Guest Picks: 20 Children's Books to Help Them Learn About Gratitude
I remember the first time I asked my children which gift they’d like to donate to charity, and they looked at me like I had four heads. And even though they are too old for these books now, the concept of gratitude is something that we still struggle with, sometimes even as adults. So, I am a big fan of books like these that can help teach children to be grateful from a young age. And make each of them happier in general as they grow up, and hopefully make the world a better place. I can’t think of a better gift for a child. — Stacy from South Shore Decorating Blog
I love this book. Here’s a quote: “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.”
This book is intended for ages 1 to 6. The colorful illustrations and simple text make it perfect for toddlers.
This book of fun rhymes and colorful pictures will help you teach your child about gratitude. Studies have shown that there is a strong connection between gratitude and a child’s attitude. Being thankful will increase your child’s happiness in their early years, as well as in their adult life.
In the inspirational text that made him a bestselling, internationally acclaimed author, Douglas Wood offers a spiritual homage to nature and the world in this book.
After the best-selling Gratitude Soup comes this create-your-own version! Teach your children about gratitude using this easy and fun coloring and collage book.
Bear has come up with the perfect way to say thanks — a nice big dinner! When Bear decides to throw a feast, his friends show up one by one with different platters of delicious food to share. There’s just one problem: Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do?
Gracie is a little girl with “gratitude attitude.” She teaches her big brother about the power of gratitude, and he learns first-hand how helpful grateful and positive thinking can be.
This colorful picture book will warm the hearts of children and adults alike. Each of its pages contain endearing examples and vibrant illustrations that inspire children to grow into grateful, caring and giving people.
This book is part of the popular The Joy-oh-Boy book series.
Read about how a daring whale rescue inspired a global art initiative about gratitude in this books.
My 8-year-old loves Junie B. Jones, and the title of this one is enough reason for me to buy it!
This is another favorite. The story follows a toddler through her day, from waking up to birdsong to a snuggly bedtime. The final pages include a small photo of the essence of each experience with a thank you.
Spirited Gladys Elizabeth is more than disappointed when her mother buys her the “ugliest” shoes in the world. She devises a foolproof plan in hopes of destroying her ugly shoes. However, Gladys Elizabeth doesn’t account for their sturdiness, and in the end she learns a valuable lesson in gratitude.
The only non-fiction book on my list, this one aims to awaken gratitude in children, inviting them to find something to be thankful for every day among the things that surround them in their daily lives.
This is a good choice for boys, as the protagonist is a boy that many will identify with. Luke is having a bad day until he finds a stone that, coupled with some wisdom imparted from his Grandfather, helps him realize how his thoughts can change his circumstances. It’s a heartwarming story that teaches the value of having an attitude of gratitude.
A homework assignment on gratitude leaves Jake completely stumped. After all, he’s just an ordinary 8-year-old boy — what’s so great about that? But a weekend of adventures opens his eyes to the true meaning of gratitude, and just how lucky he is that it’s always within his reach.
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and the whole Peanuts gang demonstrate kindness and appreciation through humor and wisdom in this assortment of inspirational comics and quotes.
Popular writing team John Jacobson and Emily Crocker bring you this stirring yet tender musical story for young readers that reminds us all where we came from and helps us discover who we really are.
This is the first book in a children’s series in which Rudy the Rhino teaches his jungle friends about gratitude and how to be thankful for all the things we all have in our life.Next: Thank U 4 the Gr8 Gift: How to Send Thanks in the Digital Age
Violet the Purple Fairy learns how to make Gratitude Soup by thinking of all the things, people, places, and experiences that she is grateful for, putting them in an imaginary soup pot. She is able to shrink her pot of soup with her imagination, and she keeps the gratitude warm and flowing in her heart all day and all night.
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