9 Children’s Books About Gratitude
16.11.2016
Child Development Centre
Learning about gratitude from an early age.
Source: article by Investing in Children, published January 15, 2015
As parents, we want to give our children gifts that make their eyes light up. We want to equip them for life, and even give them a better start than we had. But how can we teach our children about being grateful for the blessings they have?
Here is a delightful list of children’s titles for preschool and up, from some of your favourite children’s authors.
All the World
By Liz Garton Scanlon
Grades: Preschool to 3rd grade
Content: Gratitude for small daily life
Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning till night, this book affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to warm family connections, to the widest sunset sky.
Andy and the Lion
By James Henry Daugherty
Grades: Preschool to 2nd Grade
Content: Gratitude for friends
In this retelling of Androcles and the Lion, Andy meets a lion on the way to school and wins his friendship for life by removing a thorn from his paw.
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
By Dr Seuss
Grades: Preschool to 4th Grade
Content: Gratitude for what you have
This classic book provides the perfect antidote for readers of all ages who are feeling a bit down in the dumps. Thanks to Dr. Seuss’s trademark rhymes and signature illustrations, readers will, without a doubt, realize just how lucky they truly are.
Just So Thankful
By Mercer Mayer
Grades: Preschool to 2nd Grade
Content: Gratitude for what you have
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.
Secret of Saying Thanks
By Douglas Wood
Grades: Preschool to 3rd Grade
Content: Gratitude for the wonders of life
In the inspirational text that made him a bestselling, internationally acclaimed author, Douglas Wood offers a spiritual homage to nature and the world. Greg Shed’s stunning portraits of the natural world tenderly portray all of the many ways in which we can say thanks for the wonders we sometimes take granted in life.
Splat Says Thank You!
By Rob Scotton
Grades: Preschool to 3rd Grade
Content: Thankful for friendship
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! His book lists all the sweet and often hilarious reasons Splat is thankful for their friendship.
The funny adventures that Splat and Seymour have had together, complete with animated illustrations and a laugh-out-loud text from bestselling author and illustrator Rob Scotton, will leave Splat fans thankful to know this cat-and-mouse duo.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
By William Steig
Grades: Preschool to 2nd Grade
Content: Gratitude for your family
Sylvester can’t believe his luck when he finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion jumps out at him on his way home, Sylvester is shocked into making a wish that has unexpected consequences. After overcoming a series of obstacles, Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family. Illustrated with William Steig’s glowing pictures, this winner of the Caldecott Medal is beloved by children everywhere.
The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings
By Stan Berenstain
Grades: Preschool to 2nd Grade
Content: Gratitude for what you have
Mama Bear is tired of hearing how many Bearbie dolls Lizzy Bruin has and how many Game Bear video games Cousin Freddy just got. During a thunderstorm, Mama gets her cubs to realize that love and a good home are much more valuable than material possessions.
The Giving Tree
By Shel Silverstein
Grades: Preschool to 3rd Grade
Content: The gift of giving
This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return.
Read the original article with the full list of titles here: http://investinginchildren.on.ca/blog/2015/1/14/19-childrens-books-about-gratitude