Thanksgiving Tales

A considerable amount of information is packed into this pictorial presentation of the reenactment of the first Thanksgiving, held at Plimoth Plantation museum in October, 2000…Five chapters give background on the Wampanoag people, colonization, Indian diplomacy, the harvest of 1621, and the evolution of the Thanksgiving story. — School Library Journal

• Purchase book

When a snowstorm prevents most of Gaby and Beto's relatives from getting to the Thanksgiving feast, their grandmother comes with a group of people who make the celebration truly something special.

• Purchase book
• Purchase book in Spanish

Tuyet is excited for Thanskgiving! She tells her mother that it is time to buy a turkey, but when she learns that her family will be having duck instead, Tuyet is very worried. It's Turkey Day, not Duck Day! When it comes time to tell the class what she ate for Turkey Day, Tuyet is in for a special surprise. This heartwarming story is a beautiful reminder of the unique ways we each celebrate our own traditions.

• Purchase book

Full-color photographs on well-composed pages introduce a multicultural cast of kids. Each child expresses what he or she is thankful for — from family and friends to a pet mouse — in this handsome and useful book.

• Purchase book

In this poignant and graceful picture book, Chief Jake Swamp gives thanks to Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants for sharing their rare and precious gifts. According to the author's note, these words are still spoken at ceremonial and governmental gatherings held by the Six Nations. Available in Spanish. Related classroom activities are included in this teachers guide.

• Purchase book
• Purchase book in Spanish

In this warm holiday story, a young Puerto Rican boy saves the life of his pet turkey with help from his close-knit New York City family and neighborhood. Beginning Spanish vocabulary is woven into the text.

• Purchase book
• Purchase book in Spanish

From the sun that wakens him to the cricket that serenades him to sleep, a young boy gives thanks for the many kinds of friends who help him throughout the day. Pat Mora's reflection on gratitude is filled with kindness and humor, brought to life by John Parra's heartwarming illustrations. Pat concludes the book with an author's note about the things she for which she feels grateful. Bilingual text.

• Purchase bilingual book

After the soldiers come, Papa tells his family that they must leave everything behind and set sail for America. The journey across the Caribbean is dangerous and long, and our narrator and his little sister keep asking — just how many days is it to America? Prolific children's author Eve Bunting, herself an immigrant from Ireland, shares the story of a new generation of pilgrims who are willing to risk their lives to look for freedom in America.

• Purchase book

Molly, an immigrant, is teased in school for her accent and seemingly odd customs. Horrified when her mother makes a "pilgrim" for Thanksgiving who looks like them — eastern Europeans — Molly finds that she, as well as her teacher and her classmates learn what Thanksgiving really means.

• Purchase book
• Purchase book in Spanish

Try as he might, Mr. McGreely cannot outwit three clever and hungry rabbits as they feast on his vegetable garden — muncha, muncha, muncha! But there's always something to be grateful for as both the gardener and the rabbits learn in this funny, alliterative tale.

• Purchase book
• Purchase book in Spanish
• Purchase audio version

Though they have a spat over who is to be Head Cook, best friends — Squirrel, Cat, and Duck — wind up making the best pumpkin soup ever. Their friendship as well as the soup is something for which to be grateful!

• Purchase book
• Purchase book in Spanish

When a turkey learns what is served for Thanksgiving dinner, he decides to take action to avoid becoming the main course. Clever and humorous, this colorfully illustrated tale ends happily for all.

• Purchase book
• Purchase book in Spanish

Ever wonder why Thanksgiving is celebrated or how certain foods came to be traditional? This and more is explained in lively language — carefully researched — and presented in an attractive package with hands-on activities for children.

• Purchase book