Reading about Thankfulness: 7 books for young readers
Is there anything better than cozying up with your child for storytime after a long work day, or hearing what they’ve been grateful for recently? We didn’t think so either! But we do believe that there is something to be thankful and grateful for every day. And that’s why we’re sharing these seven thought-provoking reads families will want to add to their October reading list:
1. The Thankful Book
Written and illustrated by Todd Parr
With a keen understanding of how children think, Parr creates the perfect story line that helps children learn what it means to be thankful and how to express it — all while celebrating diversity through his illustrations. You’ll be thankful you read The Thankful Book when you and your child have a new understanding of gratitude, developed through Parr’s intriguing characters.
2. Friendsgiving
Written by Nancy Siscoe, illustrated by Sabina Gibson
The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and Berry, Ginger, and Willow are enjoying the delights of fall. When these old friends join with new friends to celebrate everything they are thankful for, a new tradition is born. . . Friendsgiving! Featuring a charming cast of hand-crafted characters, this feel-good picture book offers a sweet and universal take on the holiday season.
3. A Turkey for Thanksgiving
Written by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Diane deGroat
When all of Mr. and Mrs. Moose’s dinner guests arrive to Thanksgiving Dinner and realize that Turkey is nowhere to be found, the entire party sets out to find the terrified bird. They find him quaking with fear; poor Turkey doesn’t realize that Mr. and Mrs. Moose want him at the dinner table, not on it. Upon Turkey’s arrival at the Moose residence, he is pleasantly surprised to learn that he was wanted as a guest and not the main course.
A Turkey for Thanksgiving teaches kids a multitude of lessons including teamwork, kindness, friendship, and most importantly, the importance of choosing our words wisely.
4. Thank You, Omu!
Written and illustrated by Oge Mora
From author-illustrator Oge Mora comes a heartwarming story of sharing and community. Kindly old Omu, which means “queen’ in the Igbo language of Mora’s parents, cooks a delicious stew. The aroma brings everyone in her neighourhood around asking for a taste. Soon, Omu has no stew for herself! Her generosity, however, is rewarded by her neighbours with the best meal ever. Told through gentle words and colorful collage, this Caldecott-winning book encourages selflessness, appreciation, and generosity.
5. Duck for Turkey Day
Written by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Katerine Mitter
Excited for the traditional turkey meal she’s heard so much about, Tuyet is shocked and upset to learn that her Vietnamese-American family won’t be having turkey on Turkey Day. Although she ends up enjoying her delicious Thanksgiving dinner, Tuyet is still self-conscious about what her classmates might think or say when she returns to school. It turns out that many of her classmates didn’t have turkey either and Tuyet quickly realizes that there’s no “wrong way” to celebrate Thanksgiving.
6. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Written by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac
The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee nation to express gratitude for the little things they are given. Beginning their story with the Cherokee New Year in autumn, Sorell takes readers through a year of celebrations, experiences, and traditions that express their community's gratitude and carry on their history.
7. 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving
Written by Catherine O'Neil and Margaret M. Bruhac, illustrated by Cotton Coulson
Good for children ages 8 to 14, 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving is a lushly illustrated photo-essay that represents a more balanced and historically accurate version of the three-day harvest celebration that first took place in 1621. It gives readers more insight on how the First Thanksgiving unraveled, putting the popular myth of how Thanksgiving came to be aside and recovering the lost voices of the Wampanoag people. Diving deep into history, his book is the perfect way to introduce older kids to the truth behind Thanksgiving — one that gives them even more to be thankful for when thinking about this day.
From our YMCA family to yours, we want to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving weekend, however you choose to celebrate it. A friendly reminder that all of our child care centres will be closed on Monday, October 11, 2021. Please make any alternate arrangements for your child if required.
