Thanksgiving BookThanksgiving is one of the easiest holidays when it comes to explaining the meaning and traditions to children.

Sure there's the pilgrims and the Indians/Native Americans that may require you to brush up on a bit of American history, but giving thanks and being grateful are a lot easier than, say, oh, a man rising from the dead after being nailed to a cross, or witches and vampires, or why a big fat man who rides around with flying reindeer comes down your chimney.

So yeah, Thanksgiving is a nice break from the heavy stuff, but it's also one that's ripe with opportunities for important lessons.

Here are five great books to help your child better understand and embrace the holiday:

The First Thanksgiving by Nancy Davis (BarnesandNoble.com, $5.39)

From the earliest ages, you can share this lift-the-flap book with your children as they discover images of the very first Thanksgiving.

What Is Thanksgiving?

What Is Thanksgiving? by Michelle Medlock Adams (Amazon.com, $6.99)

This board book uses cute rhymes to talk about Thanksgiving traditions. It's one of the "What Is ... " series Medlock has written about several holidays.

10 Fat Turkeys

10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston (BarnesandNoble.com, $6.29)

For a less serious take on the holiday, this is a silly look at the main course as the birds dance, roller skate, and more.

First Thanksgiving

This First Thanksgiving Day by Laura Krauss Melmed (Amazon.com, $6.99)

For older toddlers (suggested age range is 3-8), this book combines a series of poems, counting activities, and hidden images to keep their interest as they learn about what the very first Thanksgiving was like.

Giving Thanks book

Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland (BarnesandNoble.com, $3.59)

Being grateful for what we have is the focus of this book. Family, friends, and being together are all highlighted with cute illustrations.

What are you favorite children's Thanksgiving books?