With the holidays quickly approaching, there are many important lessons students can learn from books to help encourage gratitude and thankfulness. Here are some books about gratitude and thankfulness that you can read together. I encourage you to share these books not just at the holidays, but throughout the whole year.
Throughout this post you can click on book titles to learn more about them or find these books on Amazon.
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BOOKS ABOUT GRATITUDE AND THANKFULNESS
Thankful
by Eileen Spinelli
Little ones will snuggle up close as they enjoy this charming, cozy book about being thankful. From the local reporter to the doctor and pastor, children will delight as they explore the people of their town and what they are thankful for.
Thanks for Thanksgiving
by Julie Markes
Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks—the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what’s most important is being able to share them with family.
Thankful
by Elaine Vickers
I am thankful for a home where I am safe and warm.
Thankful for parents who read me stories and comb my hair gently, gently.
Who whisper the same poem every night when they tuck me in.
When the first snow falls, a little girl writes down the things she’s thankful for on strips of paper and links them together. As one idea leads to another, her chain grows longer. There’s so much good in her life: a friend, things that are warm, things that are cold, color, things that can be fixed. This beautiful story is a much-needed reminder to observe and honor life’s small joys.
Just So Thankful
by Mercer Mayer
There’s a new kid in town who has everything Little Critter wants — a Super Streak scooter, his own cell phone, and even a limousine! But Little Critter soon realizes that he has something money cannot buy — a family who loves and adores him.
The Thankful Book
by Todd Parr
The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bathtime to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life’s special moments. The perfect book to treasure and share, around the holidays and throughout the year.
Bear Says Thanks
by Karma Wilson
Bear has come up with the perfect way to say thanks—a nice big dinner! When Bear decides to throw a feast, his friends show up one by one with different platters of delicious food to share. There’s just one problem: Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do?
Give Thanks for Each Day
by Steve Metzger
A cuddle-up-together paperback to be thankful for! In concrete, simple, yet touching ways, Steve Metzger shows young children all the things they can be thankful for: a hug, a parade, a bath, a new toy! But also, give thanks for the snowflakes that fall from above or for getting together with people you love. With a cadence and rhythm that’s both soothing and inviting, this book can be shared with little ones at any time of day or night.
Splat Says Thank You!
by Rob Scotton
Splat the Cat’s trusty mouse friend, Seymour, needs cheering up, and Splat wants to help. He’s been working on something special for Seymour—not just a thank-you card but a thank-you book!
Splat’s book lists all the sweet and often hilarious reasons Splat is thankful for their friendship.
The Thank You Book (Elephant & Piggie)
by Mo Willems
Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In The Thank You Book!, Piggie wants to thank EVERYONE. But Gerald is worried Piggie will forget someone . . . someone important.
Curious George Says Thank You
by Margaret and H.A. Rey’s
George is thrilled to get a thank-you card in the mail from his friend Betsy. It makes him want to send thank-you cards to everyone he knows. Who can he thank? George tries to remember all the people who have been nice to him, but tracking them down to deliver his homemade cards soon becomes a challenge.
Those Shoes
by Maribeth Boelts
All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for “want,” just “need,” when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.
Last Stop on Market Street
by Matt de la Peña
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.
Thank You, Mr. Falker
by Patricia Polacco
Patricia Polacco is now one of America’s most loved children’s book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha’s dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability. Patricia Polacco will never forget him, and neither will we.
The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings
by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic from Stan and Jan Berenstain. A big storm is rolling through Bear Country! Brother and Sister are scared, but Papa and Mama help the cubs realize that they are all safe and that the whole family should count their blessings.
Thanks from the Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric Carle
Perfect for Thanksgiving or any day of the year, this charming book of pictures is the colorful way to tell loved ones “thanks!” Featuring art from the World of Eric Carle, this joyful book follows The Very Hungry Caterpillar and celebrates all that makes us most thankful.
Thank You, Mr. Panda
by Steve Antony
Generous Mr. Panda is giving away presents to all his animal friends, including a mouse, an octopus, an elephant, and a lemur, but they aren’t being very grateful about the gifts they receive. It may be because the presents aren’t quite right. Mouse receives a sweater that’s too big, and Octopus gets six colorful socks even though he has eight legs. Fortunately, thoughtful little Lemur knows that even if the present isn’t perfect, it’s the thought that counts most of all.
The Gratitude Jar
by Katrina Liu
Mina was feeling sorry for herself. She always seemed to notice the good things that others had, but she didn’t. One day, her family decided to make a gratitude jar, and things began to change. Soon the family discovers the power of gratitude and appreciation for life’s simple things.
The Crayons Give Thanks
by Drew Daywalt
The Crayons are thankful for so many things—from blueberries to night skies to life jackets to their parents and the luck that brought them all together. This humorous, mini hardcover book shows that there are so many things to be thankful for, everywhere we look!
Gratitude is My Superpower
by Alicia Ortego
Little Betsy will learn that happiness is made up of simple things in life, both small and big. With the help of the magic stone, she will begin to feel gratitude for her parents, friends, and toys. But what happens when little Betsy forgets to use the magic of her stone? She will realize that the power of gratitude is hidden in her heart.
Thankful Frankie
by Kathleen Cruger
Frankie, an adventurous kid, loves toys and materials things more than anything. Frankie always carries a large pack filled with toys, games and gadgets — things believed to bring happiness and joy, until one day the toy pack is left at the park. Frankie is inconsolable until Frankie learns to find gratitude for the simple things in life.
What are your favorite books to read about gratitude and thankfulness? I’d love to check them out!
You can find more of my favorite books to share with kids here.
Happy Reading!
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