November Read Alouds

November is a beautiful month of the year and the read aloud themes are equally warm and fuzzy. I love a good turkey book, but I also love going deeper and beyond the turkey with my little learners! Today, I wanted to share some of my staple reads to use in the month of November that showcase gratitude, community, delicious dishes, and lending a helping hand! 

Thank you, Omu! By Oge Mora (2018)

With multiple starred reviews and a Caldecott honor book, Thank You, Omu will become an instant classic in your collection and go-to title for gratitude and community. The reader will meet a lovable Omu preparing a delicious pot of stew for her dinner. With its scent floating out the window and into the community, Omu is met at her door by different neighborhood residents throughout the day. Each time, she shares a bowl of her dinner. By the end of the story, the reader is able to see a full circle moment when the community revisits Omu to express their thanks for her generosity. Perfect for starting conversations about generosity and giving thanks! 

Awards/Starred Reviews: Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Caldecott Honor and John Steptoe Award for illustrations 

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang (2019)

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao is a great selection for showcasing family and a delicious dish which is a win, win for November! In this text, Amy wants to make the perfect bao bun just like her mom, dad and grandma make... the problem is, her hands are so tiny. Luckily, Amy realizes that perfect or not, she's able to make her family's bao buns that are still perfect for sharing with her friends! Relatable, engaging and yummy! This text will have your kids wanting to learn more about bao's and share special dishes from their homes!

Starred Reviews: Kirkus 

The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De Le Pena (2015)

Gorgeous through and through and with the mentions to show for it! The Last Stop on Market Street is one of my all time favorites to pull out when I need a little reminder there is so much beauty in the world! With themes of giving and gratitude, The Last Stop is a must read for November. The story follows CJ and his Nana as they wait and travel on the city bus to the last stop on Market Street. Along the way, CJ's perspective begins to change as Nana's words help uplift and bring about the beauty and fortune of daily living. Once they've reached their *undisclosed* destination, CJ's full of gratitude and ready to serve. 

Awards/Starred Reviews: Horn, Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, Newberry Medal, Caldecott Honor & Coretta Scott King Honor 

Kate, Who Tamed the Wind by Liz Garton Scanlon (2018)

This text is such a gem! With a rhythmic text and stunning tree illustrations, Kate, Who Tamed with Wind shares a story of hard-work, friendship and putting back love into the environment. On a heavily windy day, Kate makes a plan to help her neighbor tame the wind around his home on the steep hill by planting trees together. As time passes, the trees and the friendship between Kate and her neighbor grow! 

Starred Reviews: Kirkus and School Library Journal 

The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright (2019)  

Get ready for the LOLs with this text! With a forest for the setting and two polar opposite squirrels, The Squirrels Who Squabbled will win its way right into your readers heart. The quirky Squirrels, Bruce and Cyril, will take your readers on an adventure to get the final pinecone in the forest before Winter arrives. In the end, the duo learn everything is far better with a friend and ultimately learn to share. A great text to use in the classroom to show the benefits of working together!

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson (2012)

If you're familiar with Wilson's work and other Bear stories, Bear Says Thanks is a must-have for your little readers. In this story, Bear wants to host a friends dinner but sadly has no food to share. But, not to worry, Bear's pals happily share dishes and by the end have a feast together. Bear learns he might not have food to share but his friendship and heart is greatly appreciated. 

A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman (2001)

And last but not least, a turkey book! Plump and Perky Turkey is a hilarious turkey book with a twist ending! Breaking News: Squawk Valley learns there are NO turkeys left for Thanksgiving and will be left eating WHEAT. But that just won't do... instead, the community hatches a plan to outsmart and catch their own turkey by hosting a turkey themed event. Soon enough, IN walks their model turkey... and soon enough OUT will walk their model turkey as he outsmarts the town of Squawk Valley at their own game.

I hope you were able to find a gem of a text to add to your November read aloud collection to share with your little learners! To offer literacy support with these texts, I've aligned book companion kits for each of these titles to build up comprehension and craft up some fun after reading. Click each photo to learn more about them in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop. 

Happy Reading!