as they wobble, bobble, and get into all sorts of hilarious mischief. With quirky illustrations and repetitive text, it’s perfect for preschoolers learning to count
10. Thanksgiving Day Thanks by Laura Malone Elliott
Sam is on a mission to figure out what he's truly thankful for, and it’s harder than he thought. As his class prepares for their Thanksgiving celebration, Sam explores what gratitude really means, from family traditions to everyday blessings. With soft illustrations and a gentle message, this book is a wonderful conversation starter about thankfulness.
Books That Teach Kids About Gratitude
11. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
A beautiful story of community and generosity as Omu shares her stew with everyone in the neighborhood…until there’s none left for her. But wait…her neighbors return with a surprise! A must-have if you're looking for books about gratitude for kids that warm the heart.
12. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
Bear wants to throw a feast for his friends, but he doesn’t have any food. Thankfully, his forest friends bring something to share. A sweet, rhyming story about friendship, thankfulness, and potluck magic. A classic among books about thankfulness for little ones.
13. The Thank You Book by Mary Lyn Ray
This beautiful book is a reminder that thankfulness can be found in the simplest moments…a soft blanket, a morning walk, a friend’s hello. With poetic text and soft, comforting illustrations, it helps little ones see that gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving. Add this to your shelf of books about thankfulness.
14. Apple Cake: A Gratitude by Dawn Casey
This sweet and simple story is a celebration of all the gifts around us: sun, soil, bees, trees, and the people we love. With gentle, rhythmic text and warm, earthy illustrations, it invites kids to slow down and say thank you for the everyday wonders that make life so delicious. And bonus: there’s a real apple cake recipe at the end, perfect for baking up your own little taste of gratitude!
15. Where Happiness Lives by Barry Timms
This beautifully illustrated tale follows three little mice as they explore what it really means to be happy. Is it having the biggest house? The fanciest things? Or is happiness something simpler and sweeter? With peek-through pages and a message that will melt your mama heart, this story gently teaches kids that joy is found in love, contentment, and sharing what you have. A sweet choice for anyone building a collection of gratitude books for children.
16. Thankful by Eileen Spinelli
This simple, meaningful book highlights everyday people and the small, important things they’re thankful for, from the firefighter who’s thankful for a rescue to the gardener who’s thankful for rain. With gentle humor and soft illustrations, it shows kids that thankfulness isn’t just for special occasions, it’s something we can notice every day. Perfect for families exploring books about gratitude for kids.
17. Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr. Seuss
Leave it to Dr. Seuss to make gratitude silly and fun! With his signature rhymes and wacky illustrations, this story reminds kids that no matter what, things could always be a whole lot sillier. It’s a laugh-out-loud read that helps little ones see the bright side of life and appreciate just how lucky they really are.
18. Thankful by Elaine Vickers
With gentle text and cozy illustrations, this story follows a young girl as she writes down all the things she’s thankful for, big and small, throughout the year. From everyday comforts to special moments, it’s a sweet reminder that gratitude can be found all around us. A lovely read to inspire kids to start their own thankful lists.
19. My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
This beautiful board book celebrates the little things that bring joy, like holding hands, singing, and feeling the sun on your face. With vibrant illustrations by Julie Flett, it’s a reminder for kids (and grown-ups) to pause and notice the everyday moments that make our hearts feel full.
20. Otis Gives Thanks by Loren Long
Everyone’s favorite tractor, Otis, takes a moment to notice all the things he’s thankful for; friends, the farm, and the beauty of the world around him. With Loren Long’s warm illustrations and sweet storytelling, this board book is a cozy introduction to gratitude for little readers. A perfect option if you’re searching for children’s books about Thanksgiving.
Books are a beautiful way to spark thankfulness in kids, but the practice doesn’t have to end when storytime does. One simple way to keep the gratitude going is with a gratitude journal. Whether it’s scribbles, drawings, or a single sentence a day, writing down what they’re thankful for helps kids turn gratitude into a habit that sticks.
Check out these journals to keep the gratitude going beyond storytime.
My First Gratitude Journal
This sweet, kid-friendly journal is perfect for helping little ones build a habit of thankfulness. With simple prompts, fun drawing spaces, and room to write about the people and moments they’re grateful for, it turns reflection into a daily (and totally doable) routine.
The 3 Minute Gratitude Journal For Kids
This simple, no-fuss journal is perfect for helping kids reflect on their day in just a few minutes. Each page includes short prompts like things they’re thankful for, someone who was kind to them, and how they’re feeling. It’s a quick and meaningful way to build a daily gratitude habit—no pressure, just a little time to pause and think.
Grateful Together: A Gratitude Journal for Kids and Their Parents
This is a sweet journal made for parents and kids to fill out together. With simple prompts, space to draw, and fun little activities, it’s a low-pressure way to connect and share what you’re both thankful for. You don’t have to use it every day—just pick it up when you want a meaningful moment with your kiddo.
A Year of Gratitude Journal for Kids: 365 Daily Prompts
This prompt‑filled journal gives kids (ages ~6‑9) one small way every day to notice what brings them joy. With 365 fun prompts—some for writing, some for drawing—it helps them see the big and little things to be thankful for. Over time, it turns gratitude into a daily habit without feeling like a chore.
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t really about the turkey or the pie (though we’ll happily take seconds 😉). It’s about slowing down, noticing the little blessings in our busy lives, and teaching our kids to do the same. Whether you’re reading one of these sweet stories, jotting down thankful thoughts in a journal, or just cuddling up together on the couch, you’re helping your family build a spirit of gratitude that lasts far beyond November. And that, mama, is something to be truly thankful for .
