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Being Thankful

  • Writer: coalvalleylibrary
    coalvalleylibrary
  • Sep 15, 2025
  • 4 min read
Collage of colorful children's book covers about gratitude and Thanksgiving, featuring turkeys, animals, people, and various texts.
Thanksful Book Covers

Welcome to Once Upon a Reading List, your new stop for seasonal themes, cozy storytime ideas, and book recommendations curated by the Robert R. Jones Public Library. This week, we’re celebrating gratitude with a heartwarming collection of picture books that help children explore thankfulness, kindness, and appreciation in everyday life.


Whether you’re planning a classroom read-aloud, a family storytime, or simply looking to spark meaningful discussions, these titles are perfect for the season.


Children and a dog smile around a dinner table with colorful food. Bright orange background. Text: The Thankful Book by Todd Parr.
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

A bright, joyful celebration of all the little things that make life great from pets and hugs to learning and family. Perfect for the youngest readers.


A bear and forest animals joyfully gather on a picnic blanket near a fire. "Bear Says Thanks" text in yellow on an orange background.
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Bear wants to throw a feast for his friends, but his cupboards are bare. Luckily, friendship is about more than food. It’s about kindness and community.


Animals having a picnic with pies on a blanket under colorful trees. Text: If Animals Gave Thanks. Happy and peaceful mood.
If Animals Gave Thanks by Ann Whitford Paul

If Animals Gave Thanks by Ann Whitford Paul

A gentle, rhythmic story exploring how animals of all kinds might express gratitude. Sweet, calming, and perfect for bedtime.


A mole in overalls holds pies at a festive table under a tree with autumn leaves. "Little Mole Gives Thanks" text is prominent.
Little Mole Gives Thanks by Glenys Nellist

Little Mole Gives Thanks by Glenys Nellist

Little Mole searches for something special to bring to a feast, only to learn that the best gifts come from the heart.


Girl on scooter mails letter in a suburban street. She's smiling, wearing a helmet against a colorful backdrop. Text: Sallie Bee Writes a Thank-You Note.
Sallie Bee Writes a Thank You Note by Courtney Sheinmel & Susan Verde

Sallie Bee Writes a Thank You Note by Courtney Sheinmel & Susan Verde

A delightful introduction to thank-you notes as Sallie Bee learns how expressing gratitude connects us to others.


Child in red pajamas hugs teddy bear under colorful "THANK YOU" text on starry background. Emotions: warmth, gratitude.
Thank You for the Little Things by Caryl Hart

Thank You for the Little Things by Caryl Hart

This story celebrates appreciating everyday moments, warm breakfasts, sunny days, and small acts of kindness.


Bear in chef hat looks grumpy on a table with mice, pumpkins, and apples in a fall setting. Text: "Thanks for Nothing!" by Ryan T. Higgins.
Thanks for Nothing by Ryan T. Higgins

Thanks for Nothing by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce the Bear is back, and this time, it’s Thanksgiving chaos. A funny, grouchy, lovable story full of Higgins’ signature humor.


People in colorful attire gather around a campfire under an orange sky with trees. Text: We Are Grateful. Four award badges shown.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

A Cherokee family expresses gratitude through the seasons in this beautiful, culturally rich picture book.


A bunny, frog, duck, and mouse joyfully carry apples on a colorful hilltop. Text: "We Give Thanks" by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier.
We Give Thanks by Cynthia Rylant

We Give Thanks by Cynthia Rylant

A gentle and poetic celebration of everyday blessings from friends to seasons to simple joys.


Two happy llamas in colorful clothes play in autumn leaves. Text: "llama llama gives thanks" by Anna Dewdney, with a leafy border.
Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney

A toddler-friendly Thanksgiving read featuring familiar Llama Llama warmth, rhythm, and charm.


Child with arms raised, smiling in front of a rising sun. Text: "I'm Thankful Each Day!" Bright colors, happy mood. P. K. Hallinan.
I Am Thankful Each Day by P.K. Hallinan

I Am Thankful Each Day by P.K. Hallinan

A sweet, faith-centered story about appreciating the big and small gifts in life.


Yellow cartoon spot on paper pile, smiling. Text: "A Little Thankful Spot" by Diane Alber. Orange background, cheerful mood.
A Little Thankful Spot by Diane Alber

A Little Thankful Spot by Diane Alber

This colorful, interactive book teaches children how to identify and express gratitude in daily life.


A cheerful turkey holds a basket of vegetables. Background is orange with pumpkins. Title reads "Taylor the Thankful Turkey."
Taylor the Thankful Turkey by Sonica Ellis

Taylor the Thankful Turkey by Sonica Ellis

Taylor, a lovable turkey, helps children learn the importance of caring, sharing, and saying “thank you.”


Two cartoon turkeys with big eyes in an autumn setting. Leaves and "Ten Thankful Turkeys" text. Cheerful mood. Authored by Angela Muse.
Ten Thankful Turkeys by Angela Muse

Ten Thankful Turkeys by Angela Muse

A silly countdown story featuring festive turkeys preparing for a big Thanksgiving celebration.


Two children in coats joyfully play in falling autumn leaves. A bird sits on a branch. The word "THANKFUL" is in bold letters.
Thankful by Eileen Spinelli

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli

This story focuses on everyday people, artists, teachers, gardeners, and all the reasons they might feel thankful.


Two cartoon pigs in colorful hats and scarves play in a pile of autumn leaves. Text reads "Thankful Fall Fun!" with a Peppa Pig theme.
Thankful Fall Fun by Courtney Carbone

Thankful Fall Fun by Courtney Carbone

A cheerful autumn adventure full of fall activities, fun moments, and messages of gratitude.


Animated crayons hold pumpkins, surrounded by autumn leaves. Text: "The Crayons Give Thanks" by Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers. Cheerful mood.
The Crayons Give Thanks by Drew Daywalt

The Crayons Give Thanks by Drew Daywalt

Everyone's favorite crayons share all the colorful ways they give thanks in this playful holiday story.


Stuffed animals celebrate outdoors with fruits and autumn leaves. Title says Friendsgiving. Text by Nancy Siscoe, illustrated by Sabina Gibson.
Friendsgiving by Nancy Siscoe

Friendsgiving by Nancy Siscoe

A celebration of friendship, food, and gathering together. This book is perfect for group storytimes.


Smiling ninja with closed eyes and hand on chest, surrounded by colorful butterflies, flowers, and sun. Text reads Grateful Ninja on yellow.
Grateful Ninja by Mary Nhin

Grateful Ninja by Mary Nhin

Teaches mindfulness and gratitude through the popular Ninja Life Hacks character.


A laughing turkey being tickled by two hands on a green background. Text reads "Never EVER Tickle a Turkey" by Adam Wallace and Mary Nhin.
Never Ever Tickle a Turkey by Adam Wallace

Never Ever Tickle a Turkey by Adam Wallace

Silly, rhyming chaos ensues when someone tickles a turkey. Perfect for giggles!


A happy dog and squirrel play in colorful autumn leaves under a tree. Text reads: "Pearl and Squirrel Give Thanks" by Cassie and Ryan Ehrenberg.
Pearl and Squirrel Give Thanks by Cassie & Ryan Ehrenberg

Pearl and Squirrel Give Thanks by Cassie & Ryan Ehrenberg

Two friends learn that gratitude doesn’t depend on having everything, but appreciating what you already have.


Book cover titled "How to Catch a Turkey" features a colorful turkey with feathers flying, set against an orange background with pie and vegetables.
How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton

How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton

A school play goes hilariously wrong when the turkey escapes. Kids will love this high-energy adventure.


Children hide behind pumpkins and hay with a turkey on the book cover titled "How to Hide a Turkey." Warm autumn colors dominate.
How to Hide a Turkey by Sue Fliess

How to Hide a Turkey by Sue Fliess

A group of kids attempts to hide their turkey friend for Thanksgiving. Charming, upbeat, and fun.


Cartoon pig in red dress and turkey stand in a room with globe and shelves. Text: "OLIVIA Talks Turkey" and "With 15 stickers."
Olivia Talks Turkey by Farrah McDoogle

Olivia Talks Turkey by Farrah McDoogle

Olivia takes on Thanksgiving in her own imaginative way full of creativity and humor.


Child on a swing under a tree in autumn, surrounded by falling leaves and pumpkins. Text: "Round the Turkey: A Grateful Thanksgiving."
Round the Turkey: A Grateful Thanksgiving by Leslie Kimmelman

Round the Turkey: A Grateful Thanksgiving by Leslie Kimmelman

A warm, multicultural celebration of giving thanks, gathering together, and appreciating family.

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