Best Turkey Books for Storytime (Preschool, Kindergarten & First Grade)

Planning a Thanksgiving or turkey-themed read-aloud for preschool or K–1st? These books are guaranteed hits with groups and perfect for storytime, circle time, or classroom lessons.

The Gobble Gobble Mooooo Tractor Book
By Jez Alborough · Illustrated by Jez Alborough · Published by Kane/Miller Book Publishers, 2010

While Farmer Dougal sleeps, Sheep and the other barnyard animals hop on the tractor and take turns making engine, wheel, and horn noises. Packed with cumulative sound effects, movement cues, and silly dramatization—excellent for puppets and felt board or told with sound effects and motions.

Cold Turkey
By Corey Rosen Schwartz & Kirsti Call · Illustrated by Chad Otis · Published by Little, Brown and Company, 2021 

A bundled-up turkey gives away pieces of his winter clothing to chilly animal friends. Kids love the cumulative structure and the repeated refrain as the turkey becomes colder and colder. Great opportunities for characterization, feltboard, and acting out the motions as each animal arrives.

Turkey Trouble
By Wendi Silvano · Illustrated by Lee Harper · Published by Two Lions, 2009 

Turkey is in big trouble—Thanksgiving is coming, and he’s the main course. His solution? Disguises! Lots of them. Kids love the escalating disguises, the comedy, opportunities for characterization and the chances to predict what he’ll try next. A lively, high-participation read-aloud or felt board story that pairs well with a disguise a turkey craft.

Setting the Turkeys Free
By W. Nikola-Lisa · Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max · Published by Hyperion, 2004

A young boy creates turkeys from handprints, sequins, and all kinds of crafty materials—until his imagination takes flight and the turkeys come alive. This story pairs wonderfully with an art project and encourages visual observation, creativity, and hands-on engagement.

I’m a Turkey

By Jim Arnosky · Published by Scholastic, 2009

Told in a rhyming, singable style, this story follows a turkey living in a large flock while watching out for animals who might find him “tasty.” The rhythm is fun, the illustrations are engaging, and there are plenty of chances for movement and repetition—perfect for preschool storytime.

No Thanks, Said Turkey
By Jeffrey Burton · Illustrated by Florence Weiser · Published by Little Simon, 2024

The table is set and the feast is ready, but the animals are missing one very important friend. Where is Turkey? This light, simple Thanksgiving tale works well as a quick read-aloud with younger groups. Board book format.