Although November is most known for chasing turkeys and giving thanks, there are some other great holidays worth celebrating during this chilly autumn month. Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos, Election Day, Veterans Day, Native American Heritage Day, and of course, Thanksgiving, are all holidays perfect for teaching in your primary classroom. For each of these holidays, there are some wonderful picture books just waiting to be read. Here are some of our favorite November read alouds for kindergarten. We have included a few Thanksgiving books, but if you are looking for more, we have compiled a long list of Thanksgiving read alouds for kindergarten.
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Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a bright and beautiful holiday most widely celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. Día de los Muertos is anything but scary. It is a time to remember, honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. There are many colorful picture books to help bring this lively holiday into your classroom. We have also dedicated an entire article full of ideas on how to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with your students.
Clatter Bash: A Day of the Dead Celebration by Richard Keep
This dazzling story brings skeletons to life for a day of celebration. Join in the fun as skeletons “sip-gulp,” “slurp-burp,” “whoosh-sploosh,” and “swirl-twirl.” This book is a great addition to any classroom library and is sure to make your kids smile.
Dia De Los Muertos by Rosanne Greenfield Thong, illustrated by Carles Ballesteros
This cute children’s book is full of colorful illustrations. It takes children through the preparations and celebrations of Día de los Muertos. The author uses rhyme to give this book a nice cadence. However, I do recommend a practice read before reading it to your class to make sure you’ve got the rhythm and to practice the Spanish words that appear occasionally throughout the story.
Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales
What is Grandma to do when a skinny, kindly skeleton stops by… Make him wait of course. Follow along with Grandma Beetle in this beautiful counting book as she prepares for the fiesta while Senor Calavera waits for her.
I Remember Abuelito A Day of the Dead Story by Janice Yevy, illustrated by Loretta Lopez
A lovely story about a little girl who remembers her grandfather, Abuelito, as her family prepares for Día de los Muertos.
Election Day
Election Day occurs the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Whether it is a Presidential election, or a midterm election, voting is an important responsibility. To help teach students the meaning and value of voting, here are some great kinder read alouds.
The Night Before Election Day by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer
Another fun book filled with rhyme in Natasha Wing’s Night Before series. This book is a cute way to teach kids about Election Day.
One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu
(From the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library) You can’t go wrong with Cat in the Hat teaching all about voting.
Vote for Our Future by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player
Every two years Stanton Elementary transforms into a polling station. Having the day off, the students of Stanton spend their time learning about Election Day and encouraging people to vote.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day can be a difficult holiday for young ones to understand. To help teach about this important day and honor those who have served, we have compiled some of our favorite Veterans Day books for kids. If you are looking for more resources to help you teach all about Veterans Day in your classroom, visit Veterans Day for Kindergarten.
Hero Mom and Hero Dad by Melinda Hardin, illustrated by Bryan Langdo
These wonderful books are about what makes military mothers and fathers superheroes.
Veterans Heroes in our Neighborhood by Valerie Pfundstein, illustrated byAaron Anderson
A fantastic book which shows students that veterans live all around us.
H is for Honor by Devin Scillian and Victor Juhasz
Learn all about Veterans Day as you move through the alphabet with this beautifully written book.
Native American Heritage Month
November is also Native American Heritage Month, and the day after Thanksgiving is Native American Heritage Day. In 1990, George H W Bush designated November National Native American Heritage Month. Here are some wonderful books to help you celebrate Native American culture.
We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac
Traci Sorell, a member of the Cherokee Nation, takes you on a journey through the seasons to say thank you for all things big and small. On each page, you will learn a new Cherokee word, as well as its pronunciation. By the end of the book everyone will know the word Otsaliheliga, which means we are grateful.
Thanks to the Animals written by Allen Sockabasin- a Passmaquoddy Storyteller, illustrated by Rebekah Raye
A sweet story about how the animals of the forest help a Passmaquoddy family, migrating inland for the winter.
Giving Thanks A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup Jr.
Another beautiful book of gratitude. This book is based on the Thanksgiving Address, “an ancient message of peace and appreciation for Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.” (Author’s Note)
Thanksgiving Read Alouds for Kindergarten
Because there are so many great read aloud books for Thanksgiving, we have dedicated an entire article on our favorite Thanksgiving picture books. Here are just a few.
The Very First Thanksgiving Day by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Susan Gaber
With exquisite paintings depicting the journey of the Pilgrims and the help given to them by the Indians, this book shares the story of the first Thanksgiving in a poetic and kid friendly fashion.
Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes, illustrated by Doris Barrette
This bright and colorful I am thankful read aloud is a perfect way to start a discussion about all the things your students are thankful for.
‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
A fun and adorable read about a class on a field trip to a Turkey farm. When the children realize the fate of the eight tiny turkeys, they devise a loving plan to save their fluffy friends.
The Best November Picture Books
Here is a list of all our favorite November 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.
- Clatter Bash: A Day of the Dead Celebration by Richard Keep
- Día De Los Muertos by Rosanne Greenfield Thong, illustrated by Carles Ballesteros
- Just a Minute by Yuyi Morales
- I Remember Abuelito A Day of the Dead Story by Janice Yevy, illustrated by Loretta Lopez
- The Night Before Election Day by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer
- One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu
- Vote for Our Future by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player
- Hero Mom by Melinda Hardin, illustrated by Bryan Langdo
- Hero Dad by Melinda Hardin, illustrated by Bryan Langdo
- Veterans Heroes in our Neighborhood by Valerie Pfundstein, illustrated by Aaron Anderson
- H is for Honor by Devin Scillian and Victor Juhasz
- We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac
- Thanks to the Animals written by Allen Sockabasin- a Passmaquoddy Storyteller, illustrated by Rebekah Raye
- Giving Thanks A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup Jr.
- The Very First Thanksgiving Day by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Susan Gaber
- Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes, illustrated by Doris Barrette
- ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
More Helpful Resources for 4 Kinder Teachers
We hope you find this article helpful! If you are looking for some more teacher approved resources and great activities to do with your kindergartners this fall, read Fantastic Kindergarten Fall Activities. And don’t miss Veterans Day Activities for Kindergarten or Thanksgiving Activities for Kindergarten.
