These mouth-watering reads will help get young readers in the Thanksgiving mood (or at least hungry enough for the feast).

Picture Books

“At Our Table”
by Patrick Hulse, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight
From tables overflowing with family to friends gathered in small apartments, warm and cozy illustrations show many different types of people gathering to eat and give thanks. The wide range of modern Thanksgiving celebrations pictured showcases an overall theme of unity and the importance of gathering with loved ones.

“When We Gather: (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal Feast”
by Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight
After the frost melts, green onion shoots start to appear. A young Cherokee girl and her family gather to pick the onions. They bring them home and give them to the cooks at the community center, where everyone has gathered for a feast.

Early Readers

“A Taste of the World: What People Eat and How They Celebrate Around the Globe”
by Beth Walrond, translated from German by Laure Afchain
A fun introduction to celebrations and food around the world. From Norwuz to Thanksgiving, China to Mexico, explore fun facts about favorite dishes (Why are baguettes long and thin? Why are Egyptian sweets made with sesame?). Colorful illustrations introduce 20 different countries and holidays.

“Alcatoe and the Turnip Child”
written and illustrated by Isaac Lenkiewicz
The witch Goonwartha is hosting a harvest festival to help build community between the people of Plumtown and the witches who live in the woods. Hoping to beat their cranky neighbor, three kids ask the witch Alcatoe for help with their vegetables. Their results may be a bit too successful when their prize-winning turnip turns out to be sentient and definitely should not be used to prepare the feast! This book is a fun and delightful romp full of warmth and kindness.

Middle Grade

“Salt Pepper Season Spice: All the Flavors of the World”
by Jacques Pasquet, illustrated by Claire Anghinolfi, translated from French by Ann Marie Boulanger
From salt to coffee, Pasquet introduces 11 common spices and seasonings, exploring where they come from, how people use them, common lore and more. Full of fun facts and illustrations, this book allows readers to explore everything from using pepper to pay ransom to the invention of hot chocolate. You don’t have to be a child chef to enjoy this highly interesting read that shows how uncommon these everyday items are.

“Bake Sale”
written and illustrated by Sarah Varon
Cupcake runs a successful bakery and can’t believe it when his best friend, Eggplant, invites him along on a trip to Turkey to visit family. In Turkey, Cupcake will be able to meet his idol, Turkish Delight—the most famous pastry chef in the world—but it will mean working extra hard to make enough money to go. In gentle pastel colors, this cozy graphic novel offers a wonderful look at friendship.

Teens

“Appetite for Miracles”
by Laeken Z. Kemp
Danna’s grandfather’s dementia is getting worse. She tries to anchor him by making his favorite foods. Her father and cousin help with the project, but Danna’s mother highly polices everything Danna eats. Raúl plays guitar as a sense of comfort, especially as his wrongfully incarcerated mother has recently returned from prison. The two meet when Raúl plays for Danna’s grandfather’s music therapy program. Their blossoming relationship helps them focus on the future in this lyrical-verse novel told in both voices.

“Hungry Hearts: 13 Tales of Food and Love”
edited by Elsie Chapman and Caroline Tung Richmond
On Hungry Hearts Row, families make and sell food that feeds the soul, sometimes magically. In 13 connected short stories by 13 different authors, the restaurants and bakeries serve what their customers need. A magical dumpling can cure a fear of death, soup can exact revenge and pastry can help convince you to propose to your girlfriend. Throughout, food more than nourishes as it helps connect to culture, family and home.