Thanksgiving Day Thanks
Author: Laura Malone Elliott
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Summary: Sam's class is learning about traditions surrounding Thanksgiving and each student is assigned a project to share that is a tradition in their family they are thankful for. But Sam is having a terrible time choosing his project. Can he get it done before the class Thanksgiving feast?
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Thanksgiving Day Thanks celebrates our differences and similarities in our family traditions, hopefully leading to discussions about how each family is unique.
Extension Activities: This sweet book will give your students the perfect opportunity to delve into the history and traditions of any family holiday or gathering that may be important in their family. Think of ways that students can research and share their favorite traditions..no matter what holiday or event they are celebrating! Click here!
Harvest Days: Giving Thanks Around the World
Author: Kate DePalma
Illustrator: Martina Peluso
Summary: People have been giving thanks and celebrating for the food they have grown since ancient times. Learn about festivals that celebrate the harvest around the world.
Recommended Ages: 4-10 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Another opportunity for kids to learn about other festivals and days of thanks from 12 different cultures around the world. This non-fiction book is packed with facts!
Extension Activities: Using your public library, school library or online resources, have students pick a country and research ways that they might celebrate a harvest festival. It would be fun to have each student's country's information displayed for a "Festival of Harvests Around the World" Day for sharing what the student had learned. For younger children, choose the link below to find some fun harvest activities! Click here!
The Crayons Give Thanks
Author: Drew DeWalt
Illustrator: Drew DeWalt
Summary: The Crayons are back!! They are each sharing the things that they are thankful for. Which crayon will be your favorite?
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This newest in the "Crayon" series by Drew DeWalt illustrates that the things that one can be thankful for do not have to be big or glamorous..they most often are the very simplest things in our lives.
Extension Activities: Have your students participate in a Reader's Theater with this simple book! Kids can make simple costumes that would represent each color and what that color is thankful for. You can also have children choose their favorite color, draw a picture and write why it is their favorite color. Publish them in a classroom book! Choose the link for a quick crayon drawing lesson! Be sure to read the other Crayon books! Click here!
The Legend of the Beaver's Tail
Author: As told by Stephanie Shaw
Illustrator: Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
Summary: Beaver loves his beautiful, glorious tail and he is not shy about bragging to his animal friends about its magnificence. This Ojibwe People legend retells the story of how Beaver's tail came to be.
Recommended Ages: 7-10 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: The Legend of the Beaver is a great introduction into the concept of legends and their importance in a variety of cultures. This one focuses on Native American culture, which is always appropriate to focus on during the Thanksgiving holidays.
Extension Activities: This Native American legend is the perfect jumping off point for a little research of Native American tribes, customs and cultures. Read the attached blog for ideas for a STEM activity to build "like a beaver"! Click here!
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Day Parade
Author: Melissa Sweet
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Summary: Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition in many homes on Thanksgiving Day! But have you ever wondered how it started? Read this delightful biography of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who engineered the balloons for the parade!
Recommended Ages: 5-10 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This biography of Tony Sarg will ignite the imagination for many STEAM projects. Be sure to carefully read Sarg's notes found on some of the pages. The illustrations of this fun biography will keep readers fully engaged!
Extension Activities: Start a tradition of your very own Balloon Thanksgiving parade in your classroom! With simple supplies, such a balloons, tape, construction paper, crepe paper, markers and string, have your students create their own balloon float! Copy and open the link below for some fun STEM challenges! https://carlyandadam.com/thecarlyandadam/balloons-over-broadway-thanksgiving-stem-challenge Click here!
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