Thanksgiving Storytime – revised It can be difficult to explain to preschoolers the complicated history of America’s Thanksgiving. Instead, focus on the concept of sharing food to show gratitude. For an art project, have each child write what they are thankful for on a slip of paper, and join the slips to make a paper chain. Or, make these Thankful Jars out of old jars: Family Thankful Jar Craft – Teach Beside Me.
Antony, Steve. Thank You, Mr. Panda. Panda receives gifts from his friends that don’t fit, but it is the thought that counts.
Carle, Eric. Thanks from the Very Hungry Caterpillar. The title character mentions many things he is thankful for.
Higgins, Ryan T. Thanks for Nothing. Bruce the bear makes a thank you meal for three mice.
Murphy, Mary. What I Like Most. A little girl names several favorite things.
Parr, Todd. The Thankful Book. Readers are encouraged to think of something to be thankful for in this brightly illustrated story.
Raschka, Christopher. The Blue Table. Several family members share food, including items often identified with Thanksgiving, in this story of gratitude.
Rylant, Cynthia. We Give Thanks. A rabbit and frog cook a meal for their friends as a way to show their gratitude.
Siscoe, Nancy. Friendsgiving. Woodland creatures share food in this celebration of friendship.
Vickers, Elaine. Thankful. During the first snow of the year, a little girl makes a paper chain with a list of things she is thankful for.
Wilson, Karma. Bear Says Thanks. To show his gratitude for his forest friends, Bear hosts a potluck dinner.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool