Thanks & Giving with Lynne Marie and Heather Macht

Hello, readers! As celebration connoisseurs, Heather and I here at #SeasonsOfKidLit want to share our love of reading and kidlit by sharing books that capture Thanks, Giving, and Gratitude!  In this season of Thanksgiving, and as always, we appreciate those who strive to entertain, inspire, and educate children with the best storytelling possible. We are especially thankful for all the wonderful creators whose work we get to support and showcase! We're especially thankful for all of you who tune into our blog to help us support them and celebrate holidays and seasons, big and small! From us to all of you - Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Lynne Marie's reads for the season:

Cold Turkey by Corey Rosen Schwarts, Kirsti Call, and Chad Otis 

What a better way to delight kids this holiday than with a book that’s funny AND punny! With lots of poetic devices and rolling rhyme it has appeal for both the child listener and the aspiring writer.  

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade - by Melissa Sweet 

I love this wonderful book in so many ways and highly recommend it. The art is unique, beautiful and engaging. The story is inspiring to children, artists and creators. And nostalgically it will appeal to anyone who has witnessed the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! 

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! by Lucille Coloandro and Jared Lee

I’m not usually one for parodies, but I must admit that I collect the many picture book variations of the original, There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. I love that they can be themed to just about any holiday and this one is perfect for Thanksgiving. But another layer is that you can ask an older child or adult to pick a favorite object and come up with their own parody! Such a fun writing exercise! 

About Lynne Marie:

Lynne Marie is a multi-published, award-winning writer of picture books. She wears many hats in this industry – a Special Acquisitions Editor for The Little Press, an intern for a Literary Agency, the Director of RateYourStory.org and ThePictureBookMechanic.com, as well as a Co-Host at SeasonsOfKidlit.com and a Columnist at Children’s Book Insider (writeforkids.org). Her latest holiday book, BroomMates: A Brewing Boundary Battle, co-written with Brenda Reeves Sturgis and illustrated by Nico Ecenarro has been flying off the shelves and is in its third printing. She loves turkeys and hopes her turkey story, Fowl Humor, will find a home soon! 

Heather’s Reads for the Season!

Fry Bread - A Native American Story by Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal 

This sweet book celebrates togetherness, food, and a modern Native American Family. I love the vibrant illustrations and the powerful verse that depicts a family making fry bread together and what it means to them. I also enjoy books that include a recipe at the end. If you haven't read this yet, I'd highly suggest it - it's a must for the season!

'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey

This is a wonderful twist on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. If you love reads with humor and heart, you must check out this book about kids who visit a farm the day before Thanksgiving, meet eight adorable turkeys, then find out what they’re for (and come up with a hilarious plan to save them)! Young readers will especially laugh along as they read along.

Giving Thanks by Jonathan London and Gregory Manchess

This is such a beautiful and unique book. When a boy and his dad go on a nature walk, the boy learns, by watching his dad, how to give thanks to the beauty and nature all around him. If you haven’t checked out this book, I’d highly recommend it. The painterly-styled illustrations along are breathtaking, but the story itself is a sweet reminder to be thankful for everything. 

About Heather Macht

Heather Macht is the Owner / Creator of #SeasonsOfKidLit. She's thrilled to bring her passion to life and promote books with seasonal and holiday tie-ins! Her favorite holiday of all, and one of the main reasons she and Co-Host Lynne Marie get along SO well, is Halloween.

Macht is also the author of 15 books including The Mutant Critter Sitter (ABDO, 2024), a six-book chapter book series featuring #girlpower, responsibility, spliced mutant creations, and science-filled fun!, The Woodlot Monster Mysteries (ABDO, 2023), a 6-book Chapter Book Series featuring less-common monsters, and promoting #girlpower, problem solving, and teamwork!, and more!