Picture Books about Being Thankful
Picture books are a great way to spark conversations with kids. If you're wanting to have a conversation about gratitude, try starting with one (or some) of these picture books about being thankful.
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Let's start this list with the most popular one. This book continues to sell like hot cakes! Kids love it so much.
The Thank You Book
(an Elephant and Piggie book)
Mo Willems
In his most recent (and reportedly final) Elephant and Piggie book, Mo Willems shows us how to say "thank you" to those around us. Piggie greets each character from this series and thanks them for something very specific. Of course, she saves the best for last, and it might not be who you think.
Bear Says Thanks
Karma Wilson
We are huge fans of Bear and his critter friends. This book gives the same heartwarming feeling of the others in Karma Wilson's much-loved Bear series. Bear says, "Thanks" to each of his forest friends as they contribute something to a spontaneous feast. But Bear feels sad because he thinks he has nothing to contribute in return since his cupboard is bare. The friends quickly point out what he does have to offer.
Gracias, Thanks
Pat Mora
This bilingual picture book by Pat Mora is a Pura Belpré Honor Book. The story, written in Spanish and English, follows a boy through his day from sun up to sun down as he finds things to be thankful for. He thanks people, animals, and things in nature (..."the foamy waves that chase my sister and me..."). His examples of being thankful are things all kids can relate to (..."the ladybug that landed on my finger...") and laugh at (..."for my little brother who threw mashed peas at my sister and made me laugh so hard I fell off my chair...")
The Thankful Book
Todd Parr
If you're not yet familiar with the works of Todd Parr, start with this one, The Thankful Book, and you'll be hooked. Each of his books focuses on specific social skills that children (and adults) face. His intensely colorful illustrations draw readers in to his completely relatable text. ("I'm thankful for my feet because they help me run and play.")
Berenstain Bears Count their Blessings
Stan Berenstain
We can always count on the Berenstain Bears to teach us life lessons. In this book, Mama Bear is tired of her kiddos wanting what others have so much that they forget about being thankful for the important things they already have. As in so many of the other books in this series, Mama Bear helps the family remember what is important.
Thankful
by Eileen Spinelli
Eileen Spinelli gives us an enjoyable rhyming picture book about being thankful for everyday things. (The sprouts from the garden, the fireman's hose, etc...) With the sing-song rhythm it's a joy to read out loud.
The Giving Tree
Shel Silverstein
A book that should be on every child's bookshelf, this poignant classic by Shel Silverstein reminds us to be grateful.
These are our current favorite picture books about being thankful. I hope you've been inspired to pick one up and read it with a child.
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