Tue, November 10, 2026

Books to Help Us Say Thanks

Seeing and hearing someone turn to you to express their thanks often prompts a quiet blush, a shy smile, a warm and fuzzy feeling. These can be the loveliest gifts of all during the Thanksgiving season, a time of giving, but not necessarily gifting. No bows, bells, or whistles required.

During Thanksgiving, presents are given and received – sans wrapping — with a spirit of thanks, reminding us to take a spin around in appreciation of all that surrounds us. Look through your window, your mind, and your heart for a view of gratitude – and an awareness of what we have to share and enjoy. Then, look to your bookshelves for stories that tell of families, communities, traditions, foods, and neighbors coming together to think and say, “Thank you,” which will be received as the best gift of all.

Here are titles for kids and grownups of all ages to read and take comfort: wise words and good ideas to think through and celebrate all autumn long.

At Our Table by Patrick Hulse

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague

Crayons Give Thanks by Drew Daywalt

Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers

How to Say Thank You by Jean Reagan

In November by Cynthia Rylant

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena

Little Book of Thanks by Eric Carle

Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty by Anne Herbert

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli

Thankful Book by Todd Parr

Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh

About the Author

Ann Levine’s love of books, words, and reading has steered her career choices: from editorial roles at Meredith Publishing and Hearst Magazines to teaching and administrative positions at the School at Columbia and Preschool of America to assistant manager at Bank Street Bookstore. She received an undergraduate degree in English at Washington University and a graduate degree at Bank Street College of Education. She is still a big believer in the three Rs of learning — reading, reading, and reading.