6 Children's Books about Gratitude
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I wanted to share some of my favorite picture books about gratitude, community, sharing, kindness, and mindfulness. My hope is that they fill your hearts with love and inspiration. May you have much to be grateful for! Along with so many other things, I’m grateful that you’re visiting my website! Enjoy!
Written by Dianne White & Illustrated by Faith Pray
While out with her mom as they deal with car trouble, a child learns how even the smallest things can bring joy and gratitude - flowers growing through the pavement, a warm smile or hello, the smell of fresh cut grass. With delightful and expressive illustrations, this story reminds us of the limitless benefits of mindfulness and appreciation.
Where do you find grateful?
2. Thankful
Written by Elaine Vickers & Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
A family’s tradition of creating thankful chains, beginning at the first snow fall, enriches their lives with joy, gratitude, and comfort. The vibrant and detailed paper illustrations are a joy to explore as readers are reminded of the countless things in life to be thankful for. You’ll be inspired to create your own thankful chains to decorate your home and feed your soul!
Written by Beth Ferry & Illustrated by The Fan Brothers
A scarecrow and crow, an unlikely pair, show us how beautiful kindness is and the ripple effect it creates. This stirring story of friendship and gratitude will inspire readers to let go of limiting beliefs. The illustrations are gorgeous, meditative, and moving!
What unlikely pairs have inspired you?
Written by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz & Illustrated by Elena Odriozola
A beloved woolen blanket becomes the creative means for Babba Zarrah to help her community in varying ways during the cold winter months. What happens when there is nothing left of the blanket? Where will the children who always sat on it while Babba Zarrah told her stories sit now? Bold colors against a white background emphasize the story’s richness of community, kindness, and gratitude.
What creative ways have you helped those in need?
5. Dear Street
Written by Lindsay Zier-Vogel & Illustrated by Caroline Bonne-Müller
As a child notices all that she loves about her street and neighborhood, she also notices that not everyone feels the same way. She decides to write love letters focusing on all the beauty and goodness in her neighborhood and tucks them in various places for others to find. Her perspective is contagious and she becomes the recipient of a love letter at a time she needs one. The story’s colorful, bright illustrations portray the child’s positive, thankful view of her community.
Be sure to read the book’s back matter to learn about the the author’s Love Lettering Project! Perhaps you’ll write and plant some love notes around your neighborhood!
6. Pa, Me, and Our Sidewalk Pantry
Written by Toni Buzzeo & Illustrated by Zara González Hoang
Building it together, a big-hearted duo of grandfather and grandchild add a sidewalk pantry next to their little free library. Because of his own experience with food insecurity, the grandchild made the suggestion to help others in need. This story of thoughtfulness, gratitude, and community is enlivened with colorful and engaging illustrations.
For inspiration and resources on how to help those experiencing food insecurity, check out the story’s back matter!
