November is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book and practice language skills through stories, laughter, and connection! At The Child Inspired, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving all month long with four favorite picture books that bring fun, silliness, and gratitude into our therapy sessions.
Here’s a look at each book we’re reading — plus tips on how you can use them at home to build your child’s language skills during your everyday routines.
How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace
This silly story follows a runaway turkey causing chaos before the Thanksgiving play!
Language skills to target:
- Sequencing: What happened first, next, last?
- Problem solving: How can the kids catch the turkey? What would you do?
- Vocabulary: Words like sneaky, stage, trap, and chase make great teaching moments.
At home:
Act out the story! Use stuffed animals or toys to “catch the turkey” and talk through what’s happening as you play. During your morning routine, narrate steps (“First we brush teeth, next we wash our face — just like the steps in the story!”) to reinforce sequencing skills.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey by Lucille Colandro
A Thanksgiving spin on the classic “Old Lady” series — this book is full of repetition and rhyming, which are perfect for little language learners.
Language skills to target:
- Repetition and prediction: Kids can join in with “There was an old lady who swallowed…” to strengthen memory and anticipation.
- Describing: Talk about each object she swallows — what it looks like, what it does, and why it’s silly.
- Rhyming and sound play: Emphasize the rhyming words to support early phonological awareness.
At home:
Make it interactive! Gather small toys or pictures of each item and have your child “feed” them to a box or paper bag “Old Lady.” You can use this activity while cooking or cleaning up, naming and describing real items as you go.
Pookie’s Thanksgiving by Sandra Boynton
This sweet board book follows little Pookie as they prepare for a cozy Thanksgiving day. It’s full of short phrases and everyday vocabulary, making it a great pick for toddlers.
Language skills to target:
- Emotions: How does Pookie feel about the day? What makes Pookie happy or tired?
- Routines: Talk about Thanksgiving traditions — eating, visiting, helping, resting.
- Requesting and commenting: Encourage your child to point, name, or sign what they see (“turkey,” “pie,” “yay!”).
At home:
Use this story during mealtime routines. Talk about what everyone is eating, how it tastes, and how it’s similar to what Pookie eats. Keep phrases short and simple — repetition helps toddlers learn new words best!
Taylor the Tooting Turkey by Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson
This funny, light-hearted story gets lots of giggles — and laughter can make language learning stick!
Language skills to target:
- Social skills: Talk about how Taylor feels when he toots, and how his friends react.
- Perspective-taking: Discuss what others might be thinking or feeling in the story.
- Verbs and adjectives: Words like toot, giggle, run, silly, and embarrassed are great to model.
At home:
Use humor as a bridge for connection and conversation! During bath time or playtime, talk about emotions (“That’s silly!” “You’re laughing just like Taylor!”). Practice turn-taking — giggle, pause, and let your child respond or imitate.
Tips for Reading with Toddlers & Preschoolers
Reading doesn’t have to mean sitting still for the whole story! Here are a few ways to make it engaging and language-rich:
- Follow their lead: If your child wants to skip pages or focus on pictures, that’s okay — talk about what they are noticing.
- Pause and wait: Give your child time to respond, even if it’s with a gesture or sound.
- Use expressive voices: Big emotions and silly sounds keep little ones listening and learning.
- Label and expand: If your child says “turkey,” you can say “Yes, the turkey is running!”
Bringing Language Learning into Daily Routines
The best time to practice language skills is during the moments you already share:
- Mealtime: Talk about what you’re eating, who made it, and what everyone likes.
- Getting dressed: Describe colors, textures, and actions (“You’re putting on your soft, cozy socks”).
- Playtime: Narrate your child’s play — “The turkey is hiding! You caught him!”
- Bedtime: End the day by talking about what your child’s favorite part of the day was — just like a Thanksgiving gratitude moment.
Books are such a fun and easy way to build language while connecting with your child. You don’t need fancy materials or long sessions — just a few minutes of reading, laughing, and talking together each day can make a big difference. These Thanksgiving stories are the perfect way to slow down, share a smile, and keep learning through everyday moments.
Come to learn. Leave inspired ✨