“The Crayons Give Thanks” by Drew Daywalt

Drew Daywalt returns to his popular Crayons characters for a special Thanksgiving edition. In this small picture book, each crayon draws a picture of what they are thankful for, giving thanks for things such as blueberries, parents, and humorously, the dog’s inability to digest wax. This will be a big hit with Crayon’s fans, and is a fun read-aloud as caregivers help their little ones thing about what they are thankful for this fall season.

“At Our Table” by Patrick Hulse

This is a unique and special take on Thansgiving as the author envisions what it looks like “at our table” across America. Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, attention is given to a spread depicting a family mourning and praying in front of the statue of Wampanoag (also know as Massasoit), meant to “inspire reflection of the past – on the peace he advocated for and maintained with English colonists for many years, as well as the harm the colonists brought to the indigenous peoples of this land” (artist’s note). This book is a joyful look at how Thanksgiving is celebrated (or not) throughout our country, all starting with “at our table”. Excellent choice for families looking how to communicate a deeper meaning of Thanksgiving to their children.

“A Stickler Christmas” by Lane Smith

This book is a silly joyful experience with an odd creature named Stickler as it celebrates Christmas by giving carefully selected presents to its friends. Funny and a bit particular, striking in this book is how carefully Stickler considers its friends’ personalities, desires and wishes when giving gifts. The gifts themselves become a running joke as Stickler has only one item that it gives as gifts – sticks! Great book, fun for all.

“Giraffes Can’t Dance: Jingle Bells” by Giles Andreae

“Giraffes Can’t Dance” is a fun, rollicking book that gets kids up and moving and helps show that no matter how you dance – you can dance! This comeback is a fun Jingle Bells inspired return to Gerald the giraffe; families can dance their way to this mixed up version of Jingle Bells.

“Grumpy Monkey Play All Day” by Suzanne Lang

Another Grumpy Monkey book! Jim the chimpanzee decides to ignore his chores, even ignore going to the bathroom or eating, because he thinks it is more important to play and have fun all day. In typical Grumpy Monkey style, kids can giggle and laugh at Jim’s antics, and maybe wish that like Jim, they too could play all day long! But they will learn along with Jim that sometimes its good to get some of the things done that you didn’t want to do.

“Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin” by Julia Donaldson

This is a wonderfully done, entertaining picture book following the adventure of a penguin born in a zoo name Jonty Gentoo! He learns from his aunts about living wild in Antarctica and decides he has to see for himself – and so sets of on a journey! Kids will love this one, as Jonty makes a wrong turn and winds up in the wrong pole until he eventually, with lots of help, finds his way to Antarctica.

“Tamales for Christmas” by Stephen Briseno

Based on the author’s own grandma, this bright & cheerful picture book shows a grandma making and selling 1000 dozen tamales for months so that she can make extra money to buy gifts for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A great Christmas story, showing that while families might have different traditions in their celebrations, the best part of celebrations is spending time with their loved ones.

“An Anishinaabe Christmas” by Wab Kinew

This is a lovely story about a baby going home to the Rez to celebrate winter solstice with Kookom and Mooshom (Grandma and Grandpa). The story effortlessly weaves together traditions, family, language and more. There is a pronucation Guide at the back of the book, along with an author’s note about the tradition of winter solstice feast and giveaway.