The best children’s books featuring festive parades

Andrea Denish Author Of Everyone Loves a Parade!*
By Andrea Denish

Who am I?

Parades are a truly happy place for people of all ages. The inspiration for Everyone Loves a Parade!* came from the 2018 Philadelphia Eagles Superbowl Championship Parade - a spectacle the entire city enjoyed, drawing people with Philadelphia roots from all over. The communal nature of putting together a parade that carries on traditions and gives people a reason to share a celebration drove my interest in writing this book. The beautiful illustrations by Guilherme Franco bring the pages to life and allow readers to enjoy the wonder of parades from their living room couch - (where it’s much less messy).

I wrote...

Everyone Loves a Parade!*

By Andrea Denish, Guilherme Franco

Everyone Loves a Parade!*

What is my book about?

Music, costumes, food, and fun. The sights and sounds of a parade are exciting! From Mardi Gras and Chinese New Year to St. Patrick's Day and LGBTQ+Pride, each celebration is a joy for kids, and most adults. With rhyming text and bold illustrations, children will love this festive and humorous look at some of the country's most well-known parades.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

The Books I Picked & Why

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade

By Melissa Sweet

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade

Why this book?

If you’ve ever wondered how those big parade balloons came to be, this book explains everything. You’ll meet Tony Sarg, a talented marionette artist who crafted puppets to entertain on the Broadway stage as well as Macy’s Department store window in New York City. Tony’s ingenuity really soars when he is called upon to create something special for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Something that would change the face of the parade forever.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea

By Michael Ian Black, Kevin Hawkes

A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea

Why this book?

Have you ever heard of a pig parade? It sounds like a great idea, right? Imagine pigs on floats. Pigs in a marching band. Pigs wearing fancy costumes. Who wouldn’t enjoy a pig parade? Read this book to find out what a pig parade might look like and if a pig parade would in fact be a terrible idea.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Hoorade Day!

By Nancy Raines Day, Cornelius Van Wright

Hoorade Day!

Why this book?

Experience all the joy of an Independence Day parade on the pages of this colorful book. Get a boost on Dad’s shoulders, wave your flag and meet the man wearing the tall red, white, and blue hat. Upbeat, rhyming text adds to the excitement and makes this picturebook a read-aloud favorite.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

What Do You Celebrate?: Holidays and Festivals Around the World

By Whitney Stewart, Christiane Engel

What Do You Celebrate?: Holidays and Festivals Around the World

Why this book?

Holiday celebrations and festive parades go hand-in-hand. Learn about celebrations around the world including Carnaval in Brazil, Fastelavn in Denmark, Dia De Los Muertos in Mexico, and many more. You’ll learn about special holiday traditions, foods, costumes and even find instructions to make crafts so you can enjoy the celebration at home.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Curious George at the Parade

By H. A. Rey

Curious George at the Parade

Why this book?

Curious George seems to find trouble wherever he goes, and a parade is a prime place to find trouble. There are plenty of laughs to be had as George wanders away from the Man in the Yellow Hat and gets carried away with curiosity.

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Random Book Lists

The best parenting books that will make you think (or re-think)

Heather Shumaker Author Of It's Ok Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids Heather Shumaker

The best books on the European re-discovery of America

David Boyle Author Of Toward the Setting Sun: Columbus, Cabot, Vespucci, and the Race for America David Boyle

The best books on surprising and compelling WWII stories

Joy Neal Kidney Author Of Leora's Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II Joy Neal Kidney

The best books on ancient history

Henry Davis Author Of Creating Christianity - A Weapon Of Ancient Rome Henry Davis