Here are some of our favorite books to share with kids in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. You and your child can learn about the history of Thanksgiving and learn about Thanksgiving from an American Indian perspective. Additionally, you can read prayers and songs of gratitude from different religious and cultural traditions, learn to draw iconic Thanksgiving symbols, or laugh out loud at what Thanksgiving dinner might be like for monsters. Garlic is OK for a recipe ingredient, but not eyeballs! Laugh again when you find out what happens when someone (everyone!) forgets to bring their dish to Thanksgiving dinner! Enjoy Thanksgiving storytime online!
Watch the video read aloud below, Turkey Trouble, by Wendi Silvano. Turkey is in trouble! It’s almost Thanksgiving… and he’s the main course! But Turkey has an idea–what if he doesn’t LOOK like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead? After many funny attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!
Are you looking for to help give kids an age appropriate introduction to Thanksgiving history? Try our blog post Talking to Kids About Thanksgiving.
Talk!
After listening to the story, talk about some of the things that happened in it.
- Why is this book called “Turkey Trouble”?
- What do you think it would be like to be a turkey before Thanksgiving?
- Why did Turkey keep changing his disguises?
- Did Turkey stay out of trouble?
- Keep your eyes peeled during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade to see if you can spot a favorite book character! Some character balloons we have seen in the past are Curious George, Snoopy, Paddington Bear & Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Read!
Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about Thanksgiving at any of our locations, or check out Thanksgiving e-books and audiobooks from OverDrive Kids right to your device! If you have never used OverDrive before, you can learn how to use it for both e-books and audiobooks.
Click on one of the book covers below to listen to more Thanksgiving video read aloud stories right now! It’s Thanksgiving storytime online! Did you like these? You can find more stories at Free Video Read Alouds and enjoy even more themed reading and activity fun at IndyPL’s DIY Online Storytimes at Home.
Books by Indigenous Authors for Young Children
Learning about other cultures helps young children develop a better sense of themselves and the world around them. The books in this list are written by Indigenous authors, providing a look inside the traditions and values of their communities.
Picture Books for Kids by and about American Indians
A guide to some of the best picture books by and about American Indians recommended by The American Indian Library Association, American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL), or firstnations.org.
Even Vampires Celebrate Fangsgiving!
Enjoy these favorite and new Thanksgiving picture books that cover the early history to turkey dinner to the gratitude of what it is to celebrate “plenty.” Also laugh out loud at some silly stories starring picture book friends – even vampires celebrate Fangsgiving!
Sing!
Enjoy this song together about being thankful from Raffi. Thanks for the sun in the sky…thanks for the clouds so high!
Write!
Find some crayons or makers to color a picture, practice writing the letters, or see if you can follow your way through a maze without getting stuck.
Play!
Take a walk and read a story as you go! We invite you to visit StoryWalk® in Ruckle Street Park at 3025 Ruckle Street. Stroll through the park and read a book displayed in mounted frames. Try Skiping. Can you gallop! Or do the turkey gobble with Elmo and Abby!
Join Us for In-Person Storytime!
- Event: Paws to Read at Spades Park
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 10:30am
- Location: Spades Park Branch
- Description: School-aged children who are beginning or reluctant readers are invited to read to Winston, a registered therapy dog, who loves to listen to stories. Sign up for a 15 minutes session in a non-judgmental setting. It’s a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence!
- Register Here
- Event: Paws to Read at Fort Ben
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 11:00am
- Location: Fort Ben Branch
- Description: Children who are reluctant readers are invited to read to a registered therapy dog. This activity can help young ones improve their reading skills and self-confidence. Participants may sign-up for a 15-minute reading session by visiting the Fort Ben branch or by calling 317-275-4570.
- Register Here
- Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
- Date & Time: Monday, December 23, 6:30pm
- Location: Lawrence Branch
- Description: Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, and fun. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and play time.
- No Registration Required.
Need Help?
Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.
