We are two days away from Thanksgiving! While most of our favorite parts of this holiday include turkey, stuffing, and second-helpings, it’s also an important time to reflect on what we are thankful for, and remember why we are celebrating this national event. But your kids should be familiar with the history behind this day too! To help you, and them, get in the Thanksgiving spirit, try out one or all of these fun reads:

The Thanksgiving Story, by Alice Dalgliesh.

thanksgiving-story

This book follows the story of three Europeans aboard the Mayflower as they travel to America and encounter the many real hardships pilgrims of the time experienced. That is, until they meet the Native Americans who give them hope and share their harvest! It’s a book for all ages that will truly inspire the Thanksgiving message within us all.

One is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale, by Judy Cox.

mouse

The Thanksgiving feast is over. Leftover turkey and pumpkin pie litter the table. Mouse peeps out of his hidey-hole and spots a small green pea. the perfect feast for one mouse. This charming picture book reminds us to be grateful for the little things—a perfect message for this time of year!

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, by Charles Schultz.

charlie-brown

Based off the classic TV special, this story follows Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang as Charlie prepares them a Thanksgiving feast! It is heartwarming, funny, and helps remind us of the importance of friends over a perfect meal.

How Many Days to America? A Thanksgiving Story, by Eve Bunting.

how-many-days

This turns the classic Thanksgiving tale of pilgrims being welcomed by the Native Americans into a modern-day story of a family forced to flee the Caribbean for America on a small fishing boat. It is realistic about both the hardships and triumphs immigrants face, and hopefully inspires those of us who take living here for granted to be compassionate to those who feel new, and possibly unwelcome.

What are you most thankful for this year? Let me know in the comments below!