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Gratitude

Being thankful can help children manage life's ups and downs.

The Giving Tree

Gratitude

The Giving Tree, a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein, has been a classic favorite for generations. Since it was first published fifty years ago, Shel Silverstein's poignant picture book for readers of all ages has offered a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. Shel Silverstein's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. He is also the creator of picture books including A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and the perennial favorite The Giving Tree, and of classic poetry collections such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, Every Thing On It, Don't Bump the Glump!, and Runny Babbit.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 30346 votes, reviews

Shel Silverstein

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

Gratitude

This heartwarming book encourages positive behavior by using the concept ofan invisible bucket to show children how easy and rewarding it is toexpress kindness, appreciation and love by "filling buckets." Updated and revised, this 10th anniversary edition will help readers betterunderstand that "bucket dipping" is a negative behavior, not a permanent label. It also explains that it's possible to fill or dip into our ownbuckets.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 8449 votes, reviews

Carol McCloud

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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Classics, Gratitude, Environment

If food dropped like rain from the sky, wouldn't it be marvelous! Or would it? It could, after all, be messy. And you'd have no choice. What if you didn't like what fell? Or what if too much came? Have you ever thought of what it might be like to be squashed flat by a pancake?
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 4398 votes, reviews

Judi Barrett

How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids

Gratitude, Compassion

An illustrated adaptation of the long-running bestseller How Full Is Your Bucket? (more than 400,000 copies sold) for kids — told through the story of a boy who learns a valuable “bucket filling” metaphor and watches it come to life as the day unfolds. Every moment matters. Each of us has an invisible bucket. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When it’s empty, we feel awful. Yet most children (and many adults) don’t realize the importance of having a full bucket throughout the day. In How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids, Felix begins to see how every interaction in a day either fills or empties his bucket. Felix then realizes that everything he says or does to other people fills or empties their buckets as well. Follow along with Felix as he learns how easy it can be to fill the buckets of his classmates, teachers and family members. Before the day is over, you’ll see how Felix learns to be a great bucket filler, and in the process, discovers that filling someone else’s bucket also fills his own.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2722 votes, reviews

Tom Rath

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All the World

Caldecott Medal, Nature Lovers, Gratitude

All the world is here. It is there. It is everywhere. All the world is right where you are. Now. Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning until night, this book affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to the warmth of family connections, to the widest sunset sky. Now available as a Classic Board Book, this Caldecott Honor picture book written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Marla Frazee is perfect for the youngest of readers.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2418 votes, reviews

Liz Garton Scanlon

The Story About Ping

Nostalgia, Gratitude

Since 1933, The Story About Ping has captivated generations of readers, but never before has it been available in a mass-market paperback format. No one can deny the appeal of the book's hero, Ping, the spirited little duck who lives on a boat on the Yangtze River. Ping's misadventures one night while exploring the world around his home form the basis of this timeless classic, which is brought to life by Kurt Wiese's warm and poignant illustrations.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2001 votes, reviews

Marjorie Flack

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Being Thankful

Gratitude

Join Little Critter® as he learns why it’s important to be thankful for what he has—not to be upset about what he doesn't. Since 1975, Mercer Mayer has been writing and illustrating stories about Little Critter and the antics he stumbles into while growing up. Tommy Nelson is thrilled to bring this beloved brand that humorously portrays social and emotional issues that kids face to the Christian market with faith-based books featuring Little Critter. In Being Thankful, Little Critter isn't getting anything he wants. Gator gets cool brand-new sneakers, while Little Critter is stuck with his boring blue ones. Tiger’s dad has a boat—but not Little Critter’s dad. And even at the ice cream shop, Little Critter can’t enjoy his chocolate ice cream cone because he would rather have a huge ice cream sundae instead. But on a trip to the farm, Grandma shows Little Critter why thankfulness is so important and helps make any situation seem so much happier. Based on Psalm 107:1, Being Thankful will teach children ages 3 to 6 What gratitude is and why we should be thankful for all of God's blessings How our actions and manners affect others How to share thankfulness with others
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1903 votes, reviews

Mercer Mayer

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Slowly, Slowly, Slowly, Said the Sloth

Being Yourself, Gratitude

Slowly, slowly, slowly . . . that's how the sloth lives. He hangs upside-down from the branch of a tree, night and day, in the sun and in the rain, while the other animals of the rain forest rush past him. "Why are you so slow? Why are you so quiet? Why are you so lazy?" the others ask the sloth. And, after a long, long, long time, the sloth finally tells them! Set in the lush world of the tropical rain forest, this original picture book is an exquisite showcase of Eric Carle's colorful collage art-with a meaningful message: Slow down! Take time to enjoy your world.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1457 votes, reviews

Eric Carle

Thank You, Omu!

Community, Gratitude, Caldecott Medal

In this cozy, sweet story perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street as well as for the Thanksgiving season, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. A Spanish edition, ¡Gracias, Omu!, is also available. Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself? Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love. An author's note explains that "Omu" (pronounced AH-moo) means "queen" in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean "Grandma." This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora's life.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 989 votes, reviews

Oge Mora

Zen Shorts

Asian Culture, Gratitude, Caldecott Medal

"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard." This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addy he tells a story about the value of material goods. To Michael he pushes the boundaries of good and bad. And to Karl he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment, Jon Muth -- and Stillwater the bear -- present three ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 957 votes, reviews

Jon J Muth

The Thankful Book

Gratitude

Todd Parr's bestselling books have taught kids about unconditional love, respecting the earth, facing fears, and more, all with his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity. Now, The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bathtime to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life's special moments. The perfect book to treasure and share, around the holidays and throughout the year.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 877 votes, reviews

Todd Parr

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The Giving Snowman

Gratitude, Community

On a snowy night, Snowman lends a helping hand to Bird, Rabbit, Farmer, and Traveler when they are in need. The next day when the sun comes out and melts Snowman, Bird, Rabbit, Farmer, and Traveler work together as a team to rebuild Snowman. The Giving Snowman is a book about kindness and gratitude. Children can learn through the story that giving to others is a virtue that connects all of us and makes our lives more beautiful.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 851 votes, reviews

Julia Zheng

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The Joyful Book

Gratitude

A beloved New York Times bestselling author explores the many ways to be joyful during the winter holidays—and all year long. Lighting candles is joyful. Playing outside is joyful. Singing holiday songs is joyful. Learning new traditions is joyful. Whether it's celebrating a holiday, sharing a meal, or learning new things, The Joyful Book inspires readers of all ages to spread the joy near and far, to loved ones and friends. With his renowned blend of warmth, humor, and heart, Todd Parr encourages young readers to look for ways that joy surrounds them in some of the world's most widely celebrated holidays, from Hanukkah to Kwanzaa to Lunar New Year.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 830 votes, reviews

Todd Parr

If I Had a Little Dream

Gratitude

Nina Laden’s warm and lyrical picture book sees and appreciates through a child’s eyes how fortunate we are to live in the world we do. Celebrate the wonder of the world in this reassuring picture book about the joy, love, and beauty that is part of each and every day. Our world is full of possibilities if you look for them.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 793 votes, reviews

Nina Laden

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Penguin Problems

Animals, Gratitude

Have you ever considered running away to Antarctica? Of course you have! Because it's a land free of worries and responsibilities! All of your problems will surely be blown away by the icy winds of that lawless paradise! . . . Won't they? Think again, my friend. This penguin has come to tell you that his life down there is no more a picnic than yours is here. For starters, it is FREEZING. Also, penguins have a ton of natural predators. Plus, can you imagine trying to find your mom in a big ol' crowd of identical penguins? No, thank you. Yes, it seems there is no escaping the drudgery of your daily grind, whatever it might be. Or perhaps we've just learned that grumps are everywhere. . . . Jory John and Lane Smith let us decide. This book is sure to tickle kids' funny bones and will elicit appreciative sighs from the adults reading it aloud.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 723 votes, reviews

Jory John

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An Awesome Book of Thanks!

Gratitude

Inspired by the idea of being thankful for all that you have, An Awesome Book of Thanks! is a beautifully written, fantastically illustrated walk through a world of magical unicorns, robotic dinosaurs, and all of life's simple moments, great and small. Crafted for children ages 0-1000, this timeless story is sure to be an instant classic, at home in the hands of anyone looking for the perfect reminder of just how beautiful life can be.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 542 votes, reviews

Dallas Clayton

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Thank You, Mama

Food, Gratitude, Diverse Leads

TikTok and viral video star Grey (@greyandmama) says "Thank you, Mama!" to healthy foods in this picture book that teaches gratitude, manners, and the joy of sharing meals with those we love. We all want to raise happy eaters who enjoy trying new foods, mealtimes with family, and being thankful. That's why so many parents love Linda Meeker's charming videos of her son Grey saying "Thank you, Mama!" With colorful illustrations that capture a child's daily snacks and mealtimes, Thank You, Mama will delight parents and kids alike as it follows a little boy exploring different foods—from vegetables to sushi—and trying to pick his favorite. This playful picture book for 3- to 7-year-olds -encourages children to try new foods and become happy, healthy eaters -honors the bond between parent and child -models respect, manners, and thankfulness -builds vocabulary and prereading skills with colorful food illustrations paired with words for each item
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 398 votes, reviews

Linda Meeker

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My Heart Fills With Happiness

Gratitude, Indigenous Leads

The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy. International speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills with Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 397 votes, reviews

Monique Gray Smith

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123s of Thankfulness

Gratitude, Counting

Whether we're together or apart, there's plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! Learning the importance of thankfulness is as easy as 1-2-3 with this sweet board book that fosters social emotional development. One little thank you can go a long, long way. Two strong arms to hug somebody tight. Three cheers for friends and everything they do. Learn your 123s while discovering the value of celebrating gratitude with this irresistibly illustrated board book that's perfect for Thanksgiving and all year round! Learn to love and love to learn! Complete the series with ABCs of Kindnessand Happiness is a Rainbow!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 386 votes, reviews

Patricia Hegarty

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Bowwow Powwow

Indigenous Culture (Ojibwe), Gratitude

Windy Girl is blessed with a vivid imagination. From Uncle she gathers stories of long-ago traditions, about dances and sharing and gratitude. Windy can tell such stories herself–about her dog, Itchy Boy, and the way he dances to request a treat and how he wriggles with joy in response to, well, just about everything. When Uncle and Windy Girl and Itchy Boy attend a powwow, Windy watches the dancers in their jingle dresses and listens to the singers. She eats tasty food and joins family and friends around the campfire. Later, Windy falls asleep under the stars. Now Uncle's stories inspire other visions in her head: a bowwow powwow, where all the dancers are dogs. In these magical scenes, Windy sees veterans in a Grand Entry, and a visiting drum group, and traditional dancers, grass dancers, and jingle-dress dancers–all with telltale ears and paws and tails. All celebrating in song and dance. All attesting to the wonder of the powwow. This playful story by Brenda Child is accompanied by a companion retelling in Ojibwe by Gordon Jourdain and brought to life by Jonathan Thunder's vibrant dreamscapes. The result is a powwow tale for the ages.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 294 votes, reviews

Brenda J. Child

Be Happy!

Gratitude

Joy and individuality shine through in this humorous, inspirational picture book for anyone who wants to be happy. Sing and dance a little! Have fun! Be kind—be brave! And be the best YOU. This sweet and inspirational book reminds us of the simple things that really do make for a happier life: making friends, being thankful, dreaming big, and most of all—being happy! An ideal gift for graduates, newlyweds, new parents, or anyone starting down a new road in life, this jacketed hardcover edition contains all the original content from the board book, along with a bookplate and additional text and artwork.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 175 votes, reviews

Monica Sheehan

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A Bucket of Blessings

Gratitude

A beautiful myth from India comes to life in this enchanting, New York Times bestselling picture book. Near a majestic mountain in a vast jungle with many mango trees, it has not rained for weeks and weeks. The village well and pond are dry. Monkey and his friends look everywhere for water, but they have no luck. And then Monkey remembers a story his mama used to tell him, a story about how peacocks can make it rain by dancing. So he sets out to see if the story is true… This little-known legend, told with dramatic rhythm and illustrated with the colors and textures of India, is sure to delight and inspire. Afterward by Maya Angelou.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 144 votes, reviews

Kabir Sehgal

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Mindful Baby Board Book Set

Emotions, Gratitude

It's never too early to teach mindfulness! Discover and celebrate the simple pleasures of a baby's world and encourage living in the moment with Mindful Baby Board Book Set from Mudpuppy. The collection includes 4 mini board books in a slipcase (Calm, Nature, Happy and Sleep). The babies in each book use their senses to experience everyday joys. • 4 board books, 8 chunky pages per book • Each book: 4 x 4 x 1", 10 x 10 x 2.5 cm • Slipcase box: 4", 10 cm cube • Ages 0–5 • Greyboard contains 90% recycled paper, printed with nontoxic inks.
average rating is 4.4 out of 5, based on 67 votes, reviews

Aimee Chase

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The Drum: A Folktale from India

Indian Culture, Gratitude, Folktales

This timeless story from India is about a poor boy's dream of having his own drum. His mother is very poor and cannot afford to buy her son the one thing in the world that he really wants. The poor boy's dream takes him on one of the most unlikely journeys and ultimately leads to attaining his dream.
average rating is 4.4 out of 5, based on 65 votes, reviews

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Berry Song

Nature Lovers, Gratitude, Caldecott Medal

Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade's first self-authored picture book is a gorgeous celebration of the land she knows well and the powerful wisdom of elders. On an island at the edge of a wide, wild sea, a girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth. Salmon from the stream, herring eggs from the ocean, and in the forest, a world of berries. Salmonberry, Cloudberry, Blueberry, Nagoonberry. Huckleberry, Snowberry, Strawberry, Crowberry. Through the seasons, they sing to the land as the land sings to them. Brimming with joy and gratitude, in every step of their journey, they forge a deeper kinship with both the earth and the generations that came before, joining in the song that connects us all. Michaela Goade's luminous rendering of water and forest, berries and jams glows with her love of the land and offers an invitation to readers to deepen their own relationship with the earth.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 56 votes, reviews

Michaela Goade

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In Every Life

Gratitude, Emotions, Caldecott Medal

A simple and profound meditation on the many wonders of life from two-time Caldecott Honor recipient Marla Frazee. In every life, there is love and loss, hope and joy, wonder and mystery. With glowing art and spare, powerful text, Caldecott Honor–winning creator Marla Frazee celebrates the moments, feelings, and experiences, both big and small, that make up a life.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 41 votes, reviews

Marla Frazee

ABC Thankful Me

Gratitude, Alphabet

Children learn the alphabet and practice gratitude with this dazzling ABC book of every-day wonders. There are endless things to be thankful for, but let's start with 26. This delightfully illustrated picture book takes young readers (and adults) on an alphabetical adventure of abundance, positivity, and joy. D is for dancing. Thank you, dancing. I shake my hips and swing them side to side. Life is a dance, so dance and feel alive. E is for evening. Thank you, evening. A gorgeous sunset floods the golden sky. I lie on sunlit grass till stars come by. ABC Thankful Me, written in gentle, rhythmic rhyme, is an ideal read-aloud book and a perfect bedtime meditation on life's many blessings.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 14 votes, reviews

Kyaw Lin

Children Who Dance in the Rain

Compassion, Gratitude

★ Human Relations Award, 2023 Children’s Book of the Year ★ Next Generation Book Award Winner ★ Firebird Book Award Winner ★ Family Choice Award Winner ★ Literary Titan Gold Award Winner ★ Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner ★ Golden Wizard Book Prize Winner ★ Story Monsters Award Winner ★ Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Acclaimed as the Children's Book of the Year, a captivating take that cultivates empathy, nurtures self-confidence, and inspires an attitude of appreciation in young minds. Help foster empathy, emotional intelligence, and social skills by introducing children to diverse perspectives, experiences, and a sense of gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Meet the children who learned to dance in the rain. Sophie gets bored quickly and won't even eat her food without looking at her tablet. She's thrilled to hear of her family's upcoming trip to a magical place called India, a land she's only heard of in stories. Once there, she quickly realizes that the underprivileged children living in the mud colony possess a joy and contentment she can't explain. Sophie sets out on a journey of discovery, but what she finds may change her world forever. This tale about the true meaning of happiness and the power of gratitude is based on true events. True to one of its core themes about giving back, 100% percent of net proceeds from every fourth copy of Children Who Dance in the Rain will go to charities such as Save The Children, GiveWell and Bright Sparks School in Mohali, India, who are dedicated to providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 13 votes, reviews

Susan Justice

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Gratitude

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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