Just in time for the turkey, Amy Brabenec, children's bookseller at Brookline Booksmith in Brookline, Mass., shares her store's favorite Thanksgiving titles.
The winter holidays are easily the most popular of our seasonal books but before winter sets in we try to give Thanksgiving its time to shine. With poems, board books, nonfiction, and popular characters we have Turkey Day books for everyone! Some of the bestselling Thanksgiving books for our store are:
1. Over The River and Through the Wood by Lydia Maria Child
Christopher Manson's woodcuts are the perfect companion to this Thanksgiving poem. Both the words and the illustrations have such a cozy, comforting feel.
2. The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World by Nathaniel Philbrick
It's not just the little kids that like Thanksgiving. Philbrick's adapted Mayflower is the perfect way to keep the history-loving teenager in the holiday spirit.
3. Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
This darling look at the life of balloon puppeteer Tony Sarg is a wonderful glimpse into the world of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Sweet's illustrations capture the wonder of the parade itself.
4. The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern
Warm colors and beautiful illustrations accompany the traditional story. It's ideal for the curious kid who wants to know everything.
5. The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing
Gavin and Rhonda are going to escape the kids' room and make it to the swing set even if they have to get through the hall of aunts and the great wall of butts! Hysterical and sure to entertain the most mischievous of kids.
6. Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George
A nice sturdy board book with tabs! Follow George through each step of Thanksgiving Day, from the parade to the meal. The poems are fun and a great way to share the day with even the youngest of the family.
7. Thanksgiving for Emily Ann by Teresa Johnston
Emily Ann is not having a great day and she is not thankful. This fun and devious tale proves that there's always something to be grateful for even if you don't see it at first.
8. Gobble Gobble Mad Libs
Waiting for dinner is agony! But some fun and clever Mad Libs will make the time go by much faster.
9. Arthur's Thanksgiving by Marc Brown
Arthur has to direct the Thanksgiving play at school but no one wants to be the turkey! In the end his friends prove that "turkey is a symbol of togetherness and Thanksgiving."
10. It's Thanksgiving by Jack Prelutsky
Prelutsky never disappoints! This time we get a selection of fun Turkey Day poems ranging from the parade to the wishbone all the way to the leftovers!
