Thanksgiving is a lovely time to talk with children about gratitude: for family, friends, food on the table and the small everyday moments that make life sweet. These picture books turn “thank you” into something kids can see and feel.
1. Tofu Takes Time
written by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Julie Jarema; Beaming Books, 2022
Lin learns to be patient as NaiNai makes tofu from scratch, and discovers how much love and time go into a simple, everyday food. A gentle story about appreciating the people and the work behind every meal.
2. A Cup of Happy: Capybara Bubble Tea
written and illustrated by Helen H. Wu; CapyFun, 2025
Capy, Cali and Cavin make their own bubble tea and learn that the best part is sharing it with friends. A cheerful read about friendship, teamwork and being thankful for the people you love.
3. Thank You, Omu!
by Oge Mora; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2018
The smell of Omu’s thick red stew drifts through her city neighborhood, and she shares a bowl with everyone who knocks until the pot is empty. When her neighbors come back to thank her, it becomes a warm story about generosity and community, with bright collage art to match.
4. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal; Roaring Brook Press, 2019
A modern Native American family gathers in the kitchen to make fry bread, and the book uses that one food to talk about shape, sound, history and togetherness. It’s a lovely book to read at a holiday table, and it shows Indigenous families as they live today.
5. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac; Charlesbridge, 2018
Following one Cherokee family through the seasons, this book shows the many ways the community says otsaliheliga, or "we are grateful," all year long. Cherokee words and a syllabary guide make it a meaningful way to talk about thankfulness beyond one November day.
6. Bear Says Thanks
by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman; Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2012
Bear wants to throw a feast for his friends, but his cupboard is bare, and he worries he has nothing to give. His friends show up with food anyway, and Bear learns that his company and his stories are something to share too.
7. The Thankful Book
by Todd Parr; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2012
Todd Parr’s bold, cheerful pictures celebrate everyday things to be thankful for, from music and bath time to family and friends. It’s short and easy for toddlers and preschoolers, and a natural way to start a "what are you thankful for?" talk.
8. Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet
by April Pulley Sayre; Greenwillow Books, 2018
Sayre pairs her own stunning nature photographs with a simple, poetic thank-you note to the earth for its water, rocks, plants and creatures. It gently stretches the idea of gratitude to include the natural world and how we care for it.
9. Thanku: Poems of Gratitude
by Miranda Paul (editor), illustrated by Marlena Myles; Millbrook Press, 2019
A diverse group of poets offers short poems of thanks for things big and small, from family and food to pets and the sky. Marlena Myles’s vibrant art and the variety of poem styles make it a fun book to dip into, and it can inspire kids to write their own.
Reading together is one of the easiest ways to practice gratitude. After each book, try asking your child: what is one thing you are thankful for today?
More picture book lists
- 12 Picture Books About Food, Family and Culture
- 10 Multicultural Children’s Picture Books About Community and Kindness
- Picture Books About Grandparents
- 8 Children’s Picture Books About Patience
Browse all of Helen’s picture book lists, or see all of Helen’s books.
