Thanksgiving Picture Books We Love

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Aesop

Illustration of a beaver reading a bright orange book, surrounded by autumn leaves, with the text “Thanksgiving Picture Books We Love.”

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to share stories about gratitude, family, and traditions. These picture books are short enough for toddlers, filled with familiar characters, some new ones to and will be loved by all the generations in your home.

“Franklin’s Thanksgiving” by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark. Franklin the turtle and his little sister gather vegetables in a basket surrounded by pumpkins, apples, and autumn leaves, a classic Canadian and American Thanksgiving picture book for kids.


Franklin’s Thanksgiving 

by Paulette Bourgeois, illustrated by Brenda Clark
Available on Amazon and Bookshop (supports indie bookstores) 

Franklin the turtle is sad when his grandparents can’t come to celebrate with him for Thanksgiving, but he soon learns that there’s always room at the table for friends.

ook cover of “Thanks for Thanksgiving” by Julie Markes, illustrated by Canadian artist Doris Barrette. Two children play joyfully in a pile of red apples with a small dog, celebrating autumn harvest and family gratitude in this popular Thanksgiving picture book for toddlers and kids in Canada and the United States.


Thanks for Thanksgiving

By Julie Markes, illustrated by Doris Barrette
Available on Amazon and Bookshop (supports independent bookstores)

Charming story about where to begin to give thanks as it celebrates the many things children are thankful for, paired with warm and cozy illustration.

Book cover of “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman. A smiling bear spreads his arms wide as woodland friends — a rabbit, crow, badger, mole, and owl — gather around a picnic blanket with food and a campfire. A beloved Thanksgiving and gratitude picture book for kids and families in Canada and the United States.


Bear Says Thanks

By Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
Available on Amazon and Bookshop (supports independent bookstores)

Bear wants to host a feast but doesn’t have any food to share. His friends remind him that what matters most is being together. A lovely rhyming story with charming illustrations.

Book cover of “The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr. Bright, bold illustration of four smiling children sitting at a dinner table with food and drinks, raising their arms in celebration. A cheerful Thanksgiving and gratitude picture book for toddlers and young kids in Canada and the United States.


The Thankful Book

By Todd Parr
Available on Amazon and on Bookshop (supports independent bookstores)

Bright colours, simple words, and Todd Parr’s signature style make gratitude easy for the very youngest in the family to share what they are thankful for.

Book cover of “Clifford’s Thanksgiving Visit” by Norman Bridwell. Clifford the big red dog looks at a steaming roast turkey on a table with pumpkins, corn, grapes, and autumn leaves around him, joined by a small yellow puppy. A classic holiday picture book for children celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada and the United States.


Clifford’s Thanksgiving Visit

By Norman Bridwell
Available on Amazon and Bookshop (supports independent bookstores)

Clifford sets out to spend Thanksgiving with Emily Elizabeth and finds adventure along the way in this classic red dog story.

Book cover of “Arthur’s Thanksgiving” by Marc Brown. Arthur the aardvark wears glasses, a yellow sweater, and jeans while holding a leash attached to a large turkey. Surrounded by orange autumn leaves, this classic holiday picture book is a beloved Thanksgiving story for kids in Canada and the United States.


Arthur’s Thanksgiving

By Marc Brown
Available on Amazon and Bookshop (supports independent bookstores)

Arthur is chosen to direct the school play, but nobody wants to be the turkey. A funny and relatable Thanksgiving tale from a favourite series.

Whether it’s Franklin sharing his table, Bear learning the joy of friends, or Clifford making his holiday visit, these stories remind us that Thanksgiving is about more than food, it’s about gratitude, family, and togetherness. Sharing a cozy book with your child is one of the simplest ways to celebrate the season.


You can explore all of our current titles on our Books Page.

If you'd like to help share our works, visit our Libraries Page for circulation details and ISBNs.

Our books are available through major retailers including Chapters, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Waterstones.

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