An Attitude of Gratitude: 17 Books That Show Kids What It Means To Be Thankful

by Dena McMurdie

Photo credit: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc, Blend Images/Getty Images

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.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2023.