An Attitude of Gratitude: 17 Books That Show Kids What It Means To Be Thankful
by Dena McMurdie
My kids are shy around adults and often get too nervous to remember their manners until I remind them. They’ll murmur a quiet “thank you” and dash away. Insisting that my kids express gratitude for someone’s kindness is not a torture tactic I’ve thought up to make their lives more awkward (contrary to what they might think). Rather, gratitude helps us feel happier and get the most out of life. When my kids are feeling down, forget their manners, or need a reminder about all the good things they have, I read these books about gratitude with them.
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Llama Llama Gives Thanks
Available from:In the wonderfully rhythmic style for which Anna Dewdney is known, the ever-popular Llama Llama learns to give thanks not just on Thanksgiving, but all year long.
(Ages 0 – 3)Also available from: -
Otis Gives Thanks
Available from:Otis has so much to be grateful for — his home on the farm, the rain and sun that grow the crops, fun games and hard work, and most of all, friendship and love. A lovely introduction to developing an attitude of gratitude for toddlers and preschoolers.
(Ages 0 – 3)Also available from: -
Thank You Bear
Available from:One morning, Bear finds a little box. But what's inside? This charming mystery picture book sees many different colorfully-illustrated animals guess what's inside the box. But little readers won't find out what's really inside until the very last page. Throughout Bear's journey, he experiences a plethora of ever-changing emotions — from joy to uncertainty — including gratitude and thankfulness for a great friend.
(Ages 2 - 5)Also available from: -
Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks!
Available from:This sweet picture book reminds children what Thanksgiving is really about: giving thanks! Read this with your little ones and encourage them to remember what it means to be grateful for everything they have — including a loving family.
(Ages 3 - 5)Also available from: -
Winter's Gifts
Available from:What can winter teach us? For one young Potawatomi girl, Dani, and her family, winter teaches us about rest, patience, and care. Can she help her classmates welcome Mother Earth's gifts of winter with gratitude? Through Dani's story, readers are reminded of the significance of cherishing nature's offerings and the profound impact of giving thanks on one's outlook.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings
Available from:My kids love the Berenstain Bears and hang on every word in their books. In this one, our favorite bear family prepares for a big storm. Brother and Sister are scared, but Mama and Papa remind them how safe and loved they are — a reminder for all of us to count our blessings.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
I Am Thankful
In this cheerful story for early readers, a boy spends Thanksgiving Day thinking positively about the joy his life holds, even when things don’t go perfectly.
(Ages 4 – 6)Preorder from: -
Those Shoes
Available from:Everyone at school has a pair of fancy high-top sneakers and Jeremy really wants a pair of his own. But what he needs, and what his grandmother can afford, are new boots for winter. A heartwarming story that teaches the value of selflessness and appreciating what one has.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
Thank You, Mr. Falker
Available from:Autobiographical in nature, this delightful picture book reminds children to express gratitude to the wonderful teachers that spend so much time instructing, shaping, and encouraging them.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
My First Gratitude Journal
Available from:Social scientists have been telling us for years that gratitude is a boon for our well-being, and performing “gratitude exercises” is even better. This sweet journal offers kids daily prompts for writing and drawing about what they’re grateful for — and it makes for a wonderful keepsake, too. (Grown-ups can also get in on the fun with Gretchen Rubin’s blissfully doable Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal.)
(Ages 5 – 9)Also available from: -
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
Available from:The perfect pick-me-up, this book provides young readers with an optimistic outlook as Dr. Seuss, in all his signature rhyming, reminds them just how lucky they truly are.
(Ages 5 - 9)Also available from: -
White Bird: A Wonder Story
Available from:When Julian from the beloved Wonder world is assigned to write a school report about his family history, he interviews his grandmother, who tells him of growing up in France during WWII and receiving life-saving shelter from a boy she and her friends had previously snubbed. A poignant and beautiful graphic novel that inspires gratitude for friendship, forgiveness, and everyday heroism.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
When Stars Are Scattered
Available from:Another stirring graphic novel, When Stars Are Scattered follows the real-life story of two young Somali brothers coming of age in a refugee camp. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the difficulties and grief that Omar and Hassan share, but it also communicates their resilience through unspeakable hardship as well as their love and loyalty for each other.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
James and the Giant Peach
Available from:You can never go wrong with Roald Dahl. His much-loved story of an orphaned boy — subjected to the whims of his two cruel aunts — who befriends seven magical bugs he meets inside an equally magical peach is an amusing parable for when your kiddo’s attitude is lacking in gratitude.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
Little Women
Available from:Remember the scene in Little Women where the rabble-rousing sisters trek through the snow to take their Christmas dinner to less fortunate neighbors? Even though their father is away at war and the family must make do with little, the young women — often inspired by gracious Beth — know they have everything they need in each other’s company.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
The Book Thief
Available from:Markus Zusak’s worldwide bestseller finds Liesel Meminger living with foster parents in Nazi-occupied Germany, where she befriends the young Jewish man that her foster parents are sheltering. While the world around them grows increasingly bleak, Max introduces Liesel to the life-saving power of words. Liesel’s efforts to bring lightness to Max’s life (including a heartwarming indoor snowball fight) is a meaningful reminder that even on our darkest days, there’s joy to be found when we’re together.
(Young Adult)Also available from: -
Tiny Gratitudes
Available from:There’s no rule that says gratitude is only reserved for the big, exciting things in life — there’s plenty to be thankful for our in our day to day, like a delicious slice of cake or a purring cat on our lap. Tiny Gratitudes captures artist Brooke Rothshank’s own gratitude exercise as she spends a year celebrating the tiny pleasures of life. It’s an excellent reminder to slow down and pay attention.
(Young Adult)Also available from:
You might also like:
- Picture Books to Teach Children About Giving to Others
- Feast on Fun! Great Thanksgiving Books and Activities for Kids
- 7 Ways To Foster Gratitude in Kids
- Picture Books To Celebrate Thanksgiving
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2023.