They say that gratitude is something that needs to be practiced. Like a muscle it can get stronger over time. I am a believer. When I spend more time focusing on what I am thankful for and make it more of a daily habit I do feel more grateful. And with this feeling of gratitude comes a greater feeling of contentment, love, appreciation and even motivation to give and share more. In the spirit of believing that gratitude needs to be practiced, I also feel that it can be taught. Here are some wonderful year-round books (not just Thanksgiving) that teach gratitude. May they bring more love and contentment into your home
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“Thankful” by Eileen Spinelli and Archie Preston- This book is beautifully done! It goes through all the things that we have to be grateful for and how it enriches our life. It has a sentimental feel and I love how varied the gratitude list is.
“The Thank You Book” by Mary Lyn Ray and Stephanie Graegin- This book is adorable and charming! It is a beautifully illustrated list of then many wonderful things we have to be thankful for. Definitely a warm and cozy one!
“My Little Gifts: A Book of Sharing” by Jo Witek and Christine Roussey- This book is phenomenal in explaining that gifts come in all shapes and sizes and may not even be tangible. It is great for teaching children that so much of what they have doesn’t come in “item form” and helps them realize that the things that mean the most to them aren’t things that can be bought.
“Before You Sleep: A Bedtime Book of Gratitude” by Annie Cronin Romano and Ioana Hobai- This bedtime story is wonderful for helping children to end the day thinking about all the things that happened that day that they can be grateful for. It would be fantastic for helping them start the habit of taking time to be grateful everyday and can prompt wonderful discussions on all that they have and how wonderful the world is.
“Bear Gives Thanks” by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman- Another heartwarming treasure! In this book bear wants to host a dinner, but his cupboard is empty. One by one his friends show up with food to contribute and bear is thankful for each one. In the end he even learns that he does have something to share after all.
“The Thank You Book” by Mo Willems- We love this series and this book is no exception. In it Piggie is full of gratitude and decides to do a “thank-a-thon” where he sincerely thanks everyone he loves. It is a sweet book and so fantastic.
“Thank You, Little Mouse” by Dugald Steer- This sweet story little mouse is staying with her grandparents and realizes just how much they do for her. She feels grateful and decides that she wants to show her grandparents appreciation by throwing them a surprise party. Such a heartwarming little book.
“You Get What You Get” by Julie Gassman and Sarah Horne- This phrase has become pretty popular and even a little cliche, but we love it in our home. My kids think this book is playful and fun and we actually do use the phrase “you get what you get” every once in a while as a reminder to be content with what we have. It usually results in a smile and complaining ceases.
“The King of Too Many Things” by Laurel Snyder and Aurore Damant- Sometimes kids can get trapped in the thought that more is always better and more will bring more joy. This book teaches the lesson that “things” aren’t what bring us the most joy and having too many of them can actually decrease joy instead of bringing it. A humorous look at what is really important and to be grateful for what we have.
“The Thank You Dish” by Trace Balla- In this book a little girl and her mother sit down for a meal and before they do they decide to express gratitude. It isn’t exactly written in “prayer” format, which I think they did on purpose so it was more applicable to more people. However, they go through a list of people and things they were grateful for that day and it has such a sweet and endearing tone.
If I Were King by Chelsea O’Byrne- In this book a young child imagines all the wonderful things they would have and do if they were king, only to come to the realization at the end that they have all they need.
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