Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. For me, there's just something about a holiday that is all about spending time with family and friends and saying thank you for all of the blessings we've received throughout the year.
One of the ways I use my super mommy powers to shape the minds and hearts of my children is through the picture books we read. Not only are they entertaining, but I love that I can impart wisdom into their growing brains just by reading and discussing a story. Which brings us to our Thanksgiving book collection. I purposely hide away our seasonal books so they are always fresh when the holiday rolls around. There are so many humorous Thanksgiving picture books, many of which revolve around a rebellious Thanksgiving turkey, but I like to balance these with those that delve into the history and meaning behind the holiday.
Turkey Approved:
10 Fat Turkeys
Turkey Trouble
'Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving
Gracias The Thanksgiving Turkey
A Turkey For Thanksgiving
Turk and Runt
I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Pie
Historically or Culturally Based:
This First Thanksgiving Day
If You Were At The First Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Then and Now
Balloons Over Broadway
Thanks For Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving Story
The Attitude of Gratitude:
Grateful
Thanksgiving Is For Giving Thanks
Bear Says Thanks
What Is Thanksgiving
The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks
The Memory Cupboard
Our most favorite Thanksgiving picture book this year is Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman. Even though my boys are just touching the surface of the boyhood phenomenon of "I'm growing at the speed of light and must eat every ten minutes", they already appreciate the underlying theme of Thanksgiving which all people of the male species seem to rally behind: Thanksgiving is for eating as much yummy stuff as you can hold. Thanksgiving Rules takes you through Percy Issac Giffords list of rules for having a wonderful Thanksgiving day. This includes, setting the mood, smiling for photos, help around the house, greet your family and friends, how to fill your plate, and showing your appreciation. The utter silliness of gorging one's self can't help but be secondary to the underlying sweetness behind this story.
Here's hoping this list helps you get into the Thanksgiving spirit. If you have any other suggestions for Thanksgiving or gratitude themed books, I'd love for you to comment below so we can all check them out.
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