By Hyacynth Worth

Holiday preparation can be stressful for parents, I know. (Is anyone else feeling like a rather long-order cook these days?)

Take back Thanksgiving! (And I don’t mean go on strike and order out. Unless you really want to.)

Instead, snuggle up with your little ones and let these beautifully worded (and funny!) stories about being thankful and celebrating with gratitude soak into your heart!

(Credit: Margaret K. McElderry Books)

Bear Says Thanks

By Karma Wilson
Amazon

A story about friendship and sharing, thankfulness and gratitude, Bear Says Thanks sets a wonderful tone for Thanksgiving celebrations. Poor bear is lonely hibernating in the woods and decides throw a feast but realizes he has no food to offer. When his friends come to the rescue with delectable (and traditional) foods, Bear finds out what it means to give thanks all while teaching the little ones reading the same concept.

(Credit: HarperCollins)

Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’

By Eileen Spinelli
Amazon

Take your family to Thanksgiving dinner with the nicest family of wolves you’ll ever meet, and you won’t be sorry: your whole crew likely won’t be able to keep a straight face through the slapstick-esque events that unfold – all begining when the Tappltons’ turkey slides out the door, across the lawn and onto the frozen pond. One food catastrophe after another ensues in the Tappletons’ home as the family members begin realize what Thanksgiving is really about.

(Credit: Candlewick)

All for Pie, Pie for All

By David Martin
Amazon

After grandmother cat bakes a pie, the family finds out just how far a little bit of leftovers can go! This story about sharing from abundance and working together pairs wonderfully with the Thanksgiving season and lends itself as a precursor to conversations about sharing with others. It also ties in light math concepts for a bit of an educational slant. With warm and cozy artistry, it’s a good read that sets the tone for Thanksgiving feasts to come.

(Credit: Walker Childrens)

Run, Turkey, Run

By Diane Mayr
Amazon

We love to laugh, and Run, Turkey, Run provides plenty of deep belly giggles! The story is unique and fresh, and the illustrations are just as comical as a smart turkey tries to outwit and outrun a farmer who is trying to make him into a turkey dinner. The turkey’s antics and the hilarious ending will have your family laughing after each read.

(Credit: Hyperion Book CH)

Setting the Turkeys Free

By W. Nikola-Lisa
Amazon

A little boy begins constructing turkeys using his hands as a template and an array of art supplies when his imagination takes over and the turkeys come to life! Soon he’s brainstorming ways to keep his turkeys safe from a naughty fox who bears a striking resemblance to the author’s mischievous dog. Written by Chicago-area author W. Nikola-Lisa, Setting the Turkeys Free is a colorful, clever tale that will likely trigger little readers’ imaginations, sending the to the craft box with the goal of making their own turkeys!

Where To Buy

Many of these titles can be purchased locally, at the following independent bookstores:

Women and Children First
5233 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
773-769-9299
www.womenandchildrenfirst.com

The Magic Tree Bookstore
141 N. Oak Park Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60301
708-848-0770
www.magictreebooks.com

Anderson’s Bookstores
123 West Jefferson
Naperville, IL 60540
630-355-2665

5112 Main St
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-963-2665

Hyacynth Worth writes almost daily about faith, motherhood, healthy living and the intersection of the three at Undercover Mother.