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Thanksgiving Day is a time to pause and reflect on our blessings. Here in Canada, we have already celebrated Thanksgiving Day in October, but I know that in the United States, this is a very important time of the year as well. All too frequently, we flit through life taking for granted the people in our lives, the roofs over our head, the food on our table, and the clothes on our back.
I remember my Mom telling me that I needed to eat every last bite on my dinner plate because "somewhere in Ethiopia a small child has no food to eat". I use this logic with my children too, but gratitude and appreciation for the things you have are concepts that can be very difficult for children to grasp. Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful vehicle to spark discussions about being grateful, and I always turn to books to facilitate that dialogue. Below, I have identified five picture books about gratitude that are perfect for sharing with children at this time of year.
Five Children's Books for Thanksgiving Day
Title: The Thankful Book Author: Todd Parr Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Publication Date: October 16, 2012 Pages: 32 Recommended Ages: 3 to 6
Summary (Amazon):
"I am thankful for music because it makes me want to dance.I am thankful for my feet because they help me run and play.I am thankful for kisses because they make me feel loved."Todd Parr's bestselling books have taught kids about unconditional love, respecting the earth, facing fears, and more, all with his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity. Now, 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.
Title: Thanks for Thanksgiving Author: Julie Markes Illustrator: Doris Barrette Publisher: HarperCollins Publication Date: August 26, 2008 Pages: 32 Recommended Ages: 4 to 8
Summary (Amazon):
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 is most important is being able to share them with family!
Title: Just so Thankful (Little Critter) Author: Mercer Mayer Publisher: HarperFestival Publication Date: August 22, 2006 Pages: 24 Recommended Ages: 3 to 8
Summary (Amazon):
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.
Title: Thank You, Thanksgiving Author: David Milgram Publisher: Sandpiper Publication Date: September 18, 2006 Pages: 32 Recommended Ages: 3 to 7
Summary (Amazon):
In this exuberant Thanksgiving story, a little girl goes on a last-minute errand for her mother. Along the way, she thanks all the familiar things she loves—her warm boots, the song of the birds, the pretty clouds in the November sky. And when she gets home from her errand, her family thanks her for what she has brought.
Title: The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks Authors: Michael & Jan Berenstain Publisher: Zonderkidz Publication Date: September 28, 2010 Pages: 32 Recommended Ages: 3 to 7
Summary (Amazon):
The Living Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. The Berenstain cubs act out the first Thanksgiving---complete with costumes, props and a full Thanksgiving feast. But will Sister Bear's pet turkey play the part of dinner? The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks teaches how God provided for the pilgrims and reminds children of God's many blessings.
If you have written a post about this topic and have your own recommendations, please provide a link in the comments section below.
