7 Children's Books That Inspire Gratitude & Thankfulness

Authored by Whitney Carlson onNovember 20, 2018

Posted In:Our Bookshelf

Gratitude is a concept that is often hard to grasp – for kids and adults alike! The holiday season is a great time to explore with kids what it means to be thankful and the importance of giving. Here are a few children’s books we recommend that will help facilitate conversations about thankfulness and showcase different ways to give and receive gratitude.

Llama Llama Gives Thanks

Thanksgiving time means yummy foods and autumn leaves and being thankful for everything from pumpkin pies to blue skies. Llama Llama learns to give thanks not just on Thanksgiving, but all year long.
(Ages 0 – 3)

The Thankful Book

The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bath time to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life’s special moments.

(Ages 0-5)

Bear Says Thanks

What better way for Bear to say thanks, than to have a big dinner with all his friends!

Bear is having a feast for all his friends, but his cupboards are empty. Bear thanks each friend as they show up, bringing food with them. This warm and inviting book uses themes of friendship and generosity to illustrate good manners.
(Ages 4 – 8)

The Thank You Book

Piggie wants to be sure she says thank you to all her friends, and doesn’t want to forget one. His friend Gerald the elephant helps jog her memory on all the things they’re both thankful for. The Thank You Book is a fun & funny exploration of the many ways of being thankful that can fill a child’s day.

(Ages 4-9)

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences, showing the blessings and challenges that each season brings.

(Ages 5-9)

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

In an effort to change her family’s fortune, Minli journeys to find the Old Man in the Moon. Richly layered with Chinese Folktales, the book is a feast for the imagination, with a message of friendship and gratitudes.

(Ages 7-11)

Almost Home

Sugar and her mother lose their home in Missouri and move to Chicago for a fresh start. But fresh starts aren’t so easy to come by for the homeless. Nevertheless, Sugar’s mother has taught her to be grateful no matter what. With the help of a rescue dog; a foster family; a supportive teacher; a love of poetry; and her own grace and good humor, Sugar comes to understand that while she can’t control the hand life deals her, she can control how she responds.

(Ages 10-14)

Looking for more book recommendations? Find these titles and more curated by our team of book experts on the First Book Marketplace!

7 Children’s Books That Inspire Gratitude & Thankfulness

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