November is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking for the best children’s books to read this month, it’s time to check out our November reading list of children’s books! With so many picture books to read this month, your kids will surely have the holiday season off to an amazing start with these reads. Whether you want to encourage your kids in their education or just enjoy the spirit of the season with your family, our November reading list of children’s books will have you covered!
It's November, and there are so many things happening during the month of November. It brings the opportunity to read and talk to your children about Thanksgiving, the changing leaves, the colder weather, being thankful, and foods that grow in November.
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(Pssst! Make sure to scroll down and download our free list of books to read during November)
Here are some of our favorites to read with your kids in November:
by Melissa Sweet
2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner
Teacher's Pick!
Balloons Over Broadway is a book about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. This book is perfect for children who are interested in exploring the parade from a bird’s eye view. Balloons Over Broadway tells the story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who created the first balloons for the Macy's Parade. Children will love the magic and the mechanics this book portrays!
by Wendi Silvano
Imagine being a Turkey during the month of Thanksgiving, then you would be in trouble too! In this story, Turkey has a brilliant idea, he will look like something other than a turkey! After many attempts, Turkey discovers the perfect disguise! Turkey Trouble is a cute and hilarious story perfect for a November read-aloud.
by Karma Wilson
Bear Says Thanks is a clever rhyming story about a bear who lives in his cave and wants to host a dinner for his friends. There is just one problem, his cupboards are bare, what will he do? Readers will love discovering what bear has to share.
Review:
"Told in rhymed verse, the text reads aloud smoothly. As the animals arrive with their edible gifts, a repeated line, 'and the bear says thanks' gives children a chance to participate in the story. The book’s large format allows plenty of space for the illustrations, and Chapman’s lively acrylic paintings make the most of it. Even preschoolers new to the series will be charmed by this big, gentle bear and his generous woodland friends."--Booklist
by Jory John
The sixth picture book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series
Jory John and Pete Oswald deliver another hilarious picture book with meaningful lessons. In The Sour Grape, young readers will learn about holding grudges. The Sour Grape holds many grudges, it's not until a friend holds a grudge against the Sour Grape without listening to an explanation, that the Sour Grape realizes that grudges can be unfair. Could forgiveness and compassion be enough to turn this Sour Grape sweet?
by Laura Renauld
Winner of the Beaming Books Picture Book Writing Contest!
Porcupine is excited to share Fall Feast with her friends. However, they discover that each of them is unable to bake their specialty due to a missing ingredient. Together, they work to create a new Fall Feast tradition. Porcupine's Pie is a heartwarming story that will inspire children to act generously.
Bonus: A recipe for "friendship pie" can be found at the end of the book
by Dawson Casey
Apple Cake is a perfect Thanksgiving read, encouraging children to be grateful for the natural world. It follows a child being thankful for the gifts nature provides, such as hazelnuts, apples, eggs, and milk. Eventually, the family has enough ingredients to bake a delicious apple cake.
Bonus: Enjoy a recipe for apple cake at the end of the story.
by Humor Heals Us
Warning: This book may cause laughter and tooting.
Taylor the Tooting Turkey is a story for those looking to laugh it out! In this humorous story, Taylor the Tooting Turkey explains that each kind of toot has its own name.
Review: "I sat down with my six year old grandson and helped him read through this book. Let me tell you, we had a ton of fun reading it! We laughed our way through the entire thing and he got a fun lesson about how people toot and fart. He even educated his grandpa about it when he got home. He told me he wants to read it again tomorrow, so that makes this book a winner in my house. We both also really loved the illustrations!" - 5 star Review, J. Olivas
by Alicia Ortego
A wonderful book for teaching children to be grateful for the things they have.
With the help of a magic stone, little Betsy begins to feel gratitude for her parents, friends, and toys. Along the way, something happens, and she realizes that the power of gratitude lies within her. Gratitude is my Superpower will help children practice daily gratitude and appreciate the warmth of home, time spent with friends, and more!
by Lois Ehlert
A fantastic fall read for the classroom or homeschool. It's perfect for pairing with a fall leaf craft. In this whimsical and beautifully illustrated story, fall has come and Leaf Man is on the move. He's gotta go where the wind blows.
by Emmy Kastner
An inspiring picture book for children who struggle with change. In this story, when autumn comes, adventurous Birch, nervous Oak, and grumpy Maple, each has their own way of facing the coming change. Will the ground be the end or a new beginning? Find out how new situations can be scary but also exciting in this heartwarming story about change.
by Edward Hemmingway
Bad Apple is a perfect fall read for teaching about standing up to a bully. Mac, who is an apple, is friends with Will, who is a worm. Mac begins to get called 'rotten" and "bad apple" because apples aren't supposed to hang out with worms. Will Mac stop hanging out with Will because of what others will say, or will Apple stand up for their friendship?
Review: "Charming . . . Social norms force Mac and Will apart; surprisingly effective, fruit-related pathos ensues before the two friends decide to buck convention and like whom they like. Who cares what anyone thinks?"—The New York Times
by James Dean
Pete the Cat is not quite sure about the change from summer to autumn. That is until he discovers all the fun things to do and be thankful for during the season of autumn, such as corn mazes, hayrides, and apple picking!
Bonus: Includes 12 Thanksgiving cards, a fold-out poster, and fun stickers!
by Cynthia Rylant
A book that perfectly captivates the beautiful month of November. During this month, the air grows colder, the earth and its creatures prepare for the impending winter, and people gather to celebrate what they are most grateful for.
by Tony Johnston
Get ready to gobble up this hilarious rhyming story that teaches children how to count backward. Children will laugh and learn with these goofy turkeys and their silly antics.
by America's Test Kitchen Kids
"The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs celebrates the love of cooking and helps children overcome their fear of trying new foods"
Peyton is a particular girl when it comes to food. She doesn't like eating things that are green, orange, or red. She most certainly doesn't like it when two foods are touching on her plate. She will definitely not eat something that looks gooey, gummy, sticky, slimy, frosted, or flaky. But on Thanksgiving, she is determined to confront her fear by finding a pie that she wants to try even if it is flaky, lumpy, or chunky.
by Jane O'Connor
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Nancy and her family as they host the best Thanksgiving ever! Their feast includes a gigantic turkey, Grandma's secret stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, and don't forget the desserts (yes, plural)!
Bonus: Fun tickers included!
by Paulette Bourgeois
Franklin loves Thanksgiving! However, this year Thanksgiving will be a little different. His grandparents will be traveling abroad and will not be joining them on Thanksgiving. As a surprise to his parents, Franklin decides to invite some friends for dinner. Just one thing, his parents have thought of the same idea! When all their guests show up, with no more room inside the house, where will the Thanksgiving feast take place?
by Lisa Mantchev
It's pet club day! A boy and his adorable pet elephant make their way to the club only to find a big sign at the door that reads " Strictly No Elephants". Broken-hearted, they make their way back home only to discover other kids and their pets have been excluded too. Now, the boy and his elephant decide to show everyone what it means to be a true friend.
“With a gentle message of inclusion and helping others, this title reaches beyond a mere friendship story.”—School Library Journal
Happy Reading!
