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Give Thanks for Holiday Books

by Theresa Carpine11/24/2008 1:13:50 PM

This week, kids enjoy a few days off from school, getting to see grandparents and other relatives, and feasting on a delicious meal. In honor of this holiday, check out some of these books for elementary-age readers that celebrate Thanksgiving and other fall festivities. Just be forewarned that Bellingham Public Libraries and Whatcom County Libraries will be closed on November 27 & 28 this year; librarians need to spend some time with their families too, you know.

1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving
Reading level: Ages 8-12

Published in 2001 by the National Geographic Society, this non-fiction book by Catherine O’Neill Grace and Margaret M. Bruchac uses illustrations and photographs to help children understand the historical truths surrounding the original Thanksgiving. The text provides background on the early relationship between English settlers and the Native people. The book also discusses how historical facts about the first Thanksgiving evolved into the myths that formed the basis for the holiday we observe it today.

Autumnblings
Reading level: Ages 4-10

A collection of short poems and watercolor paintings by Douglas Florian, this book covers a variety of topics that come to mind during the fall season, from the end of baseball to Halloween and Thanksgiving to the first fall frost. Florian uses lots of puns and plays on words (“tree-son,” “industree”), so make sure that kids who are just learning to read don’t get confused from some of the spellings. This is an excellent book to use in an elementary poetry unit or to help inspire budding poets that want to flex their literary muscles.

How Many Days to America?
Reading level: Ages 4-8

First published in 1990, Eve Bunting’s book can help children understand that Thanksgiving is a good time to remember our many freedoms in America. Told from the point of view of an unnamed boy, the story follows his family as they leave behind all their possessions and they flee their home in the Caribbean for America. The story creates a connection between the first Pilgrims and current immigrants while also reminding American kids of all they have to be thankful for in our country.

Thanks for Thanksgiving
Reading level: Ages 4-8

Author Julie Markes and illustrator Doris Barrette provide an easy to read text with plenty of bright illustrations to engage early readers. The message of the book reminds children to be thankful for all the things we have in life, big and small, especially time together as a family. For a fun after-dinner activity, read the book and come up with a list as a family of all the things—no matter how insignificant they may seem—that you are thankful for.

‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving
Reading level: Ages 4-8

For a lighthearted look at the holiday, author and illustrator Dav Pilkey mimics the style of Clement Moore’s classic Christmas poem to tell the story of a field trip to a turkey farm. It’s a whimsical story, but kids might not get all the jokes, like an homage to artists Vincent Van Gogh and Grant Wood. Be forewarned that the story ends with a vegetarian Thanksgiving, so kids might be reluctant to eat the big day’s main course after reading this book.

A Note About the Author: Theresa Carpine

A Bellingham Online Journalist, Theresa Carpine graduated from WWU with a BA in English Literature. She enjoys yoga, listening to music, riding her bike in downtown Bellingham, and babysitting really cute kids.