Eleven Thanksgiving Books, Crafts, Printables, Recipes and More for Preschool and Kindergarten

Eleven Thanksgiving Books, Crafts, Printables, Recipes and More for Preschool and Kindergarten is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy.

Thanksgiving offers such an amazing array of learning opportunities, even for your youngest children. You can study our nation’s history with the Pilgrims, the culture of Native Americans, the fall season, turkeys, and so much more! Check out this mega-list of Thanksgiving books, crafts, printables, and recipes for your preschool or kindergarten children.

Eleven Thanksgiving Books, Crafts, Printables, Recipes and More for Preschool and Kindergarten

1. My First Thanksgiving

Start the little ones off with this classic from Tomie dePaola. The beautiful illustrations and simple verse will enchant your preschooler.

After the story, serve up this cornucopia treat.

2.Over the River

Most of us know this Lydia Marie Child classic song from childhood, but this picture book takes a different twist! Follow Mama, Papa, and Baby Turkey as they embark on their Thanksgiving travels. There may be a few surprises along the way!

Grab your cardstock and an ink pad to create your own fingerprint turkey craft. These would be wonderful cards to send to family members.

3.’Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving

Another twist on a classic is sure to make your children laugh! Find out what happens when the children visit a turkey farm filled with eight exuberant turkeys.

Get ready for some messy fun with this coffee filter turkey – you’re sure to have the supplies already on hand.

This free printable turkey 3D cut out craft is another fun turkey activity to add to your Thanksgiving fun!

4.This is the Feast

The beautiful illustrations in this book follow the Pilgrims on their Mayflower voyage across the sea through their celebratory feast after surviving their first year in the New World.

Kids can practice counting and sorting with this pilgrim hat craft. My kids are looking forward to making the Mayflower boat craft as well.

5. Ankle soup

Carlos the French Bulldog takes a trip to New York City’s Grand Central Station on Thanksgiving Day. My children loved the eye-popping illustrations in this story.

Keep your children entertained and sneak in some learning with this Thanksgiving preschool pack  from Carisa. You could even pick up the Little People toys to match the set!

6. Beauty and the Beaks

A bedraggled hen that ends up being a turkey? You and your children will giggle at this story of Lance, the most conceited bird in the hen yard, who gets invited to the Big House for a feast.

Don’t miss this turkey printable pack from A Heart for Home – it’s perfect for families like mine, with different ages. Jolanthe from Homeschool Creations has a beautiful Thanksgiving pack as well.

7. I’m a Turkey!

Sing along with folk artist Jim Arnosky’s tale of turkey tidbits. There’s an original song that goes along with the book!

Even musically challenged parents like myself can teach children this sweet Thanksgiving song, courtesy of Make and Takes.

8. Perfect Thanksgiving

Can Thanksgiving be perfect, even if the turkey burns? Of course! Check out this sweet story of families who are very opposite with your young children.

This button turkey is a wonderful way to practice fine motor skills.

9. P is for Pilgrim

This alphabet book explores the lore and history behind our Thanksgiving holiday, one letter at a time.

These village people (Native Americans and Pilgrims) can be made out of your recycled cardboard tubes stash! Make an adorable craft while going green!

Thanksgiving activity page or placemat

10. I’m NO turkey

In order to be in the Thanksgiving parade, Noodles has to wear a turkey costume. He’s NOT HAPPY! Find out what happens in this story for young readers.

Save your old cereal boxes, so that you can make these adorable recycled turkeys.

11. What is Thanksgiving?

The whimsical art and simple rhymes found in this board book will help reinforce gratitude in even the youngest children.

Wrap up your Thanksgiving learning by making this adorable keepsake. You might want to make extra handprint turkeys to share with extended family.

Looking for more resources? Don’t miss my Thanksgiving Pinterest board, along with this Thanksgiving unit study for preschoolers and kindergarten students. You’ll want to check out these Thanksgiving books for children as well.

Did I miss a book or craft that you love? Be sure to share your favorites in the comment section!

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Originally published on November 2, 2012 | Updated in November 2017