10+ Best Thanksgiving Books for 2-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect way to introduce the spirit of gratitude and family to your toddler this holiday season? You're in the right place! Our carefully curated selection of Thanksgiving books for 2-year-olds is designed to captivate and educate your little ones about this special time of year. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to become a cherished part of your family's Thanksgiving traditions!

Fun Thanksgiving Books for 2-Year-Olds

• Five Silly Turkeys by Salina Yoon
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday
  • Synopsis: Toddlers will love this colorful counting book where they follow five silly turkeys doing whimsical things. Each page invites the reader into a vibrant, engaging new scenario.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for teaching counting in a fun and festive way. The playful illustrations keep the little ones engaged.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy colorful and interactive reading sessions.

• Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland, illustrated by Sonja Lamut
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday
  • Synopsis: This book is a gentle reminder of the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It focuses on being thankful for everything from parents to playtime.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the concept of gratitude in an easy-to-understand way.
  • Perfect for: Young children beginning to learn about Thanksgiving and the importance of giving thanks.

• Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday
  • Synopsis: In this book, Llama Llama and his family prepare for a Thanksgiving feast and give thanks for many things, including each other.
  • Why we recommend this book: The familiar character of Llama Llama makes this a comforting read for toddlers, and it gently introduces the theme of gratitude.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the Llama Llama series and young readers who are just starting to understand family traditions.

• Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade by Melissa Sweet
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book tells the inspiring true story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fascinating look at a creative mind and a beloved holiday tradition, presented in a way that’s accessible to young children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and the arts, especially those who love the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

• Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday
  • Synopsis: Bear wants to throw a feast for his friends but realizes his cupboard is empty. As his friends bring different dishes, Bear says thanks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story of friendship and sharing, with a repetitive refrain that engages young listeners.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about animals and learning about sharing and gratitude through storytelling.

Educational Thanksgiving Books for 2-Year-Olds

• Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes, illustrated by Doris Barrette
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates all the wonderful things that children can be thankful for during Thanksgiving, from golden leaves to turkey dinner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Recognition of everyday blessings, vocabulary related to Thanksgiving, observational skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It features beautiful illustrations and a simple, rhythmic text that is perfect for reading aloud to little ones.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children learning about the spirit of gratitude and family traditions.

• Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf, illustrated by Jenny Lovlie
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this book follows a family as they celebrate Thanksgiving outdoors with friends, family, and neighbors.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of community gatherings, appreciation for nature, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to a unique Thanksgiving tradition, encouraging them to appreciate different ways families celebrate together.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy outdoor activities and those interested in learning about diverse holiday traditions.

• Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday, Humor
  • Synopsis: A turkey comes up with a clever disguise to avoid being the main course at Thanksgiving dinner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, humor appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a hilarious story that will keep toddlers laughing while they root for the turkey’s escapades.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy funny stories and animal characters.

• A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Jeff Shelly
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday, Humor
  • Synopsis: The people of Squawk Valley need a turkey for their Thanksgiving feast, but no turkeys are to be found. They hatch a plan to lure one with an arts and crafts fair.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, artistic appreciation, understanding of community events
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a clever plot, offering a playful take on Thanksgiving traditions.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with a bit of mischief and clever resolutions.

• Setting the Turkeys Free by W. Nikola-Lisa, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday, Craft
  • Synopsis: A young boy creates a handprint turkey art project that comes to life, leading to a series of imaginative adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, fine motor skills, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages artistic expression and imaginative thinking through a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy arts and crafts and stories that spark imagination.

Challenging Thanksgiving Books for 2-Year-Olds

• Over the River: A Turkey's Tale by Derek Anderson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday
  • Synopsis: This book adapts the classic Thanksgiving song "Over the River and Through the Wood" with a fun twist featuring a turkey protagonist trying to avoid becoming dinner.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses a familiar tune but introduces complex narrative elements and a sense of adventure that can challenge young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a playful and musical reading experience that can help develop memory and sequencing skills.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy singing along and can appreciate a humorous, adventurous tale.

• The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two cousins make a daring escape from the kid's table at Thanksgiving, encountering various obstacles and adventures along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The storyline features a series of imaginative and slightly complex escape plans that are more intricate than typical toddler books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and problem-solving while providing a fun perspective on family gatherings.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love action-packed stories and can relate to the dynamics of large family events.

• Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman, illustrated by Teresa Murfin
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Holiday, Humor
  • Synopsis: Percy Isaac Gifford provides a guide on how to get the most out of Thanksgiving, from watching parades to enjoying the last piece of pie.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is written in a rhyming, instructional style that introduces procedural text, which is more advanced for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's humorous and engaging, teaching children about the holiday's traditions in a fun, accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy a good laugh and are learning about Thanksgiving customs.

• One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims by B.G. Hennessy, illustrated by Lynne Cravath
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Historical, Holiday
  • Synopsis: Ten little Pilgrims and ten little Wampanoag boys and girls are preparing for a big Thanksgiving feast.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book introduces historical context and cultural details that are more sophisticated, aiming to educate while entertaining.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a dual perspective on the Thanksgiving story, promoting cultural awareness and historical appreciation from a young age.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in history and understanding different cultural viewpoints.

• Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Greg Shed
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Biography, Holiday
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Squanto, a Native American who played a crucial role in helping the Pilgrims survive their first year in the New World.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex historical events and the personal journey of Squanto, introducing elements of biography and history that are advanced for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at the history of Thanksgiving through the eyes of a key historical figure, enhancing empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore deeper stories and learn about significant historical figures and events.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your 2-year-old to the joys of Thanksgiving through books, you're in for a treat! Not only is reading a wonderful way to bond with your little one, but it also helps them develop essential early literacy skills. Here are some fun and simple exercises you can incorporate while reading Thanksgiving books with your toddler:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the pages of the book before reading and discuss the pictures.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the book might be about based on the pictures.

• Find the Turkey
  • What it is: Search for pictures of turkeys or other Thanksgiving-related items in the book.
  • How it helps: Builds observation skills and helps with object recognition.
  • Tips: Make it exciting by celebrating each time your child finds a turkey.

• Repeat After Me
  • What it is: Read short phrases or sentences and have your child repeat them.
  • How it helps: Aids in language development and memory.
  • Tips: Keep the phrases short and simple to ensure your child can mimic them easily.

• Counting on Thanksgiving
  • What it is: Count any repeated items in the pictures, like pumpkins, leaves, or pies.
  • How it helps: Introduces basic math concepts and number recognition.
  • Tips: Use your fingers to count along, making it more interactive and understandable.

• Story Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book using simple props or costumes.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Let your child take the lead in choosing scenes and roles to play.

These exercises are not just fun; they're stepping stones to building a lifelong love for reading. By engaging in these activities, you're helping your child develop crucial skills in a playful and enjoyable way. So grab a cozy blanket, snuggle up, and enjoy those precious moments reading about Thanksgiving with your toddler. Happy reading!