Gratitude is the most valuable virtue of human life. It teaches us to be grateful to others for the life and facilities we get. It helps us understand the value of human presence in life which provides us with compassion and love in every stage of life. Kids too should be taught about gratitude as a crucial value. They should be told to be thankful for everything they have received in life. By learning gratitude, kids will value the things they possess and will maintain healthy relationships with other people. Hence, every parent should prioritize inculcating the idea of gratitude in their kids. And what is the best way to do that if not through books and stories? So here are a few books that can help kids in learning gratitude.
Here are our top picks to teach your child about gratitude.
Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney
The book is about Llama Llama family celebrating Thanksgiving. Through the celebration of Thanksgiving, the book will teach kids the value of thanking for the life they have received. Llama Llama Gives Thanks revolves around the idea that even though Thanksgiving comes once a year, gratitude should be practiced every time.
Thanks From The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Thanks From The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a picture book centered around the festival of Thanksgiving. Following a story of a hungry caterpillar, the book teaches the values of gratitude. It teaches kids to be thankful to their loved ones for everything they have provided. The book is an interesting mixture of pictures and moral values.
Slow Down by Rachel Williams
Slow Down by Rachel Williams is a book that teaches us to slow down, look at nature and thank for everything. In our busy lives, we often forget the things that we should be grateful for. So this book will teach kids to stop, leave everything for a minute, look around and thank for everything.
Thank You Teacher From The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Book written by Eric Carle is perfect for Thanksgiving. It is similar to another book mentioned above (Thanks From The Very Hungry Caterpillar). It will teach kids to be thankful to their loved ones.
Thank You Bear Board Book by Greg Foley
Written by Greg Foley, Thank You bear Board is a book about a bear who finds a little box one morning. The book follows a tale of the bear looking for suggestions on what is inside the box. Many animals guess what the box consists of but all their guesses prove wrong as the mystery is revealed at the end of the book.
I Am Thankful: A Positive Power Story by Suzy Capozzi
Written by Suzy Capozzi, I Am Thankful is a part of the Positive Power Story reading series that teaches both parents and children about the power of incorporating positive affirmations in their lives. This book follows the story of a young boy running through the busy schedule of festivities during Thanksgiving. The story will teach kids about the million things that they should be thankful for.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
Written by Maribeth Boelts, Those Shoes is a story of realizing things that we already possess. The story follows the narrative of a boy who needs a pair of shoes that everyone in his school wears. However, his grandma denies it because they are not as wealthy to fulfil their wants. Later, the boy realizes that he should be thankful for the things he already possesses, especially his grandma.
Thank You, Mr Falker by Patricia Polacco
The book is a real-life story of Patricia Polacco when she was in her school. While in school, Polacco was a girl with dyslexia. She used to paint beautifully but couldn’t read or write. Her teacher then found her problem and helped her overcome it. The book is a soulful read for students and children that strengthens their relationships.
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr. Suess
Written by Dr. Suess, the book is about thanking for everything we have received in life. When we feel low, the realization of how lucky we are because of the things we have in life is the perfect antidote. And the book is just the same.
White Bird: A Graphic Novel by RJ Palacio
White Bird by RJ Palacio is a book about the life of Julian- the classroom bully of Auggie Pullman. The book traces the story of Julian’s Jewish grandmother who was hidden from Nazis during the Second World War. The story is about kindness that bridges differences and creates a bond of compassion.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson
The book by Victoria Jamieson is about Kenyan Refugee Camp where two Somali brothers meet a happy ending in their lives. Separated from their mother, the brothers are looked after by a stranger. Even though life at a refugee camp is not easy, the two brothers get the opportunity to go to school.
Little Women (Puffin In Bloom) by Louisa May Alcott
Written by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women is a story about four March sisters who are completely different from each other. Despite the difference, the sisters rely on each other as their father is at the war.
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