Well, it’s hard to believe that it’s October and even harder to believe that Thanksgiving will be here in less than a week! And what better time to share some books and talk about things we are thankful for? These would be also be wonderful books to share all month if you and your class are writing daily “gratitudes” on your “Gratitude Pumpkins” (see below). Remember – if you don’t have a copy of the books, check out YouTube for shareable read-alouds! Always a bonus when it’s the real author reading it themselves!
Thankful – Elaine Vickers
I LOVE this book about a little girl who writes what she is thankful for on little slips of paper and then makes a gratitude chain. I love that she gives thanks for simple, small things like pockets and butter! Instructions and tracers included at the back.
The Thankful Book – Todd Parr
You can’t beat Todd Parr’s signature art and wonderful words that young readers will all make connections to. Love that he includes always includes a little humour!
Gratitude is My Superpower – Alicia Ortego
Lovely story, lovely rhymes and lovely little character who learns that happiness is made up of simple things in life to be grateful for. Great connections to family and friends.
I Am Thankful – Sheri Wall
Lovely, rhyming book that follows three different families as they celebrate Thanksgiving with their own traditions, acts of kindness, and ways of giving back.
We Give Thanks – Cynthia Rylant
I LOVE Cynthia Rylant books and this one is a gem! In it, we follow two sweet friends as they zip around town talking to all their pals about the things they love. Adorable!
Giving Thanks – A Native American Good Morning Message -Chief Jake Swamp
This Native American good morning message, otherwise known as the Thanksgiving Address, is based on the belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift – from the moon and the stars to the tiniest blade of grass. Gorgeous illustrations.
Thankful – Eileen Spinelli
Heartwarming, rhyming text that celebrate everyday blessings and encourages readers to practice thankfulness and observe the wonderful acts of kindness in our world. LOVE this one!
Thanks for Thanksgiving – Heather Patterson
An oldie but a goodie! I love that this book celebrates our Canadian Thanksgiving and is a great mentor text for using the senses – and all the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the holiday.
Harvest Days – Giving Thanks Around The World – Kate DePalma
While not focusing exactly on “giving thanks”, this is an excellent book to explores different harvest festivals around the world. Lyrical, rhyming text and beautiful artwork!
The Thank You Book – Mary Lyn Ray
Delightful book that explores the many simple, daily ways of being thankful. Poetic text and adorable pictures. Kids will really connect to this one.
My Heart Fills with Happiness – Monique Gray Smith
This book is a perfect one to reflect on simple things that make us happy – the sun on your face, the smell of warm bannock, holding someone’s hand that you love. This book is filled with joy and gratitude!
The Thank you Letter – Jane Cabrera
A young girl writes letters thanking her teacher, her dog, even the sky for being blue! Such a great book about gratitude and giving thanks. Great reminder to be grateful for both tangible gifts and for the little things we don’t always stop to appreciate. A great book to inspire your students to write their own thank you letters!
Adrienne Gear - Reading Power Ltd. 