6 Inspiring Books About Gratitude For Children

Hey, there!

I recently went to an innovative exhibit at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, New York, called The Happiness Experiment. My family and I enjoyed the museum, but this exhibit was outstanding. The exhibition introduces visitors to science behind what makes us happy. This science, often studied by Studies, the science of what makes us happy

In cultures and religions around the world, attitudes of gratitude abound. Words of Grace are recited around kitchen tables around the world. Upon waking, traditionally, Jews say the Modeh Ani prayer expressing gratitude to G-d for giving them the opportunity for a new day. Research has found that gratitude positively affects human well-being, improving health and managing stress.

Gratitude is a valuable sentiment to discuss with kids. Thankfully, many beautiful books introduce this concept and can serve as a springboard for meaningful conversations.

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My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith and Illustrated by Julie Flett

Baby+

My Heart Fills With Happiness is an engaging book on gratitude for our youngest readers! Monique Gray Smith lists heartwarming examples of things that bring happiness, along with Julie Flett’s masterful illustrations.

Fun fact: the author of the book, Monique Gray Smith, wrote this book to support the well-being of Indigenous children and families.

Classroom Activity: This book would be an excellent mentor text for a class book! This would be a great activity for elementary school. For lower grades, ask the child to draw what fills their heart with happiness. Older students can take the opportunity to write a paragraph and illustrate their thoughts.

If you want to publish a book (I’m talking bound, hard copy book), check out Student Treasures.* With Student Treasures, your class can write, illustrate and publish a hardcover book at NO COST to you! It is the real deal! When I was teaching, I would make one book a year and keep it in the library. Kids would check it out, year after year, and be so proud to see their work in print!  

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

Ages Baby +

Todd Parr’s books are such a joy to read! Todd Parr has written many books for young children that explore social-emotional themes. The Thankful Book is no different. In this book, a small child says “every day I try to think about the things I am thankful for” and the rest of the book is spent listing what they are grateful for, going for a walk, having friends, colors. I love the bright playful colors and simple text which make it easy for the reader (especially a young one) to connect to.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Illustrated by Frane Lessac

Ages 3+

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is a gorgeous picture book that illustrates how members of the Cherokee Nation express gratitude daily and throughout the year. The book introduces readers to Cherokee culture, language, and history. I love the vibrant illustrations and how Ms. Sorell’s writing is accessible and relatable for young readers. This is a must-have for all libraries!

Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora

Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora is a magnificent Caldecott Honor award-winning picture book demonstrating that the kindness you put out in the world returns ten-fold. Omu cooks the most delicious red stew she looks forward to eating for dinner. As Omu waits for dinner, the scrumptious scent wafts through her apartment building and window, and everyone wants to try some! Happy to share, Omu ladles stew out for the police officer, the hotdog vendor, and many others in the community. Will there be any stew left for Omu’s dinner? Read this beautifully illustrated cut-paper collage book to find out! 

Apple Cake: A Gratitude by Dawn Casey and Illustrated by Genevieve Godbout

Apple Cake: A Gratitude is a sweet rhyming book thanking the natural world for growing the ingredients needed to make an apple cake. There is a recipe for an apple cake at the end of the book. This would be a great title to include in the autumn or apple-themed read-aloud. For more books about apples, click here.  

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli and Illustrated by Archie Preston

This charming children’s story with whimsical illustrations shows a brother and sister who dress up as members of the community (firefighter, waitress, mayor) and say what they are thankful for. Thankful helps young readers identify people’s contributions and recognize what makes them possible.

Thank you, Friend for reading this blog!

I am so grateful that you took the time to read my reviews! Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram @Playgroundlibrarian.

Happy Reading!

XO, Sheryl

*If you use the link in this blog for Student Treasures, and publish between 8/1/22 – 5/31/23, you may be eligible to receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card when the book is published.