Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday full of family, friends and food. So much food! Whether you are teaching about the first Thanksgiving, or just having some turkey themed fun, there is a Thanksgiving read aloud perfect for the occasion. These fun Thanksgiving read alouds are great for discussion and each one can be paired with a cute Thanksgiving craft.
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Turkey Read Alouds
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the turkey . . . books I mean. Below are some fun and adorable books about turkeys.
Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey
This fun and silly book is about how 8 children on a field trip to Farmer Mack Nugget’s farm react when they find out what is going to happen to the 8 adorable turkeys they have befriended. Not to worry, no turkeys are harmed in this book.
A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Jeff Shelly
This Thanksgiving turkey story is about a clever turkey named Pete. Pete has to outwit the people of Squawk Valley or else he will become the main course for their Thanksgiving dinner.
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper
Turkey was in trouble. It was almost Thanksgiving and he didn’t want to be the main course, so he makes costumes to disguise himself as other animals. “His costumes weren’t bad.” This enjoyable book is both clever and funny, just like Turkey. Marc Maron does a very entertaining online read aloud for Storyline Online.
How to Catch a Turkey written by Adam Wallace and illustrated by Andy Elkerton
This turkey read aloud is from the bestselling series, How to Catch a . . . It will take your class on a wild turkey chase through the school, all because the turkey has a bad case of stage fright. Will they catch the turkey in time to save the Thanksgiving show?
Being Thankful
The following books will inspire children to remember all the things they have to be thankful for. Afterall, isn’t that what Thanksgiving is about?
Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes, illustrated Doris Barrette
Children will relate to this beautiful rhyming book and the many things the characters are thankful for, whether it’s school, turkey or cuddles from mom. This book will get your children thinking about and discussing what they are thankful for.
Giving Thanks A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr.
This gorgeous book has a simple and beautiful message of thanks for all that Mother Earth provides. According to the Author’s Note this book is based on the Thanksgiving Address, “an ancient message of peace and appreciation for Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.”
Giving Thanks by Jonathan London, paintings by Gregory Manchess
In this sweet story a father teaches his son how to see the beauty all around and give thanks to it. The paintings are beautiful. Jonathan London has given us a wonderful book to help us appreciate and be thankful for nature.
The First Thanksgiving
In the United States when we think of the first Thanksgiving, we think of the harvest feast in 1621 celebrated by the Plymouth colonists (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag (Native Americans). Here are two cute books about the first Thanksgiving that kindergartners will enjoy.
The Very First Thanksgiving Day by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Susan Gaber
This lyrical book reminds me of the nursery rhyme The House that Jack Built. It tells the story of the journey of the Mayflower, the plight of the Pilgrims and the helpfulness of the Native Americans. The story ends as it begins with the Thanksgiving feast. This is a very pretty rhyming picture book.
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B.G. Hennessy, illustrated by Lynne Avril Cravath
This adorable counting book tells the story of ten little Pilgrim and ten little Wampanoag children working very hard to get ready for the harvest feast they will share. This fun Thanksgiving read aloud includes an author’s note with questions and answers about how this book relates to the first Thanksgiving.
List of the Best Thanksgiving Read Alouds for Kindergarten
The following books contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we will get a small commission with no additional cost to you.
- Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
- A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Jeff Shelly
- Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper
- How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton
- Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes, illustrated Doris Barrette
- Giving Thanks A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr.
- Giving Thanks by Jonathan London, paintings by Gregory Manchess
- The Very First Thanksgiving Day by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Susan Gaber
- One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B.G. Hennessy, illustrated by Lynne Avril Cravath
More Helpful Resources from 4 Kinder Teachers
We hope you find this blog helpful. If you are looking for some more teacher approved resources and great activities to do with your kindergartners read Thanksgiving Activities for Kindergarten, Veterans Day Activities for Kindergarten, and Blast Off with Great Resources and Moon Activities for Kindergarten.
