Reasons to be Thankful: 10 Children’s Books About Thanksgiving

Take some time this year not only to be thankful, but to remind our children just how this time of year came about and the ways we continue it in our homes today.

Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving

In 1620 an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together–a tradition that continues almost four hundred years later.

 

If You Lived In Colonial Times

If you lived in colonial times
–What kind of clothes would you wear?
–Would you go to school?
–What would happen if you didn’t behave?
This book tells you what it was like to live in the New England colonies during the years 1565 to 1776.

 

Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? In brilliant collage illustrations, Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade.

 

The First Thanksgiving

Nancy Davis recreates the excitement and wonder of the first Thanksgiving — how the pilgrims came to America, and how the Native Americans taught them to plant and then joined them in a Thanksgiving feast. Parents can use the simple text and the bright, graphic illustrations of this lift-the-flap book to introduce a very young child to this holiday.

 

Thanksgiving on Thursday

The Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to the eve of the first Thanksgiving. There they meet the Pilgrims as well as Squanto, a Native American who helped them. The story offers an age-appropriate, in-depth picture of what life was really like for early settlers, as well as the usual Magic Tree House adventure and excitement.

 

The Night Before Thanksgiving

Similar to The Night Before Christmas, this book tells the story of a family preparing for Thanksgiving with traditions and stories told over the evening.

 

Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks

Sure, Thanksgiving is about pilgrims and history — and turkey, of course! — but most importantly, it’s a holiday all about everything that we are thankful for. Cheerful, colorful illustrations accompany the simple text in this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday that brings them all together.

 

Thanks for Thanksgiving

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks — the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what is most important is being able to share them with family!

 

Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving

Starring in the school Thanksgiving play would make even the coolest cat nervous. But when Pete the Cat gets onstage, he makes learning the story of the first Thanksgiving fun. With thirteen flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises, this book is sure to be a holiday favorite for every Pete the Cat fan.

 

The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving lasted three whole days. Ann McGovern’s simple text introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion we celebrate today.

 

Source: http://www.babble.com/kid/reasons-to-be-thankful-10-childrens-books-about-thanksgiving/