Thanksgiving Books for Kiddos you can get behind!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! I love being immersed in the spirit of gratitude surrounded by friends, family, loved ones and filled to the brim with bountiful sharing.

However, it's also that time of year where sadly, we are still seeing the stereotypical "Pilgrims and Native Americans" images, literature, decorations, etc. etc.

Now, there's nothing wrong with a cute turkey made out of hand prints, but honestly...we can do better than telling story after story with cartoon turkeys.  What a beautiful opportunity to learn more about First Nations Peoples, their culture and traditions.  For Native Peoples, Thanksgiving is not a once a year event, but an ongoing appreciation of the bountiful gifts in life.  Moreover, Thanksgiving truly reminds us to celebrate and honor gratitude not just on the holiday but everyday.

Unfortunately, the breadth of children's literature demystifying Thanksgiving stereotypes and opening up a larger more inclusive conversation is not as varied as I'd like but here are a few I've found, love and recommend putting on your classroom and home book shelves this Thanksgiving season.

Bonus suggestion: Keep these books handy for Indigenous Peoples Day come next October!

1. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard

Maillard's story captures a piece of the history behind the traditional Fry Bread. It tells of the tradition, history and memory all centered around this one food found within many tribal nations. This story also beautifully depicts the diversity found within the Native American community filled with various skin colors and hair textures. Within this story the adults also highlight the names of many Native Nations. 

Bonus! Informative author's note included...with footnotes!

2. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

Otsaliheliga is a Cherokee word to express gratitude and to be mindful of the many blessings in your life. In the midst of everyday life including the good, the bad, and the ordinary this book reminds us to be appreciative. The illustrations are delightful and celebrate the beauty of community.  At the end, there is a list of Cherokee definitions which are lovely to add to your discussions of Native American history and culture. The author's note also contains links to a classroom guide.

3. Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora

While not a typical Thanksgiving read, this charming book celebrates a loving and giving spirit. It is a 2019 Caldecott Honor book and winner of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award. The illustrations are collages, which reminds me of the rich imagery you often find in Ezra Jack Keats' books.  This book transcends a specific holiday and celebrates the timeless gift of generosity among an inter-generational community.

4. Thanku: Poems of Gratitude by Marlena Myles

This book is a beautiful anthology of poetry on all different things to be thankful for spanning a diverse group of authors. The book is also curated to showcase a variety of poetry styles, which is quite fun for reading and exploring.  It especially makes for a delightful conversation with your older readers or if immersed in a poetry unit. The poems honor everything from nature to animals to different cultures. The poems are funny and moving and thoughtful! The multiple illustrations are simply exquisite. 

Bonus! The Editor's note at the end is quite informative for both parents and educators and includes further resources. 

5. The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

I swear Todd Parr has a book for every occasion. You can never go wrong with a Todd Parr book, especially for your youngest of readers. Admittedly, there are some silly parts to this book such as being "thankful for underwear because you can wear it on your head." But it's a beautiful way to begin a conversation with your youngest readers around gratitude and all the different things in life we can be thankful for.

O pointing to her favorite part! 

6. Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp

A delightful poem to start each morning or even to read around your Thanksgiving table.  The words "are based on the Thanksgiving Address, an ancient message of peace and appreciation of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants." The author's note in the beginning points out that children are taught to greet each morning with gratitude as well as to celebrate and embrace people everywhere as family.  This is a very meaningful book and I highly recommend! 

7. Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

Okay, confession: I do love spending my Thanksgiving mornings with The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on in the background while I snuggle in PJs with family and start to think about cooking.  This book gives us the story behind Tony Sarg, the creative puppeteer genius who first orchestrated the enormous balloons which parade down NYC's city avenues. The images in this book are absolutely fantastic and the story of Tony Sarg is inspiring!

8. 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O'Neill Grace

This book is for higher level readers (think 4th grade and up) but it is oh-so-fantastic.  It contains not only realistic images but realistic stories dispelling myths we often find in storybooks which paint happy pictures about the first "Thanksgiving" celebration.  Even though it's for older readers, I found it just as helpful to use it as a read aloud. You can stop and make connections and comparisons even our youngest readers can understand.

I hope you enjoy exploring these books! I love the messages behind each one and the inclusive attributes they can potentially bring to your library and read aloud collection! It is also my hope these books continue to spark your journey on thinking about how we represent different cultures as well as how we reproduce and perpetrate the story and myths behind Thanksgiving. For too long we have been sitting in distorted half-truths around the first Thanksgiving and it's time we put a stop to the further shaming of indigenous cultures.

For further reference I highly recommend:

A Broken Flute: The Native Experience in Books for Children

The American Indians in Children's Literature blog

Oyate: Deconstructing Myths on the First Thanksgiving

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10 Back to School Read Alouds for Little Ones!

It's back to school time! A new environment can be scary, intimidating and also exciting.  I love a good read aloud where children can not only see themselves through the eyes of other characters, but also experience unique characters going through different situations.  Read alouds can contain many powerful messages and help to increase understanding and sensitivities. There are TONS of books to include in your at-home or school library to speak to all different ages and types of children as they transition into a new school year.  Here's to building confident and kind children!

Here are some of my favorite books, catered more towards the preschool & kindergarten crowd, to start your new year!

1. The School Book by Todd Parr

I LOVE a Todd Parr book! The drawings and colors are always so dynamic and spirited.  An excellent overview on what to expect while at school. Filled with easy to understand kid-friendly language and illustrations celebrating inclusion and diversity-this will easily become a classroom or bedroom library favorite!

2. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

A BRILLIANT book and one of my newest favorites! This very lyrical and rhyming story takes us through a first day at school. The illustrations by Suzanne Kaufman are vibrant and come alive with all different types of children making music, art and playing together. When I dream of a school this is what I imagine.  A school filled with all different shades of skin colors, abilities, interests, backgrounds, cultures, gender identities, etc etc. This quote from the book would be beautiful front and center of classrooms, "We're part of a community. Our strength is our diversity. A shelter from adversity. All are welcome here."

3. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Ohhhh man! This book will give you "all the feels" from the very start. Even the drawings are heart-melting. The use of color vs. black and white to illustrate being seen vs. feeling invisible is brilliant.  This book tugs at all of your empathy strings. The main character is Brian who never feels noticed, invited or included until one day when a new kid comes to school.  A thoughtful and sensitive resource for building character skills around compassion, understanding and kindness.  Moreover, an encouraging read for that child who may feel like they don't belong or are different from the other kids.

4. Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match/Marisol McDonald no Combina by Monica Brown

Okay, this one isn't specifically a back-to-school book but it features a strong and fierce half-Scottish, half-Peruvian protagonist. Everyone keeps trying to get Marisol to fit into a certain mold and a box which makes sense to them.  I love that Marisol defies the norms and confidently goes through her school day staying true to who she is.  A fun bi-lingual book in both English and Spanish, it will speak to each child to remind them to be themselves-beautiful and proud in every way.

5. Ellie the Elephant Makes New Friends at School by Agnes Green

I love a book that embraces the different, the unique, the beautiful. Highlighting of imperfections is an excellent way to speak to the fears, insecurities, and inhibitions each of us have when entering a new situation.  Especially a little one entering a new environment for the first time.  Having a character one can relate to goes a long way in building self-esteem.

6. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

This book is immensely fun! The prose makes for an enjoyable read for all ages. The confidence the main character has instilled in him from his parents is stunning to see as he conquers a new milestone. Our hero is self-assured yet kind. I love this book for its "you got this!" tone all the way through. 

7. Preschool, Here I Come by D. J. Steinberg

Fun poems about all of the activities experienced in preschool.  A charming way to introduce your little one to what to expect from washing hands to playing dress up to color mixing to outdoor exploring and everything else in-between.

8.  Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro

A sweet book about Rosie who is beyond excited and prepared to start school until...it's the night before the first day.  Her belly just doesn't feel good! After her mother tells her it's just butterflies in her stomach a few butterflies actually escape out of her mouth every time she talks.  This book takes you on the journey of Rosie's first day and how she makes it through...butterflies and all.

9. Lola Goes to School by Anna McQuinn

An especially lovely read for those little ones preparing for preschool and kindergarten. This book takes you through some beautiful ideas on preparing for the first day of school and transitioning once the day comes.  There are some sweet ideas from having special pencil presents from family members packed to preparing the perfect first day of school outfit and even bringing a comfort item for the big day. If you're a fan of the Lola series this is another delightful book to grow with your child through another milestone.

10. School's First Day of School by Adam Rex

A fun one to round out the list puts a spin on the first day jitters.  This time it's the new school building being nervous and apprehensive about what to expect. Featuring one of my favorite illustrators, Christian Robinson (of Last Stop on Market Street) who has created the images for this story.  Robinson has a way of making each picture fun and lively!
BONUS! This book also comes in French!

HAPPY READING!

Here's to Letting the Whole Child Sparkle!

For further reading on back to school check out this article I wrote for NoodlePros on Tips for the First Day of Kindergarten.

Image from "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold

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10 Picture Books for Kids Honoring Pride Month!

The celebration of PRIDE is one which should stretch from day to day and month to month.  The legacy of those who came before are important to remember and pass down to our young ones.  As a parent, an educator and an ally for the LGBT2QIA+ community, I want to make sure kids are not only seeing themselves in literature, but are exposed to different types of *everything* and love others regardless. Moreover, creating and showing our kiddos a world filled with love, all types of love, is an action to build more empathetic, compassionate, and thoughtful members occupying our Humanity today and tomorrow. In the community around us, and in texts we can show our children not only the importance of acceptance but to boldly be who their are.  They don't have to be silent, invisible, shrink, or hide from their truth.

In no particular order, here are my current favorite recommendations:
*note, some pictures may appear more than once because...technology*

#1 When Aidan Become a Brother by Kyle Lukoff

This story is oh-so-beautiful! It's also lovely to find a book with a main character of color and an LGBT2QIA+ book at that.  The story centers around Aidan, a transgender kid, who is preparing for his new sibling to arrive and he wants to get everything "just right." Part of the mission to get everything just right is because when Aidan was a baby, everyone thought he was a girl or at least a different kind of girl.  Aidan wants to make sure his new sibling feels understood right away.  Explore this book to discover how during Aidan's journey preparing for the new baby he learns the most important lesson of being a big brother. ❤️

#2 From the Stars in the Sky to the Fishes in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom

The message in this story is absolutely heart-melting! A story about a child named Miu Lan who creatively can be whoever they imagine.  However, the kids at school are not so accepting.  Miu Lan's mother offers these loving words of comfort, "whatever you dream of, I believe you can be, from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea." A story about love. A story about identity. A story about acceptance regardless of differences. A must read! 💛

#3 Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman

A captivating and inspiring story about Casey who loves blocks, puzzles, and dump trucks but also everything that sparkles! Even though the adults in Casey's life are understanding, Casey's sister isn't so convinced. "Sparkle Boy" examines the celebration and respect of all types of gender expressions.  A deliciously heartfelt read! 💚

#4 Except When They Don't by Laura Gehl and Joshua Heinsz

I love that this book brings up all of the usual stereotypes and then...crushes them.  Sure, girls like ballet and boys like football...except when they don't.  This book does a lovely job of encouraging children to like what they like regardless of what society tells them they should like or how they should play. 💙

#5 Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino

Vibrant, sweet and almost ethereal illustrations! The tangerine color throughout powerfully stands out in all of the beautiful ways. Dear Morris loves to live his life and embrace all the things that give him joy.  Maybe it's the apple juice at snack time or singing the loudest at circle time.  Or maybe it's wearing a tangerine dress and putting on shoes which go "click click click."  Morris is thus teased at school for defying alleged gender norms and stereotypes.  The kids at school just don't get it.  All of this meanness makes Morris' tummy ache.  Check out this book to see how Morris goes through his vulnerability and comes out triumphant on the other side. 💜

#6 Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall

A gorgeous story about a blue crayon labeled as "red." An important narrative for children to hear about persevering to be yourself no matter what others have to say (and finding your allies along the way)!
Bonus! Also available in Spanish! ❤️

#7 And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

I love, love, love this book. It's not a new story, but I couldn't NOT put it on this list. I also love that we can regularly go visit these sweet, sweet penguins in our hometown of NYC at the Central Park Zoo.  I highly enjoy sharing this heartwarming story with my daughter each time we go.  "And Tango Makes Three" is the true story based on two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who fostered and successfully hatched a motherless egg.  The joy this story brings while celebrating the love of this same-sex family is one that won't soon be forgotten. 💛

#8 Stonewall. A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution. by Rob Sanders

What I love about this book is that it is told from the perspective of Stonewall, the building.  With Stonewall as the main character it makes it very child-friendly and gives a sweet and nurturing feel to the overall book.  Even though it is more history based that story based, the narrative is not only accessible but also an important one for children of all ages to know. 💚

#9 Jamie is Jamie: A Book by Being Yourself and Playing Your Way by Afsaneh Moradian

This book jumps right into Jamie playing with all sorts of different toys and different children at Jamie's new preschool. Each child is mesmerized at Jamie's skills to not only care for a baby doll, dance ballet but also to fix cars and fight villains. The kids all want to know, is Jamie a boy or a girl. Best response ever, "I'm Jamie!" The next day sees each child following Jamie's example and playing with the toys they want to play defying the stereotypes that boys and girls should only like and play with certain objects.
Bonus! This book comes with a section for caregivers and teachers on playtime = learning time tips! 💙

#10 Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

The illustrations in this book are stunning and breathtaking.  Everything about this book just gives me warm feelings.  The narrative is very gentle and no part of Julián's love of mermaids is made a big deal of.  It's just who Julián is.  The relationship between Julián and his Abuela will give you all the feels. 💜

❤️💛💚💙💜

I can give honorable mentions right? There are far too many amazing books to include in this post, but here are some titles that were super close to making the list:
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
I am Jazz by Jessica Pearlman
Princess Puffybottom and Darryl by Susin Nielsen
Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
Love is Love by Dr. Michael Genhart
The Family Book by Todd Parr

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