We're Thanksgiving people in our house. While we have been in full fall swing since the first apple picking in September, now that it is November we can really take things up a notch. Last week our Advent Turkey went up – yes, Advent Turkey. One of the ways in which we have tried to extend our Thanksgiving celebrations throughout the month of October is through our Autumnal reading. Every book that has a pilgrim, a turkey or a leaf in it, is purchased and added to the holiday box for this time of year. Here are a few from the Pinault archives, as well as some recommendations from the other GeekMoms to help you with your own Thanksgiving library.
- Hardscrabble Harvest
by Dahlov Ipcar. I have a soft spot for this book because of Ipcar's Maine connection. In this book we are taken through a harvesting season from planting to eating that Thanksgiving dinner, life on a farm in New England. We have been reading this to Toby since he was a baby, he appreciates it more now he is three and I think this one will last for some time. - Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George
by H. A. Rey. This is a board book with tabs along the side that tells the story of George's Thanksgiving. The final page tells what he is most thankful for. For small children this is an absolute must have. - The Turkey's Side of It: Adam Joshua's Thanksgiving
by Janice Lee Smith and illustrated by Dick Gachenbach. At the moment both of our boys are a little to young to appreciate this chapter book that tells of the Thanksgiving play at Adam Joshua's school. My husband and I have been reading this one aloud since before we had kids, it's just a cute story and I look forward to long fall evenings with this one as the boys grow up. - Another board book, Turkey Time!
by Kelly Asbury tells the tale of the turkey dinner. In language, length, and illustration, this book is perfect for my eight month old. This is the 2012 addition to our collection, found in the bargain bin at Books-a-Million. - My toddler's current favorite is easily One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims
by B.G. Hennessy and illustrated by Lynne Cravath. It tells the story of little Pilgrim and Wampanoag children at the first Thanksgiving. We read this in a sing song voice and hearing him yell out "Little Wampanoags" randomly is one of the joys of life right now. - While not technically about Thanksgiving, 10 Turkeys in the Road
by Brenda Reeves Sturgis and David Slonim is a delightful tale about a farmer who gets waylaid by ten circus turkeys who cross his path. We purchased this book from Ms. Sturgis herself at the Cornish Apple Festival in 2009. It was published at large last fall. - Yet another family must-have that precedes children is from the I Can Read series, Silly Tilly's Thanksgiving Dinner
by Lillian Hoban. Silly Tilly steams up and loses her glasses, sends out recipe cards instead of invitations and still manages to have a wonderful day with her friends. Lillian was at one time the wife of Russell Hoban, author of another, less seasonal, Pinault family favorite, The Mouse and His Child
. - GeekMom Rachel's son recommends Turkey Bowl
by Phil Bildner, in which we follow the Thanksgiving trials of Ethan, who has waited his whole life to participate in the family Turkey Bowl only to wake up on that fateful Thursday morning to a blizzard. - Our illustrious Editor Jenny recommends Over the River and Through the Wood
a nineteenth century song that tells of the sleigh ride to grandfather's house for Thanksgiving dinner. - GeekMom Kelly enjoys the Fancy Nancy
Thanksgiving books and Bear Says Thanks
, a Thanksgiving adaptation of the ever popular Bear Snores On
by Karma Wilson. - We also take care to snag any non-fiction books we see such as The Thanksgiving Book
by Frank Jupo, along with any and all cookbooks concerning pumpkins!
What books are you thankful for at this time of year?
