New Thanksgiving Books for Children 2013

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Where has fall gone? It was time to start reading (this year my daughter is reading to me) our new (and old favorite) Thanksgiving books. Here are a couple new ones this year, courtesy of HarperCollins.

First up is Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving. For young children and early readers, this is a fun book with a beloved character which tells the story of Thanksgiving.

It all starts out as Pete the Cat must play a Pilgrim in the school play. He is nervous, but we watch as he and his classmates tell the story of the Pilgrims, the rough conditions, and the friends they made with Native Americans. With flaps to lift on every page that include parts of the story, kids will love it.

Thanksgiving Day Thanks is a sweet picture book that really focuses on the many different traditions families have for Thanksgiving.

The setting is Sam’s classroom, where you’ll find all the kids preparing for a Thanksgiving feast.  You see some kids pressing fall leaves, another making a miniature Mayflower out of popsicle sticks, and still others donating canned goods.  Each child had a project, but Sam wasn’t sure what he would do.

But……in a brilliant move, he surprises everyone with balloons!  Yes, balloons outside the classroom window, reminding everyone of the Macy’s parade.

In a twist of fate, the wind comes and takes them down.  Sam is left wondering what he really was thankful for.  Was it the balloons or the fact that his entire family watches the parade together and laughs with each other?

And while this one isn’t “new”, it certainly is one of my absolute favorites! Read my review of Balloons Over Broadway, an amazing book based on the true story of the puppeteer of Macy’s Parade!

I recommend very highly!

Do you have any favorites this year?