In my household, we all love reading. It should come as no surprise that I enjoy using books to introduce new concepts to my kids and to reinforce the concepts we’ve been discussing. It is November, so we’ve been talking a lot about gratitude and giving thanks to God for all He has given us.
These are really difficult concepts for young kids to grasp. However, thanks to our local library, we’ve been able to find a number of books that talk about gratitude and provide examples of giving thanks. Our whole family has benefited from these! Here are 10 noteworthy examples.
Some of these books are about gratitude in general, while others are about being thankful to God. The short descriptions I’ve provided should clarify into which category each book falls.
Children’s books about gratitude
Thank You, God by J. Bradley Wigger
Age range: 3-8 years
Specific to Thanksgiving: No
A simple, lyrical reminder about being thankful to God for everyday things like families, homes, and food.
Age range: 4-8 years
Specific to Thanksgiving: No
Rhyming text and whimsical illustrations communicate the importance of being grateful for simple, everyday things. The only reference to God in this book is subtle.
Age range: Not specified
Specific to Thanksgiving: No (but it is specific to the fall season)
Cute, colorful illustrations accompany short prayers of gratitude prayed by various animals (mice, rabbits, squirrels, etc.). The animals are grateful for things such as cozy coats, the changing leaves, and pumpkins.
Age range: 4-8 years
Specific to Thanksgiving: Yes
Beautiful illustrations accompany text that shares about the people and things—both big and small—for which we can be grateful. Family is emphasized in this book, but there is no mention of the One to whom we are thankful.
Age range: 4-8 years
Specific to Thanksgiving: Yes
Using references to Psalm 92, the author celebrates the joys of Thanksgiving as seen through the eyes of a young boy.
The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings by Mike Berenstain
Age range: 4-8 years
Specific to Thanksgiving: Yes
On their way to visit their grandparents for Thanksgiving, Brother and Sister learn about things (including faith and family) for which they can be grateful.
Age range: 2-5 years
Specific to Thanksgiving: No
This board book uses bright illustrations and simple text to teach young children about the little blessings in their lives (blue skies, twinkling stars, colorful flowers, etc.).
Otis Gives Thanks by Loren Long
Age range: 1-3 years
Specific to Thanksgiving: No
In this board book, Otis (a farm tractor) expresses gratitude for the many wonderful things in his life (his friends, games to play, the rain, etc.).
Age range: 4-8 years
Specific to Thanksgiving: No
This book is accompanied by a CD that contains a song sung by Art Garfunkel. The words of the book/song lyrics celebrate things like the seasons, nature, and faith. Faith is referenced in very general terms and God is identified simply as “a hand you cannot see.”
Age range: 2-4 years
Specific to Thanksgiving: No
In this book, a young boy lists the numerous things for which he is thankful to God: Family, flowers, rain, kindness, etc.
Final thoughts
I hope these books help your children—and you—give thanks during the Thanksgiving season and throughout the whole year!
Are you familiar with other children’s books that explain the concept of gratitude and encourage kids to give thanks? If so, please share about these below.
Thank you! I could definitely use these for working with kids, or for my future children! This is such an important concept.
Yes, it is so important. Even with these books my kids don’t really “get” it yet, but it is so helpful to put the foundation in place. Meanwhile, I enjoy the books and they help me remember to be grateful!