It is so important to practice gratitude and thankfulness, but teaching these traits to kids can be difficult. Luckily, there are lots of great children’s books on gratitude to help explain the topic. Today I decided to gather some of our favorite books on thankfulness to help you dive into the topic as a family.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of The Thank You Book and My Little Gifts in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Thank You Book
Written by Mary Lyn Ray and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
This book is a beautiful reminder of all the times throughout the day that we can be thankful. Through poetic text and gentle illustrations, the book shows a range of things to be thankful for, from the big things to the small. This is a great way to introduce kids to the concept of being grateful, and for celebrating all that they have in their lives. The illustrations are soothing, with adorable animal characters that kids will love.
My Little Gifts: A Book of Sharing
Written by Jo Witek and illustrated by Christine Roussey
In this celebration of gift giving and generosity, a little girl shares all the different kinds of gifts that you can give and receive. As kids lift the flaps, they can find lots of ways that they can give to others, and things that they can be grateful for from others. From sharing and giving, to teaching and loving, there are so many ways that they can show their gratitude. The various flaps are lots of fun for kids to open and uncover, and the simple crayon illustrations are colorful and sweet.
The Thankful Book
Written and illustrated by Todd Parr
This vibrant book is full of simple statements of thankfulness that kids will be able to relate to. The simple heartwarming text is accompanied by brightly colored illustrations in Parr’s signature cartoon style.
Bear Says Thanks 
Written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman
This fun rhyming story is a beloved part of the Bear series by this talented team. When Bear decides to throw a dinner party for his friends, he runs into a problem when he finds that his cupboards are empty. This sweet story of gratitude and friendship is paired with beautiful illustrations of the adorable woodland friends.
Click here to see the activities we paired with this book!
Those Shoes
Written by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones
Jeremy is a little boy who desperately wants the shoes that all of his friends have. While he and his grandmother are shopping at the thrift store, he finds a pair, but they are too small. He decides to wear them anyway. However, he soon learns an important lesson about kindness and helping those in need, as well as being grateful for the things that you do have. The story is complemented by soft illustrations that show the strong emotions of the characters.
Related Post: Children’s Books on Kindness
Grateful: A Song of Giving Thanks
Written by John Bucchino and illustrated by Anna Liisa Hakkarainen
This beautifully illustrated version of the song by the same name, is a great reminder for kids and adults alike. The rhyming text provides lots of examples of things that you can be thankful for, and reminds us to live our lives with gratitude. The soft illustrations are a soothing complement to the calming words on the page.
Splat Says Thank You!
Written and illustrated by Rob Scotton
In this adorable celebration of friendship, Splat the Cat tries to cheer up his mouse friend, Seymour. He decides to show Seymour the Thank You Book that he made for him, showing all the reasons that he is thankful for their friendship. The adorable illustrations show the hilarious characters getting into all kinds of fun adventures together.
Thankful
Written by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Archie Preston
This rhyming story celebrates all of the reasons that people can be thankful. The simple rhyming text and colorful illustrations show why people of all different ages, interests, and careers have things to be thankful for. Kids will relate to lots of the points in the book, and the sweet ending will resonate with parents and kids alike.
The Thank You Book
Written and illustrated by Mo WIllems
In this fun entry in the Elephant & Piggie series, Piggie decides to thank everyone that is important in her life. Gerald worries that she will forget someone, but Piggie goes on her way thanking all of the characters from their previous books. Fans of Willems will love revisiting old friends, and kids may be inspired to thank all of the people in their lives as well.
Gracias / Thanks
Written by Pat Mora and illustrated by John Parra
This bilingual book follow a young boy as he lists all of the things that he is thankful for. The poetic text is written in both Spanish and English, while the brightly colored acrylic illustrations are fun and cheerful. The list of things that he is thankful for is varied, ranging from small moments to larger natural wonders.
Being Thankful 
Written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer
In this entry in the popular series, Little Critter learns the important lesson to be thankful for what he does have. As the book beings, Little Critter goes throughout his day lamenting about things he wishes were different. While on a trip to his grandparents’ farm, he learns about the importance of gratitude, and making others happy. The text is full of important lessons, and the illustrations are done in the characteristic style of the Little Critter series.
Bonus: Gratitude Book & Activity!
Turkey On The Table Book and Activity Kit
Do you have any favorite children’s books on gratitude that you share with your kids? Share them in the comments below!
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