Discovery Point Blog

November 25, 2015

Six Books to Share with Your Preschooler This Thanksgiving

Instilling positive values in your preschool-aged children can provide them with a solid foundation for future success. Especially during the holidays, reading to your child about thoughtfulness, kindness and gratitude can help them understand these concepts more clearly. Finding the right books for story time or bedtime reading can reinforce the lessons learned by young children during this season of celebration. Here are six of the best books to share with your preschooler, curated by the expert staff at Discovery Point.

The Giving Treeby Shel Silverstein

One of the great classics of children’s literature, The Giving Tree tells the story of a little boy and the tree who loved him so much that she gave up everything for him. Simply told and poignant, this book expresses perfectly the importance of appreciating the givers in our lives in terms that can be understood by even the youngest children.

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?by Dr. Seuss

The delightful verses and extraordinary illustrations make this clever book a wonderful treat throughout the year, but it is perhaps most appropriate during the Thanksgiving season. By presenting children in silly situations that seem far more dire than their own, Dr. Seuss seeks to instill a sense of gratitude in even the youngest children.

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

The Thankful Book takes a more direct approach to the spirit of thanksgiving by encouraging children to think about the things for which they are grateful. From unique hair to music and nature, this book highlights all of the things that make life special and rewarding. By engaging your child in discussion about the many things for which he or she is thankful, you can ensure that these valuable lessons stick with your preschooler long after story time is over.

Andy and the Lionby James Daugherty

A reimagining of the famous folk tale Androcles and the Lion, Andy and the Liondemonstrates the importance of both charity and gratitude for younger readers. Andy’s kind act in removing a thorn from the paw of a lion pays off when he encounters the lion again in surprising circumstances. With an original publication date of 1938, some of the language may seem a bit dated. The inspirational message, however, continues to come through loud and clear for modern parents and children.

Giving Thanksby Jake Swamp

Native American traditions form the basis for this simplified and illustrated version of the Iroquois Thanksgiving Address. The focus is on nature and the beauty of the world around us. Bright colors and simple designs make this an ideal book for reading along with young children, while beginning readers will find much to explore in this culturally significant work.

Just So Thankfulby Mercer Mayer

One of the Little Critter series, Just So Thankful presents the issue of envy and the need to be thankful for one’s own blessings in a playful and easy-to-read format. Little Critter is jealous of a friend who has many more material possessions; however, when his friend comes to visit, Little Critter discovers that his family is the best blessing of all.

By including these special books into your holiday routine, you can ensure that your child learns the real meaning behind the holiday season. The early education specialists at Discovery Point can reinforce the positive values learned at home to ensure that your child achieves the greatest degree of success academically and on a personal level.