Thanksgiving Reading for Kids of All Ages
I’ve noticed a few of my favorite bloggers linking to Christmas and Advent reading lists and book recommendations recently. I’m all about a good family reading practice. I can think of no better way to practice a mindful Advent or celebrate Christmas than reading to a child or curling up with a good book.
You’ll likely hear a bit from me in the coming weeks about my favorite Christmas books for children. In the meantime, I thought I’d share a few Thanksgiving books my family and I have been enjoying. First, a few thoughts on why to bother with seasonal or holiday books in the first place:
For younger children, story is the perfect way to introduce the traditions and meaning behind holidays. Before they can comprehend the complex origins of Thanksgiving, or note the date on a calendar, they can begin to develop an understanding from the stories we tell and the books we read them.
Whether beautiful and serious, or silly and fun, holiday children’s books are a valuable resource for parents. And, because the holiday book section of most libraries clears out fast, it may be worth investing in a few books for your family’s personal library to enjoy each year.
For older children, Thanksgiving break is really the perfect time for independent readers to begin a new chapter book or start a new series. If they’re traveling, they’ll need a book or two. Having a book handy can also help fill in the gaps when waiting for dinner to be ready at a relative’s house or before bed at the hotel.
If you’re staying home this Thanksgiving, hopefully the long weekend will provide lots of extra downtime for reading. I usually avoid the hustle and bustle of Black Friday like the plague. Friday sounds like the perfect day to lounge around eating leftovers and reading.
With that in mind, here’s a quick round-up of what we will be reading this week and next. Check your library first (you may luck out). If not, you’re in luck with Prime one day or two day (affiliate links included).
Books for Littles
There’s no shortage of Thanksgiving books featuring all of your kid's favorite cartoon and story characters. Some are good, some not so much. We have a few that are decent. To be honest, I’d recommend opting for an original story or beautifully written non- fiction.
Any from the list below would be great, but I’m partial to Squanto’s Journey. Turkey Trouble is a ton of fun (be sure to read from the perspective of each animal in a different voice.) Little ones love it!
Books for Big Kids
Pickens get a bit slim for older kiddos in terms of true “First Thanksgiving” narratives. But, assuming they already have a working understanding of the history of the Pilgrims, Mayflower, and Wampanoag, I think it’s ok to branch out. Consider a chapter book set in colonial America. Or, a book that touches on the complex relationship between the early colonists and the native people they encountered. Actually, come to think of it the book “Encounter” might be a good choice for younger kids too.
There are also some great nonfiction books geared at middle grade readers for kids that prefer that to narrative fiction.
If all else fails, any good book, even one in no way related to Thanksgiving is better than no book at all. Just keep them reading. Hopefully you can make some time to enjoy a good book and a hot cup of coffee too!
