As summer slowly fades to fall with each gust of wind and drift of falling leaves, one great way to welcome the signs of the coming season is by reading fall-themed books. 

Summer will always be my favorite season, but I must admit that fall has an irresistible charm. I love watching the leaves change colors, apple-picking with the kids,  and sitting around the campfire as a family.

One of the best things about this season is that it draws us inside. For our family, this means more time reading together. That’s why I’m sharing a list of our favorite autumn-themed books so that you can enjoy them with your kids too! 

So gather your little ones, grab a cozy blanket, and savor the beautiful harvest season!

You may also enjoy these similar posts!

Fall-Themed Copywork

Life Skills to Teach Kids in the Fall

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Countdown to Fall by Fran Hawk, Illustrated by Sherry Neidligh

The beautiful illustrations in this number-counting book show the different types of leaves and animals children will see in nature. Pine cones, squirrels, gold leaves of the Dogwood tree, Maple helicopters, and more! This is a fun book to use for a Nature Study lesson or a fall hike!

Count Down to Fall (Arbordale Collection)

• Fran Hawk (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 03/03/2013 (Publication Date) – Arbordale Publishing, LLC (Publisher)

$11.95

Buy on Amazon

The Pumpkin Runner by Marsha Diane Arnold, pictures by Brad Sneed

Inspired by the true story of a 61-year-old farmer who won a foot race against well-trained athletes in 1983, this children’s book is a great addition to a home library. Joshua Summerhayes ran several kilometers every day caring his cattle, sustained mostly by his food of choice, pumpkins! On a whim he decided to register for the Koala-K Race, a 900 kilometer competition against professional runners. He surprised the world when word got out on the third day of the race that “the sheep rancher wearing overalls and gumboots was leading the race.” This sweet story is an autumn book you don’t want to miss! 

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The Pumpkin Runner

• Hardcover Book
• Arnold, Marsha Diane (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 09/01/1998 (Publication Date) – Dial Books (Publisher)

$11.29

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We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury

This sweet story is wonderful to read to very young children because of the repeated patterns and captivating sounds. “Swishy-swashy, squelch squerch, and stumble trip” all perfectly describe the sounds the characters experience as they adventure to find a bear. 

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We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

• Rosen, Michael (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 36 Pages – 01/01/2003 (Publication Date) – Alladin Paperbacks (Publisher)

$7.43

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Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

Leaf man is one of the best fall books to take with you on a nature hike or to use along with a Nature Study Notebook. When you read Leaf Man to your children, they will learn to identify trees by their leaves. Take them on a leaf hunt and together you can make pictures out of the leaves you find. 

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Leaf Man

• Hardcover Book
• Ehlert, Lois (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 40 Pages – 09/01/2005 (Publication Date) – Harcourt (Publisher)

$11.23

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The Oxcart Man by Donald Hall, pictures by Barbara Cooney

As children read this story, they will learn the old ways of living off the family homestead. This family makes and grows goods to use or sell at the market in Octorber. Mother and daughter spin yarn shorn from their sheep. They make it into mittens and a shawl. Father and son make birch brooms and shingles from wood. They save potatoes, apples, honey, and maple sugar (all grown at home) to trade for other goods. I love how this book teaches children economics in a subtle lesson. They learn where goods come from and how they can be exchanged for other items. 

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Ox-Cart Man

• Donald Hall (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 40 Pages – 10/27/1983 (Publication Date) – Puffin Books (Publisher)

$5.84

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Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington

This simple story shows the life cycle of a pumpkin from seed to fruit. The boy Jamie plants the seed. He watches it sprout, flower, and grow. With his perfect pumpkin, he makes a pumpkin jack…but he remembers to save a few seeds for planting next year! 

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Pumpkin Pumpkin

• Titherington, Jeanne (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 24 Pages – 09/21/1990 (Publication Date) – Greenwillow Books (Publisher)

$6.85

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Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

As the last few days of summer slowly fade, what is changing around us? Animals are scurrying to store up for winter. All the critters are making nests and dens. A chilly wind blows through the trees. Flowers bend into the sun to soak up the last bit of warmth. Leaves are changing from green to lovely purples, red, and yellows. The unmistakable beauty of this book is the subtle yet colorful passage from green tones to vibrant hues. 

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Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn (Kenard Pak’s Changing Seasons)

• Hardcover Book
• Pak, Kenard (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 08/16/2016 (Publication Date) – Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (Publisher)

$11.99

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Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman

“In a cave in the woods, in his deep dark lair, through the long cold winter sleeps a great brown bear.” This story begins with bear settling down to hibernate as the cold weather blows in. While bear snores on, his forest friends slowly gather in the cave to join him with a warming fire, tea, and popcorn. 

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Bear Snores On

• Hardcover Book
• Wilson, Karma (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 01/01/2002 (Publication Date) – Margaret K. McElderry Books (Publisher)

$11.11

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Pick a Pumpkin, Mrs. Millie by Judy Cox, illustrated by Joe Mathieu

My three-year-old just adores the Mrs. Millie books, so I can not leave this one out! Silly Mrs. Milly, always mixing words up…”Today we are going to the pumpkin pets.” But the children always correct her, “Don’t be silly, Mrs. Millie! You mean the pumpkin patch!” This is a great book for young children who think Mrs. Millie’s mistakes are hilarious. 

Pick a Pumpkin, Mrs. Millie!

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Cox, Judy (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 02/06/2012 (Publication Date) – Two Lions (Publisher)

$3.99

Buy on Amazon

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert

Follow the life of a sugar maple tree from seed to full tree in this simple book. I like how each page shows labels like the maple tree seed, Black-capped Chickadee, and other notable details. Don’t miss the maple tree’s most glorious moment at the close of summer when its fall foliage is displayed. Similar to book ends, a cut out of a red leaf and a little yellow leaf adorn the beginning and end of the story. At the end of the book Lois Ehlert gives directions for planting a tree, making a bird treat, and other interesting tree facts.

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Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf

• Ehlert, Lois (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 40 Pages – 06/13/2023 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$6.99

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In November by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Jill Kastner

In this warming story, young readers will watch creatures and people hunker down for the long cold months ahead. Join them as they taste, feel, smell, and hear the changes in the world around them to herald a new season.  In November is a wonderful book to read in any month during fall season.

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In November

• Rylant, Cynthia (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 26 Pages – 09/01/2008 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$6.99

Buy on Amazon

Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellog

In this classic American folktale retold and illustrated by Steven Kellog, kids learn about the life of Johnny Appleseed. Follow Johnny from his birthplace in Massachusetts to the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania as he plants apple orchards among the pioneer families. I thought it was interesting to learn that many of these family bought his apple trees along their travels. This only encouraged him to adventure even farther west to Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and other states. Many of Johnny’s stories were exaggerated which is the part kids tend to like the most!

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Johnny Appleseed

• Hardcover Book
• Kellogg, Steven (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 48 Pages – 08/22/1988 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)

$12.60

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Autumn Story by Jill Barklem

Jill Barklem’s stories of Brambly Hedge have such beautiful illustrations.  They are among my favorite books for young children, and Autumn Story is one of the best. Barklem’s pictures have so many tiny details. It is fun to sit and simply look at the pictures! Join Lord Woodmouse and Primrose in this story as they go berry-picking in the countryside. Friends and family come to pick nuts and gather mushrooms with them when suddenly Primrose is missing! After an eventful day, Primrose is found and brought safely back home to the warmth of the fire and familiar faces. 

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Autumn Story: Introduce children to the seasons in the gorgeously illustrated classics of Brambly Hedge!

• Hardcover Book
• Barklem, Jill (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 06/13/2017 (Publication Date) – HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks (Publisher)

$9.29

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Hello, Harvest Moon by Ralph Fletcher, illustrated by Kate Kiesler

Have you ever noticed how big the moon looks at twilight at the end of a beautiful fall day? Hello, harvest moon! This sweet book describes the effects of moonshine on the earth below, highlighting nature in autumn: milkweed pods, geese, luna moths, moonflower blossoms, a garden spider. *Note: A reference is made to our ancestors worshipping the harvest moon. 

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Hello, Harvest Moon

• Fletcher, Ralph (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 09/05/2017 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$7.19

Buy on Amazon

As the weather turns colder this fall season, these fun literature-based November journal writing ideas will give your kids some creative ways to sharpen their writing skills. These picture books, famous poems, and historical documents, all centered around the month of November, can be a great way to add some pizzazz to your daily writing practice.

You may also enjoy reading these similar posts that are perfect to use in November.

7 Favorite Thanksgiving Homeschool Read-Aloud Books

The True Thanksgiving Story Book List for Kids

Traditional Thanksgiving  Poems and Songs for Kids

Fall Themed Copywork (Free Printable)

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small profit at no extra cost to you. 

These creative writing prompts are intended to give you some fun writing ideas to use with your kids in November. This collection of November journal prompts are arranged by different literature styles: picture books, poems, short stories, and historical documents. Sometimes kids can experience writer’s block when they look at a blank page, but these creative prompts, along with regular journaling practice, will inspire them with thought-provoking ideas. 

Kids may want to designate a notebook specifically for this November study. Have them design a colorful journal cover so they can enjoy this keepsake for years to come, pulling it out to read and review in future November months.

Picture Books

Sleep Tight  Farm by Eugene Doyle

Read the book Sleep Tight Farm to your kids. In this book, the family slowly puts the farm to bed for winter, the season of rest. Ask your kids to think about what your family does to prepare for winter. Do you have a garden or animals? What preparation do you do around your home to get ready for the colder dormant season? Maybe you don’t have a garden or homestead, so this may look a little different. Do you close your pool? Switch out your summer clothes? Do some fall cleaning? Shop for winter clothes or supplies?

Sale

Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter

• Hardcover Book
• Doyle, Eugenie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 36 Pages – 08/02/2016 (Publication Date) – Chronicle Books (Publisher)

$9.96

Buy on Amazon

Writing Prompt: Have your kids rewrite the book telling what you do in your family to prepare for the winter season. What does this look like in your everyday life in these fall months?

What’s the Big Deal About Elections by Ruby Shamir and Matt Faulkner

The Tuesday after the first Monday in November has been designated as Election Day. This picture book helps kids understand the election process, its history, and how to get involved. It answers questions like these. What are elections? Who gets to vote? Why do we vote? How do we elect our leaders? How do we vote? Read this book with your kids or have them read it themselves. Discuss the questions at the end of the book, “What do you think our government should spend its time on? What do you think our leaders should pay attention to?” 

What’s the Big Deal About Elections

• Shamir, Ruby (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 64 Pages – 08/25/2020 (Publication Date) – Philomel Books (Publisher)

$5.99

Buy on Amazon

Writing Prompt: Write a how-to-style narrative explaining the voting process to a new voter. Explain how they can register, where to find information on candidates, and different ways to get involved.

The Wall by Eve Bunting 

On November 11th we remember our veterans. The Wall by Eve Bunting is a wonderful picture book to read on this special day of the month. This story will help kids remember and honor those who paid the ultimate price. The Wall is the story of a father and son who visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find the boy’s grandfather’s name. Read this book aloud to your students on Veterans Day. Discuss the book by asking the following questions. What is a veteran? Can they name veterans they know? How can we support our veterans?

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The Wall (Reading Rainbow Books)

• Bunting, Eve (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 08/24/1992 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$7.67

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Writing Prompt: Write a letter to a veteran thanking him or her for their service to our country. This is a wonderful way to show them your appreciation for preserving our freedom.

Sarah Gives Thanks by Mike Allegra

In this inspiring true story, Sarah Josepha Hale, a widowed mother of five, we learn about a young woman who, despite many unfortunate circumstances, becomes a writer and editor in a popular woman’s magazine. During her lifetime thanksgiving was celebrated mostly in the New England colonies, but Sarah wanted to see that change. She petitioned several presidents, asking them to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, but to no avail. After many failed attempts, President Abraham Lincoln finally gave Sarah’s idea some consideration and declared Thanksgiving to be a national holiday in 1863.

This is a good book to read with your children because it gives some unknown insight into the history of Thanksgiving through the decades. Additionally, it inspires young writers to persevere and make their stories known. 

Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

• Hardcover Book
• Allegra, Mike (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 09/01/2012 (Publication Date) – Albert Whitman & Company (Publisher)

$30.94

Buy on Amazon

Writing Prompt: Have your kids write a letter to President Abraham Lincoln persuading him to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

In November by Cynthia Rylant

Cynthia Rylant gives a beautiful description of the changes we see in November in this book. What do the animals do? How does the landscape change? What new things do you see as the seasons change? In what ways is the food different? This book is meant to be read aloud to children. 

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In November

• Rylant, Cynthia (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 26 Pages – 09/01/2008 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$6.99

Buy on Amazon

Writing Prompt: Have your kids make a list of all the changes they observe in November. What is your favorite thing to do this time of year? Using their five senses, create a word bank telling what they observe in their surroundings: acorns, leaves, pumpkins, wind, snow, coats, etc. Use this list as an outline to write a similar narrative describing November. Encourage them to use illustrations!

Poems

The New England Boy’s Song About Thanksgiving Day by Lydia Maria Child

What is Thanksgiving without this famous poem? Read the original poem with all twelve verses or listen to the song. Ask them to describe the poem. What do they see, hear, smell, taste? 

Writing Prompt: Starting with the same line, “Over the river and through the wood,” write a similar poem differently, using your own words. Try to use the same rhythm and meter. 

November Night by Adelaide Crapsey

In this short poem, Crapsey compares the falling leaves to the end of life.  This poem is a great way to introduce your kids to the Cinquain style of poetry. Review the rules for writing a cinquain. They are five lines long. Cinquains have two syllables in the first line, 4 in the second, 6 in the third, 8 in the fourth, and two in the last. A cinquain does not need to rhyme. 

Writing Prompt: Write a cinquain with “November” in the title. 

Psalm 100

Read the Psalm together. Make a “thankful list” together, remembering God’s many blessings from the past year.  

Writing Prompt: Write your own prayer to God expressing your gratitude for his provision. 

Short Stories

An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott

Thanksgiving may quickly become your favorite holiday after you read this endearing short story with your children. Louisa May Alcott beautifully tells how a 19th-century New England family prepares for Thanksgiving dinner.  

This story begins by introducing the Bassetts and their eight children as they prepare the farm and food for Thanksgiving Day. All the food preparation is coming along nicely when suddenly mother and father must leave to take care of Mrs. Bassett’s ailing mother. The children must manage the house and cook themselves for the upcoming feast. The day is full of old family stories, cooking blunders, and unexpected events, but Mr. and Mrs. Bassett return earlier than expected and the mother is pleased to see a beautiful meal all put together by her children.

An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

• Hardcover Book
• Alcott, Louisa May (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 24 Pages – 04/03/2018 (Publication Date) – SMK Books (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts: Describe the scene in your home if the same circumstances happened to you! Your mother and father are called away and the kids will need to make the Thanksgiving meal. What’s on the menu? Who does the cooking? Will your favorite Thanksgiving dish be on the table? How does it turn out? 

Historical Literature

These suggestions are great for high school or middle school students because of the rich language. It will also help them become familiar with historical texts. 

The Gettysburg Address 

Read this short historical speech to your children. Have them take a turn reading it aloud. The vocabulary in the text is a little challenging, but it will take very little time since it is only a few sentences. What important events were happening in the United States during this time?

Writing Prompt: Rewrite the president’s speech in your own words. (Think narration here, have kids retell the speech in their own words, as they understand it.)

President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1864

After reading this short speech, ask your kids when this speech was given. Was it before or after the Gettysburg Address? Before or after the Civil War? Why would these special events call for a national day of Thanksgiving? 

Writing Prompt: Imagine you are the president. Write your own Thanksgiving Proclamation. Make sure to include why we should have a national day of Thanksgiving.  

Mayflower Compact

What happened on Cape Cod on the 11th of November? What was the purpose of this voyage to the new world? 

Writing Prompt: For some daily practice, write a few journal entries of the pilgrims and their experience in the new world. How do they spend their time? Describe what they see. What is the first priority in building a new colony? What problems do they encounter? Describe their daily life.

The Pilgrim-Wampanoag Peace Treaty from Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford

Read this excerpt from Of Plymouth Plantation written by a great historical figure, William Bradford. What signs did both sides give to show their friendliness in making this treaty? What were the terms of the agreement? 

Writing Prompt: Write your own peace treaty between the native Americans and pilgrims. Include your terms of agreement.

I hope this list of November writing prompts has given you some inspiration for your writing lessons during the special days in this holiday season. You can use these as daily writing prompts or insert them into your regular lesson plans to switch things up a bit. 

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, you can prepare your family for the spirit of Thanksgiving by visiting some traditional poems and songs for kids. Use this collection of Thanksgiving poems and songs to read aloud at your Thanksgiving meal, give to your kids for copywork in the month of November, or come up with your own creative ways to use them at your family gatherings. Another great way to use the following poems is to print them out and display them in your home. 

Along with poems and songs, you can introduce your kids to important themes of gratitude and contentment through inspirational Thanksgiving stories and picture books like these. 

The True Thanksgiving Story Book List for Kids

7 Favorite Thanksgiving Homeschool Read-Aloud Books 

List of Thanksgiving Poems and Songs

1. The New England Boy’s Song About Thanksgiving Day by Lydia Maria Child
2. Thanksgiving Day by John Kendrick Bangs
3. The Harvest Moon by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
4. The Pilgrims Give Thanks by Marjorie Lindsey Brewer
5. Father We Thank Thee by Ralph Waldo Emerson
6. Thanksgiving by Joyce Kilmer
7. We Gather Together by Adrianus Valerius
8. Come Ye Thankful People Come by Henry Alford
9. For the Beauty of the Earth by Folliott Pierpoint
10. A Thankful Fable by Oliver Hereford
11. I Ate Too Much Turkey by Jack Prelutsky
12. A Thanksgiving Dinner by Maude M. Grant

Inspirational Historical Thanksgiving Poems

The New-England Boy’s Song About Thanksgiving Day by Lydia Maria Child

Over the river, and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go;
The horse knows the way,
To carry the sleigh,
Through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house away!
We would not stop
For doll or top,
For ‘t is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes,
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,
With a clear blue winter sky,
The dogs do bark,
And children hark,
As we go jingling by.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play–
Hear the bells ring
Ting a ling ding,
Hurra for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood–
No matter for winds that blow;
Or if we get
The sleigh upset,
Into a bank of snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To see little John and Ann;
We will kiss them all,
And play snow-ball,
And stay as long as we can.

Over the river, and through the wood,
Trot fast, my dapple grey!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound,
For ‘t is Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood,
And straight through the barn-yard gate;
We seem to go
Extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait.

Over the river, and through the wood–
Old Jowler hears our bells;
He shakes his pow,
With a loud bow wow,
And thus the news he tells.

Over the river, and through the wood–
When grandmother sees us come,
She will say, Oh dear,
The children are here,
Bring a pie for every one.

Over the river, and through the wood–
Now grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurra for the fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurra for the pumpkin pie!

The Pilgrims Give Thanks by Marjorie Lindsey Brewer

Just look upon the land and see the yield
Of pumpkins, corn, and squash in every field.
The shocks of corn are glistening in the sun
With coats of frost on every one.

Come, let us have a feast with praise
To God, who blessed the crops we raise.
Have Massasoit and all his men
Bring deer and visit us again.

Together, we will roast the meat—
Wild turkey, venison we’ll eat.
Some pumpkins, corn, and hoe-cake bread
Will grace the board when thanks are said.

A last, we have our feast prepared.
We thank our God for how we’ve fared,
For crops that He has helped us grow
And for the seed we have to sow.

Our Horn of Plenty overflows
With product from the land we chose.
We give our thanks to God above
For all His care and help and love.

Father We Thank Thee by Ralph Waldo Emerson

For flowers that bloom about our feet,
Father, we thank Thee.
For tender grass so fresh, so sweet,
Father, we thank Thee.
For the song of bird and hum of bee,
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For blue of stream and blue of sky,
Father, we thank Thee.
For pleasant shade of branches high,
Father, we thank Thee.
For fragrant air and cooling breeze,
For beauty of the blooming trees,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For this new morning with its light,
Father, we thank Thee.
For rest and shelter of the night,
Father, we thank Thee
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

Thanksgiving by Joyce Kilmer

The roar of the world is in my ears.
Thank God for the roar of the world!
Thank God for the mighty tide of fears
Against me always hurled!

Thank God for the bitter and ceaseless strife,
And the sting of His chastening rod!
Thank God for the stress and the pain of life,
And Oh, thank God for God!

Traditional Thanksgiving Songs

​Even a young child will appreciate these hymns of lofty cheer which remind us of God’s provision throughout the year.

We Gather Together by Adrianus Valerius

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing;
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be;
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Come Ye Thankful People Come by Henry Alford

Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home:
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field,
Fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown,
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear:
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day
All offenses purge away;
Give His angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
In His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come
To Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified,
In Thy presence to abide:
Come, with all Thine angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.

For the Beauty of the Earth by Folliott Pierpoint

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies:
Christ, our God, to Thee we raise
this, our sacrifice of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flow’r,
Sun and moon, and stars of light:
Christ, our God, to Thee we raise
this, our sacrifice of praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above;
For all gentle thoughts and mild:
Christ, our God, to Thee we raise
this, our sacrifice of praise.

For each perfect Gift of Thine
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and Divine,
Flowers of earth, and buds of Heaven:
Christ, our God, to Thee we raise
This our Sacrifice of Praise.

Comical Thanksgiving Poems

These next funny Thanksgiving poems will be fun to read over and over. Young readers may enjoy trying to memorize them. 

A Thankful Fable by Oliver Hereford

It was a hungry pussy cat,
upon Thanksgiving morn,
And she watched a thankful little mouse,
that ate an ear of corn.
‘If I ate that thankful little mouse,
how thankful he should be,
When he had made a meal himself,
to make a meal for me!
Then with his Thanks for having fed,
and thanks for feeding me.
With all his thankfulness inside,
how thankful I shall be!’
Thus mused the hungry pussy cat,
upon Thanksgiving Day.
But the little mouse had overheard
and declined (with thanks) to stay.

I Ate Too Much Turkey by Jack Prelutsky

I ate too much turkey,
I ate too much corn,
I ate too much pudding and pie,
I’m stuffed up with muffins
and much too much stuffin’,
I’m probably going to die.

I piled up my plate
and I ate and I ate,
but I wish I had known when to stop,
for I’m so crammed with yams,
sauces, gravies, and jams
that my buttons are starting to pop.

I’m full of tomatoes
and french fried potatoes,
my stomach is swollen and sore,
but there’s still some dessert,
so I guess it won’t hurt
if I eat just a little bit more.

A Thanksgiving Dinner by Maude M. Grant

Take a turkey, stuff it fat,
Some of this and some of that.
Get some turnips, peel them well.
Cook a big squash in its shell.

Now potatoes, big and white,
Mash till they are soft and light.
Cranberries, so tart and sweet,
With the turkey we must eat.

Pickles – yes – and then, oh my!
For a dessert a pumpkin pie,
Golden brown and spicy sweet.
What a fine Thanksgiving treat!

Sharing these inspirational Thanksgiving poems is a wonderful way to spread good cheer around your kitchen table.  As you feast on cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and other piles of good things, nourish your soul as well with these poems and songs this Thanksgiving season. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

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One great way to prepare for your delicious Thanksgiving feast while fostering an atmosphere of cherished memories is by reading our favorite books about Thanksgiving with our kids. When we gather together, snuggled on the sofa to read Thanksgiving stories, the holiday spirit comes alive in each of us. These stories create a shared culture, one that holds meaning for each of us. Here are our 7 Favorite Thanksgiving Homeschool Read Aloud Books.

For more book suggestions to help your kids learn about this holiday season, read these similar posts.

The True Story of the First Thanksgiving Book List for Kids Some of my favorite authors like Alice Dalgliesh and James Daugherty are in this list!

Traditional Thanksgiving Poems and Songs for Kids

Fall-Themed Copywork (Free Printable)

Video: 7 Favorite Thanksgiving Homeschool Read Aloud Books

7 Favorite Thanksgiving Homeschool Read Aloud Books

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

#1 Sleep Tight, Farm: A Farm Prepares For Winter by Eugene Doyle, Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

In this adorable book, a farm brings in the harvest and prepares for the cold winter ahead. The owners gather the root vegetables, tuck the hens in for winter, cover the strawberries and hoop house, and chop the firewood. They stock the farm stand and string the holiday lights. They put each part of the farm to bed as it prepares for the darker, colder winter days. Although the story of Thanksgiving is not mentioned, the themes of harvest and preparation for winter rest are the highlights of this story. The gorgeous illustrations in Sleep Tight, Farm gives you an idea of what it would be like to live on a farm during the bountiful harvest season.

#2 Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende and Harry Devlin

This story takes place near a cranberry bog in New England. A little girl and her grandmother prepare for the Thanksgiving meal. They gather wood for the fire and, of course, make Grandmother’s famous cranberry bread. Grandmother tells Maggie to “invite someone poor and lonely.” But she is taken aback when Mr. Whiskers shows up on Thanksgiving day as Maggie’s guest. Grandma suspects that the rough Mr. Whiskers (“too many whiskers and not enough soap!”, as Grandma describes him) might try to steal the main dish, her famous cranberry bread recipe! In a unique turn of events, Mr. Whiskers saves the day by recovering the stolen cranberry bread recipe. They finish the Thanksgiving evening by eating pumpkin pie together by the fire.

My kids love this warming story with its colorful illustrations! They ask me to read it again and again. You can even try making Grandmother’s Famous Cranberry Bread by following the recipe on the back cover of the book.

#3 Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl by Kate Watters

This book gives a snapshot of the daily life of a pilgrim girl living in the Plimouth colony. Photographs for the book are taken from the Plymouth Plantation History Museum. You can follow Sarah (an actual pilgrim girl mentioned in several journals) through her day. Watch her tend the farm animals, get dressed, prepare Indian fry bread, tend the fire, and recite her lesson to her father. As you read this story, your kids will gain a new understanding of the hard times pilgrim children experienced in early American settlements. It just might help them express gratitude for everyday conveniences!

#4 Over the River and Through the Wood | A Thanksgiving Poem by Lydia Maria Child, Illustrated With Woodcuts by Christopher Manson

What is Thanksgiving without reading the classic poem Over the River and Through the Wood?! I love reading this original poem to my kids every year. The end of this book includes sheet music so you can play and sing the song with your kids. This version contains six of the twelve original verses of the poem.

I especially love the woodcut illustrations of Christopher Manson. Lovely pictures of horses and sleigh, children ice-skating on a pond, snowy farm scenes, and more depict the old-world style of earlier days.

This poem is a yearly must-read!

#5 A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Diane de Groat

This is a fun book for a young reader. In this story, Mr. and Mrs. moose invite their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner. They plan the place settings, pull out the candles, and paper pilgrims. Everything is set, but the only one missing is Mr. Turkey! To please his wife, Mr. Moose determines to find Mrs. Moose a Thanksgiving turkey.

When Mr. Turkey is found, he is frightened and hides! He doesn’t want to go anywhere for Thanksgiving! The animals drag him against his will to the home of Mr. Moose. To Turkey’s surprise, he has been invited as a guest, not as the meal. He remarks to Mrs. Moose how pleased he is to be “AT the table, and not ON the table.” Little children get a kick out of this story when they see that Turkey gets to enjoy the meal with all of his friends.

#6 Sarah Gives Thanks by Mike Allegra, Illustrated by David Gardner

This book with detailed illustrations tells the inspiring true story of Sara Josepha Hale, a widowed mother of five. After her husband’s death, she earns a living with her pen by becoming editress of a popular lady’s magazine. During this time in history, Thanksgiving was a holiday mostly celebrated in the New England states, where the Massachusetts colony originated, but Sarah thought Thanksgiving should be celebrated as a national holiday in the United States. She wrote letters to the president every year. Four presidents ignored her petitions, but the fifth president, Abraham Lincoln, listened to Sarah!

This story gives some unknown insight into the history of Thanksgiving through the decades. Additionally, it inspires young writers to persevere and make their stories known.

#7 An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story by Louisa May Alcott

I have saved the best for last. I confess that this is my absolute favorite of all on our list!! While the other books above are picture books, this is a short story. It can be read in one sitting, but we usually take the Monday through Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day to read it in sections.

This festive story introduces readers to a New England family, the Bassetts, and their eight children, as they prepare the farm and food for Thanksgiving Day. All the food preparation is coming along nicely when suddenly bad news whisks mother and father away. The children must manage the house and cooking themselves for the important event. The day is full of old family stories, cooking blunders, and unexpected events, but mother is pleased to return to a beautiful Thanksgiving table all put together by her children.

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In addition to watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, playing football, or some other different traditions you have in your home, reading these beautiful Thanksgiving books is the perfect way to spend your family time! What are your favorite Thanksgiving books to read aloud to your kids? Share them with others in the comments below. I love hearing from other homeschool moms!

For similar book lists blog posts, you may enjoy reading these!

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In November I like to spend a little time every couple of days teaching our kids the history of the first Thanksgiving. The story of the Pilgrims is one of courageous people who were rooted in Scripture and great faith. Reading these stories to your kids is a great way to set the mood as you prepare for Thanksgiving day. Help your kids separate fact from fiction by reading The True Thanksgiving Story Book List for Kids.

Video: The True Thanksgiving Story Book List for Kids

Original Historical Documents

As I share history with my kids, I like to remind them to compare what they hear and read with original historical documents. Often, I may even read portions of a document to them or have them complete copywork from some of these pieces of history. These are some of the historical documents that give an accurate account of the Thanksgiving story. These are not the only historical documents of this time period, but they are a great place to start!

Mayflower Compact

Of Plymouth Plantation

Journal of the beginning and proceedings of the English Plantation settled at Plymouth in NEW
ENGLAND, by certain English Adventurers both Merchants and others.

Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1864

These are not the only historical documents of this time period nor are the books on this list the only historically accurate Thanksgiving books for kids, but they are a great place to start!

The True Thanksgiving Story Book List for Kids

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

I am putting these books in order from easiest to most difficult. The first two are books that are for younger readers. The remaining four books are either chapter or audio books. These can be read daily in short readings.

#1 Step Into Reading: The First Thanksgiving by Linda Hayward

This book is a beginning reader. I read it aloud to my younger children, but I also give it to my budding readers to try to read for themselves. It is short and can be read in one sitting. The book begins the story telling of the religious persecution the pilgrims faced in England. It continues by giving descriptions of the layout of the Mayflower and the harsh conditions on the ship. The story finishes by explaining how the Pilgrims built the colony, how many Pilgrims died in the harsh first winter, the ways that Samoset and Squanto help the Pilgrims celebrated with a thanksgiving feast, and formed a peace treaty that lasted for over 50 years.

#2 The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dagliesh Illustrated by Helen Sewell

This book is a 1955 Caldecott Honor Book. The story is told from the perspective of the Pilgrim children aboard the Mayflower: Giles, Constance, and Damaris Hopkins. This is also a short book with larger print that will be easier for young readers. I usually read this book in sections over a few days. My favorite way to use this book is to read it a couple times to younger kids to help them become familiar with the general Thanksgiving story so they can appreciate more details by further reading we do in the following chapter books.

#3 Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty

This chapter book tells the story of the Pilgrims in three sections: the religious persecution in England, the voyage on the Mayflower, and the colonization of a new land, including the relationship of the Native Americans with the Pilgrims. Author uses quotes from the Pilgrim journals to write this book. This is a great book to read to middle age kids who have already heard the Thanksgiving story a few times. For them, reading Landing of the Pilgrims will fill in more details to the narrative and give further insight to the significance of this event. This book is 150 pages in length with short chapters. When I read it to my kids, I usually read two chapters in one sitting.

#4 Legend of Squanto: An Unknown Hero Who Changed the Course of American History

The Legend of Squanto is an audio drama presentation put out by Focus on the Family Radio production. This dramatization tells the Thanksgiving story from the perspective of Tisquantum (Squanto) of the Patuxet tribe. Squanto experienced the exploitations of English when he was kidnapped by slave traders. He also saw the good will of other Europeans and opportunities for trade and commerce when he was taken in by a Spanish priest and later brought back to his native land.

Once back on his home soil, Squanto became friendly with the Pilgrims during their harsh winter. He taught them how to successfully plant crops in the New World. He also introduced them to Chief Massasoit, acting as a translator and further mediating relationships between Native Americans and Pilgrims. The two groups celebrated a feast of thanksgiving together. Chief Massasoit and Governor John Carver later signed a peace treaty. This peace treaty was kept for over 50 years. This audio drama is 97 minutes in length.

#5 Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims

This is a book that our kids usually listen to via audio book. It is 200 pages (4.5 hours), so it takes a little time to go through it. The fictitious character Rush Revere and his horse Liberty narrate this story to the reader. Together they time travel to the era of the Pilgrims to learn about their experiences by asking them questions in person. One thing that I particularly like about this book is how he includes original historical documents like the Mayflower Compact, maps and several well-known art prints depicting this time period. Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims is very entertaining. I’ve noticed that my boys especially seem to appreciate the boy humor.

Before his death, every year in November Rush Limbaugh would read and share an excellent retelling of the original Thanksgiving story based on the journals of William Bradford. You can listen to it here. About halfway through, he describes the part of the Thanksgiving story that is often left out of many modern American history books. The utter failure of the commune system imposed on the colonists by the companies supporting them financially in England is often an omitted part of the colonial story. He goes on to tell how they shook off the chains of this failing collectivism system when Bradford organized a new plan. He assigned a plot of land to each family to work and manage however they pleased. Under the new motivation of free enterprise, the Pilgrim colony began to thrive. (Landing of the Pilgrims, above, also tells this part of the story.)

#6 Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey

Of all the books in this post, Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember is hands down my favorite! Barbara Rainey of Family Life Today wrote this book. She designed it to be read aloud. For many years in a row our family has read it after dinner all through the month of November in preparation for Thanksgiving. Here are my favorite aspects of this book.

• The book is written in large and small print interwoven through the text of the whole story. The larger font (30 minutes) is if you want to condense the story for younger listeners. (It is written to flow from one part of the story to the next even though the small print sections are skipped. )The smaller print includes more details for older kids. Reading the large and small print for the full story takes approximately 50 minutes.
• Included in the book are several quotes of the Pilgrims, portions of original historical documents such as the Mayflower Compact and Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, maps, charts, and famous art prints.
• Rainey also gives several side stories, not meant to be read as the main story, but as additional details for a later time. She tells little known facts about the Pilgrim children and Chief Massasoit, shares the origination of feasts, and gives more historical facts about the history of celebrating Thanksgiving through the decades.
• The book lists several passages of Scripture focusing on gratitude.
• Additionally, a CD of instrumental Thanksgiving hymns is included in the back of the book. I play this CD every year the week of Thanksgiving. When my kids hear it played, they’ve told me “it sounds like Thanksgiving.”

This book is a family treasure! It is definitely worth purchasing! I hope your family enjoys it as much as we have in ours!

I hope The True Thanksgiving Story Book List for Kids will give you some inspiration to set the mood for your Thanksgiving celebration! You may also enjoy reading 7 Favorite Thanksgiving Homeschool Read Aloud Books and Traditional Thanksgiving Poems and Songs for Kids.

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