Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet celebrates Tony Sarg, the innovative creator of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s iconic giant balloons. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, the book traces Sarg’s journey from a curious child fascinated by puppetry to an artistic visionary. Highlighting his imagination and engineering prowess, it captures the magic of invention and the joy his creations bring to millions. Perfect for young readers, this nonfiction picture book combines history, art, and inspiration.
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp and illustrated by Erwin Printup Jr. is a beautifully written and illustrated book celebrating gratitude and the natural world. Based on the Iroquois Thanksgiving Address, it offers a poetic tribute to the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. The book’s vibrant illustrations and simple yet profound message make it an excellent read for children and adults alike, inspiring daily appreciation for the environment and all its gifts.
Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jill McElmurry, is a heartwarming picture book celebrating family, food, and gratitude. Set in the early 20th century, it follows a family as they work together to prepare a Thanksgiving feast. From baking bread to basting turkey, each family member has a special role. The rhythmic, rhyming text pairs beautifully with nostalgic illustrations, making it an ideal read-aloud for the holiday season. This touching tale emphasizes togetherness and tradition, making it a beloved addition to Thanksgiving celebrations.
Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera, is a heartfelt poetry collection celebrating gratitude. Through diverse voices, each poem captures moments of thanks—from appreciating teachers and family to acts of kindness and small joys. The vibrant illustrations beautifully complement the thoughtful, rhythmic words. This book encourages readers, young and old, to recognize and express gratitude in everyday life. Its warmth and accessibility make it perfect for sharing at home or in the classroom.
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay is a collection of 102 lyrical essays, each capturing a small moment of joy from the author’s everyday life. Written over a year, the reflections explore themes of gratitude, connection, and mindfulness, touching on everything from a flower’s bloom to unexpected kindness. Gay’s poetic, thoughtful prose transforms ordinary experiences into profound meditations on delight. This uplifting book invites readers to pause, notice, and celebrate the beauty in the world around them.
Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes, illustrated by Doris Barrette, is a delightful picture book that celebrates the joys of gratitude through the lens of a young child. Its gentle, rhyming text lists everyday blessings like pets, parks, and cuddles, leading to the heartwarming importance of family. Doris Barrette’s vibrant illustrations beautifully complement the words, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for little ones. This warm, genuine tale captures the true spirit of Thanksgiving, making it an ideal read-aloud for children and families during the holiday season.
The Countryside Holidays series by Phyllis Alsdurf beautifully captures the spirit of family, community, and tradition. Each book highlights a heartwarming holiday story set in a rural, nostalgic setting, emphasizing simplicity and generosity. The series includes titles like Thanksgiving in the Woods, where families gather outdoors for a festive meal, and A Simple Christmas on the Farm, celebrating handmade gifts and the joys of connection. Perfect for readers who cherish meaningful traditions, these stories are filled with warmth and charm for all ages.
Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s The Nest is a witty and perceptive family drama revolving around the Plumb siblings—Leo, Bea, Jack, and Melody—who are counting on a substantial inheritance, nicknamed “the Nest,” to resolve their personal financial struggles. When Leo’s reckless behavior forces an early withdrawal of the funds, family tensions boil over. Set in New York, this debut novel delves into sibling dynamics, personal crises, and the power of money to both bind and break relationships. It’s sharp, funny, and emotional, offering a keen look at how family and finances intertwine.
How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie by Gina Calanni is a charming holiday romance and the first in the Home for the Holidays series. It follows Lauren Hauser, who returns home for Thanksgiving and is tasked with recreating her grandmother’s iconic pecan pie despite her lack of baking skills. Her journey leads her to Jack, a handsome but frosty stranger with a bag of pecans. As time ticks down to Thanksgiving dinner, Lauren’s chaotic quest mixes humor, romance, and the magic of holiday traditions.
‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey is a humorous, heartwarming picture book that reimagines the classic holiday poem. A group of children visits Farmer Mack Nuggett’s turkey farm, where they befriend the turkeys and discover their fate as Thanksgiving dinner. In a creative twist, the kids save the turkeys and bring them home, turning their meals vegetarian. With playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, the book offers a joyful celebration of kindness and gratitude, making it a delightful read for children and families during the holiday season.