My kids are shy around adults and often get too nervous to remember their manners until I remind them. They’ll murmur a quiet “thank you” and dash away. Insisting that my kids express gratitude for someone’s kindness is not a torture tactic I’ve thought up to make their lives more awkward (contrary to what they might think). Rather, gratitude helps us feel happier and get the most out of life. When my kids are feeling down, forget their manners, or need a reminder about all the good things they have, I read these books about gratitude with them.<\/p>\n
no no 9781101997154 Llama Llama Gives Thanks <\/i> by Anna Dewdney <\/p>\n
In the wonderfully rhythmic style for which Anna Dewdney is known, the ever-popular Llama Llama learns to give thanks not just on Thanksgiving, but all year long.
\n(Ages 0 \u2013 3)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781524741150 Otis Gives Thanks <\/i> by Loren Long <\/p>\n
Otis has so much to be grateful for \u2014 his home on the farm, the rain and sun that grow the crops, fun games and hard work, and most of all, friendship and love. A lovely introduction to developing an attitude of gratitude for toddlers and preschoolers.
\n(Ages 0 \u2013 3)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780670785070 Thank You Bear<\/i> by Greg Foley <\/p>\n
One morning, Bear finds a little box. But what’s inside? This charming mystery picture book sees many different colorfully-illustrated animals guess what’s inside the box. But little readers won’t find out what’s really inside until the very last page. Throughout Bear’s journey, he experiences a plethora of ever-changing emotions \u2014 from joy to uncertainty \u2014 including gratitude and thankfulness for a great friend.
\n(Ages 2 – 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780448422862 Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks!<\/i> by Margaret Sutherland, illustrated by Sonja Lamut <\/p>\n
This sweet picture book reminds children what Thanksgiving is really about: giving thanks! Read this with your little ones and encourage them to remember what it means to be grateful for everything they have \u2014 including a loving family.
\n(Ages 3 – 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780593577813 Winter’s Gifts<\/i> by Kaitlin B. Curtice, illustrated by Gloria F\u00e9lix <\/p>\n
What can winter teach us? For one young Potawatomi girl, Dani, and her family, winter teaches us about rest, patience, and care. Can she help her classmates welcome Mother Earth’s gifts of winter with gratitude? Through Dani’s story, readers are reminded of the significance of cherishing nature’s offerings and the profound impact of giving thanks on one’s outlook.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780679877073 The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings<\/i> by Jan Berenstain and Stan Berenstain <\/p>\n
My kids love the Berenstain Bears and hang on every word in their books. In this one, our favorite bear family prepares for a big storm. Brother and Sister are scared, but Mama and Papa remind them how safe and loved they are \u2014 a reminder for all of us to count our blessings.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781623369200 I Am Thankful<\/i> by Suzy Capozzi, illustrated by Eren Unten <\/p>\n
In this cheerful story for early readers, a boy spends Thanksgiving Day thinking positively about the joy his life holds, even when things don\u2019t go perfectly.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 6)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780763642846 Those Shoes <\/i> by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones <\/p>\n
Everyone at school has a pair of fancy high-top sneakers and Jeremy really wants a pair of his own. But what he needs, and what his grandmother can afford, are new boots for winter. A heartwarming story that teaches the value of selflessness and appreciating what one has.
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780399257629 Thank You, Mr. Falker<\/i> by Patricia Polacco <\/p>\n
Autobiographical in nature, this delightful picture book reminds children to express gratitude to the wonderful teachers that spend so much time instructing, shaping, and encouraging them.
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780593196632 My First Gratitude Journal<\/i> by Creative Journals for Kids <\/p>\n
Social scientists have been telling us for years<\/a> that gratitude is a boon for our well-being, and performing \u201cgratitude exercises\u201d is even better. This sweet journal offers kids daily prompts for writing and drawing about what they\u2019re grateful for \u2014 and it makes for a wonderful keepsake, too. (Grown-ups can also get in on the fun with Gretchen Rubin\u2019s blissfully doable Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal<\/a><\/i>.) 9780394827193 Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?<\/i> by Dr. Seuss <\/p>\n The perfect pick-me-up, this book provides young readers with an optimistic outlook as Dr. Seuss, in all his signature rhyming, reminds them just how lucky they truly are. 9780525645535 White Bird: A Wonder Story <\/i> by R . J. Palacio <\/p>\n When Julian from the beloved Wonder<\/a><\/i> world is assigned to write a school report about his family history, he interviews his grandmother, who tells him of growing up in France during WWII and receiving life-saving shelter from a boy she and her friends had previously snubbed. A poignant and beautiful graphic novel that inspires gratitude for friendship, forgiveness, and everyday heroism. 9780525553915 When Stars Are Scattered<\/i> by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, illustrated by Victoria Jamieson and Iman Geddy <\/p>\n Another stirring graphic novel, When Stars Are Scattered<\/i> follows the real-life story of two young Somali brothers coming of age in a refugee camp. The narrative doesn\u2019t shy away from the difficulties and grief that Omar and Hassan share, but it also communicates their resilience through unspeakable hardship as well as their love and loyalty for each other. 9780451480798 James and the Giant Peach <\/i> by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake <\/p>\n You can never go wrong with Roald Dahl. His much-loved story of an orphaned boy \u2014 subjected to the whims of his two cruel aunts \u2014 who befriends seven magical bugs he meets inside an equally magical peach is an amusing parable for when your kiddo\u2019s attitude is lacking in gratitude. 9780147514011 Little Women <\/i> by Louisa May Alcott <\/p>\n Remember the scene in Little Women<\/i> where the rabble-rousing sisters trek through the snow to take their Christmas dinner to less fortunate neighbors? Even though their father is away at war and the family must make do with little, the young women \u2014 often inspired by gracious Beth \u2014 know they have everything they need in each other\u2019s company. 9781101934180 The Book Thief <\/i> by Markus Zusak <\/p>\n Markus Zusak\u2019s worldwide bestseller finds Liesel Meminger living with foster parents in Nazi-occupied Germany, where she befriends the young Jewish man that her foster parents are sheltering. While the world around them grows increasingly bleak, Max introduces Liesel to the life-saving power of words. Liesel\u2019s efforts to bring lightness to Max\u2019s life (including a heartwarming indoor snowball fight) is a meaningful reminder that even on our darkest days, there\u2019s joy to be found when we\u2019re together. 9781946764171 Tiny Gratitudes <\/i> by Brooke Rothshank <\/p>\n There\u2019s no rule that says gratitude is only reserved for the big, exciting things in life \u2014 there\u2019s plenty to be thankful for our in our day to day, like a delicious slice of cake or a purring cat on our lap. Tiny Gratitudes<\/i> captures artist Brooke Rothshank\u2019s own gratitude exercise as she spends a year celebrating the tiny pleasures of life. It\u2019s an excellent reminder to slow down and pay attention. Editor\u2019s note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2023.<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When kids are feeling down, forget their manners, or need a reminder about all the good things they have, these books about gratitude are here to help. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":7516,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[94,377,496,575,641,954,1161,1163],"coauthors":[23],"class_list":["post-7514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-growing-up","tag-feelings","tag-behavior","tag-gratitude","tag-thanksgiving","tag-educators","tag-caring-and-growing-up","tag-sharing","ages_stages-all-ages"],"yoast_head":"\n
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