10 Thanksgiving Books for Christian Families (& tips for cultivating gratitude as a family)
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the blessings in our lives and teach our children the value of gratitude. Books can be a powerful tool for instilling these values, especially when they are filled with heartwarming stories and uplifting messages. Here are 10 wonderful children’s books that celebrate Thanksgiving and embody Christian values, perfect for reading together as a family.
1. “Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks” by Margaret Sutherland
This beautifully illustrated book introduces the idea of thankfulness in simple, relatable terms. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating both big and small blessings, making it a lovely read for young children.
2. “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson
Bear is throwing a feast for his friends but realizes he has nothing to contribute. This charming story teaches kids about the joy of giving and sharing, with wonderfully rhythmic text that is perfect for read-alouds.
3. “Thank You, God, for Blessing Me” by Max Lucado
Max Lucado’s delightful book encourages children to recognize God’s blessings in their lives. Its rhythmic prose and vibrant illustrations make it a joyful reading experience that reinforces the importance of gratitude.
4. “The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr
Todd Parr’s colorful and engaging illustrations accompany a simple narrative that encourages children to find things they are thankful for. This book is perfect for sparking discussions about gratitude in everyday life.
5. “God Gave Us Thankful Hearts” by Lisa Tawn Bergren
This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey with Little Cub as she learns about the importance of gratitude. The story emphasizes how thankfulness can change our perspective and enrich our lives.
6. In November by Cynthia Rylant and Jill Kastner
While not explicitly about Thanksgiving, this poetic book captures the quiet beauty of November and the warmth of family gatherings, making it perfect for the season.
7. “A Turkey for Thanksgiving” by Eve Bunting and Diane de Groat
In this humorous and sweet story, Mr. and Mrs. Moose try to find a turkey to join their Thanksgiving dinner—until they realize the turkey would prefer not to be on the menu!
8. “Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving” by Laurie Halse Anderson and Matt Faulkner
This fun, historical book introduces kids to Sarah Hale, the determined woman who campaigned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
9. “Thank You, Omu!” by Oge Mora
Not exactly a Thanksgiving book, but a book all about thankfulness! This Caldecott Honor-winning book tells the story of Omu, who makes a delicious stew and generously shares it with her neighbors, only to be surprised by their kindness in return.
10. “The Thanksgiving Story” by Alice Dalgliesh
This classic children’s book tells the story of the Pilgrims and their first Thanksgiving. It is well-researched and beautifully illustrated, providing a historical context that encourages gratitude for our heritage..
If you end up reading some of these, let me know in the comments which you enjoyed most! (Our favorite remains Bear Says Thanks)
Tips for Cultivating Thankful Hearts in Kids
Gratitude doesn’t come natural to any of us, especially kids! But if you want to cultivate thankful hearts in your family, here are a few ideas that might be fun and fruitful for your family!
1. Daily Gratitude Practice: Encourage your children to share three things they are thankful for at dinner each night. This simple practice can help them focus on the positive aspects of their day.
2. Thankful Jar: Set up a “thankful jar” where each family member can add notes about what they are grateful for throughout the month. Read them together on Thanksgiving Day.
3. Acts of Kindness: Involve your children in acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor or donating to a food bank. This helps them understand gratitude in action.
4. Scripture Reflection: Incorporate scripture that speaks to gratitude, such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Discuss what this means and how it can apply to their lives.
5. Prayer Time: Include prayers of thanksgiving in your family’s prayer time. Encourage your children to thank God for specific blessings in their lives.
6. Serve Together: Consider volunteering as a family during the Thanksgiving season. Serving others can foster a greater appreciation for what we have.
Allow these stories and practices to nurture gratitude in your children’s hearts, not just during Thanksgiving but all year long. Cultivating a thankful spirit is a lifelong journey, and together, we can guide our little ones to cherish their blessings and spread kindness wherever they go. Happy Thanksgiving!
