An Attitude of Gratitude: Books That Show Kids What It Means To Be Thankful
by Dena McMurdie
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.
-
Llama Llama Gives Thanks
Buy from: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.
(Ages 0 – 3)Buy from: -
Thank You Bear
Buy from: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 — from joy to uncertainty — including gratitude and thankfulness for a great friend.
(Ages 2 - 5)Buy from: -
Winter's Gifts
Buy from: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.
(Ages 3 – 7)Buy from: -
The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings
Buy from: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 — a reminder for all of us to count our blessings.
(Ages 3 – 7)Buy from: -
I Am Thankful
Buy from:In this cheerful story for early readers, a boy spends Thanksgiving Day thinking positively about the joy his life holds, even when things don’t go perfectly.
(Ages 4 – 6)Buy from: -
Those Shoes
Buy from: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.
(Ages 5 – 8)Buy from: -
My First Gratitude Journal
Buy from:Social scientists have been telling us for years that gratitude is a boon for our well-being, and performing “gratitude exercises” is even better. This sweet journal offers kids daily prompts for writing and drawing about what they’re grateful for — and it makes for a wonderful keepsake, too. (Grown-ups can also get in on the fun with Gretchen Rubin’s blissfully doable Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal.)
(Ages 5 – 9)Buy from: -
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
Buy from: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.
(Ages 5 - 9)Buy from: -
Tiny Gratitudes
Buy from:There’s no rule that says gratitude is only reserved for the big, exciting things in life — there’s 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 captures artist Brooke Rothshank’s own gratitude exercise as she spends a year celebrating the tiny pleasures of life. It’s an excellent reminder to slow down and pay attention.
(All Ages)Buy from:
You might also like:
- Picture Books to Teach Children About Giving to Others
- Feast on Fun! Great Thanksgiving Books and Activities for Kids
- 7 Ways To Foster Gratitude in Kids
- Picture Books To Celebrate Thanksgiving
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2023.