What’s On Our Bookshelf This Month-November 2022

Thanksgiving is already next week! I honestly love the few weeks between Halloween and Thanksgiving because I find it easier to catch my breath and regroup before the inevitable business of December. We have been intentionally trying to slow down as a family around the holidays and I have been working on this personally during the rest of the year.

I also appreciate the sense of anticipation and transition as we close out fall and prepare for winter. There are so many amazing things in nature to witness during this time and slowing down for or with the kids has been such a blessing.

I rotate books every month and like to include themes, especially around holidays. Honestly, I’m still trying to navigate how I talk about Thanksgiving with my children. I don’t feel comfortable sharing the glossy version I learned as a kid that includes the Native Americans befriending the Pilgrims, but I want to prioritize teaching about people and cultures different than our own. I also like to use November as a time to emphasize gratitude and togetherness while including a lot of nature themes on our bookshelves as well.

Here’s what I settled on this year:

• Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story- This book has won a lot of awards and it is everything you think it would be. The story introduces readers to a modern Native American family and discusses culture and history in a factual way while still capturing how a food can mean so many things.

• We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga- The author of this book shares with readers the importance of traditions, gratitude, and ceremony in the Cherokee community specifically, but is a beautiful reminder for people of every background.

• Little Tree- This book is a stunning exploration of change and growth presented in a very approachable way. This was a new addition for us this year and I love it.

• Yellow Time-The illustrations in this book are so colorful and fun. Everyone is excited for the fun autumn brings and this book was darling.

• Kafka and the Doll- This was a new find this year and shows readers how kindness can come from the most unexpected places.

• Thanks for Thanksgiving- This book highlights some tangible things kids are thankful for, such as slides, food, and their family. What a wonderful book to show little ones how to be grateful.

• I Want My Hat Back- In this somewhat silly mystery, a bear’s hat has gone missing. He is polite on his search, and this is a great way to show manner words in action but get the kids laughing by the end.

• Thank You, Neighbor- This book is a reminder to slow down and appreciate all of the people and things that make your neighborhood feel like home. My 3-year-old loves this book and we have read it at least twice a day for the past week, so although I may have other favorites on this list, it is absolutely her top choice.

• Thank You Bear- This sweet and short book is perfect for little ones and has such a heartwarming message of finding joy and beauty when others might not.

• It’s Thanksgiving!- I love how this book shows different traditions and ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with pictures of real people and food. Simple, but engaging.

• Thankful-The sweet rhymes in this short book share everyday things we can all be thankful for.

• Because of an Acorn- Show children how everything in their life is connected, from an acorn to a tree to animals. This is a beautiful way to start conversations about nature and our world.

• Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter- Join siblings as they observe the changes in nature as we inch closer to the first snowfall.

• Autumn: Leaves Fall From the Trees!- The words to this book are set to a song and invite children to play outside as the days turn cooler. I love the illustrations in this book.

• Thank You, Garden- This book is a celebration of nature, community, and teamwork. It intertwines the words full of gratitude with the beautiful pictures that are sure to keep a child’s attention.

We have a few spots for books in our house, so not every title on this list lives in one place. I have also been utilizing audiobooks and read aloud videos in the car or to help us make it through the last 10-15 minutes before dinner is ready. I try to read to the kids every day, but recently I have been needing to lean on technology a little bit more. And that’s OK!

Comment below which of these books you have or are planning to buy- I definitely found a few new favorites this year. As always, every click or purchase from a link I provide is much appreciated. I hope you can find some peace and renewal as we head into the holiday season.

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