December: Gratitude

Gratitude K-2 Reading List

Those Shoes

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts; Noah Z. Jones (Illustrator)
All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy's grandma says they don't have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren't much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has -- warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend --- are worth more than the things he wants.

A Chair for My Mother

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams (Illustrator)
This classic and award-winning picture book was written and illustrated by the celebrated Vera B. Williams and was named a Caldecott Honor Book by the American Library Association.  "A tender knockout . . . it's rare to find much vitality, spontaneity, and depth of feeling in such a simple, young book."--Kirkus Reviews After their home is destroyed by a fire, Rosa, her mother, and grandmother save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair for all to enjoy. A Chair for My Mother has sold more than a million copies and is an ideal choice for reading and sharing at home and in the classroom. "A superbly conceived picture book expressing the joyful spirit of a loving family."--The Horn Book

The Thankful Book

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
I am thankful for music because it makes me want to dance. I am thankful for my feet because they help me run and play. I am thankful for kisses because they make me feel loved. Todd Parr's bestselling books have taught kids about unconditional love, respecting the earth, facing fears, and more, all with his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity. Now, The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bath time to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life's special moments. The perfect book to treasure and share, around the holidays and throughout the year.

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Illustrator)
From Shel Silverstein, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, comes a poignant picture book about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This household classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans. "Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy." So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. 

The Most Thankful Thing

The Most Thankful Thing by Lisa McCourt; Cyd Moore (Illustrator)
This heartwarming picture book by the creators of I Love You, Stinky Face reveals what every parent is most thankful for. A perfect bedtime story for every day - and especially for Thanksgiving!

Bear Says Thanks

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson; Jane Chapman (Illustrator)
What better way for Bear to say thanks, than to have a big dinner with all his friends! Bear has come up with the perfect way to say thanks--a nice big dinner! When Bear decides to throw a feast, his friends show up one by one with different platters of delicious food to share. There's just one problem: Bear's cupboards are bare! What is he to do? Karma Wilson's playful text and Jane Chapman's charming illustrations bring to life this celebration of family and friendship. Young readers will delight in discovering the special gift Bear has to share.

Grow Grateful

Grow Grateful by Sage Foster-Lasser; Jon Lasser; Christopher Lyles (Illustrator)
I'm Kiko. I'm a happy camper I can grow grateful, too. Let me show you how. My class goes on lots of field trips. Ms. Cooper has taken us to the art museum, the state capitol, and even to a bakery, but never camping. I was excited I counted the days until we left Kiko goes on a camping trip with her class and learns about gratitude Throughout the trip, Kiko discovers different things she appreciates about her family, friends, and opportunities. This story is based on the "theory of mind," which is the ability to take the perspective of others and recognize that each person has their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Growing gratitude leads to greater happiness and stronger interpersonal relationships. Also included is a Reader's Note that provides contextual advice, healthy-mind tips, and more ways for growing gratitude in kids.

Gratitude 3-5 Reading List

Thanks a Million

Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes; Cozbi A. Cabrera (Illustrator)
"Lends the 'attitude of gratitude' relevance beyond Thanksgiving Day." --Booklist "Offers a variety of reasons for giving thanks and feeling appreciation." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Acclaimed poet Nikki Grimes and award-winning illustrator Cozbi A. Cabrera celebrate the joy of family, friends, and of feeling thankful. An inspirational and useful picture book that's perfect for educators, parents, and aspiring poets. What does it mean to connect with someone? What does it mean to feel thankful? Award-winning poet Nikki Grimes and Caldecott Honor artist Cozbi A. Cabrera honor human relationships--from family to friendships to community bonds--and the moments that bring us together. Beautiful and rhythmic, the text is written in a variety of poetic styles and forms, including letter poems, haikus, and riddles, among others. Richly detailed illustrations accompany each poem, making this a perfect pick for family as well as storytime sharing.

The Family under the Bridge

The Family under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson; Garth Williams (Illustrator)
The heartwarming and memorable Newbery Honor-winning book about finding family in the unlikeliest places, featuring artwork by beloved illustrator Garth Williams. This classic middle grade novel is a welcome and meaningful read, especially at Christmastime. Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his solitary life in the beautiful city. He is happy with his carefree existence, begging and doing odd jobs to keep himself warm and fed. With simple pleasures and no cares, what more could he need? Then one day just before Christmas, Armand returns to his favorite spot beneath the bridge to find three cold and hungry children. Although he has no interest in children, Armand soon finds himself caring for the small family. It does not take Armand very long to realize that he must do whatever it takes to get them a real home.  Children will treasure this warm and funny adventure of family, freedom, and Santa Claus. The book includes illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White's Charlotte's Web and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series.

Secret of Saying Thanks

Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood; Greg Shed (Illustrator)
Perhaps you'd like to know a secret, one of the happiest ones of all. You will surely find it for yourself one day. You'll discover it all on your own, maybe when you least expect it. If you've not yet discovered the secret of saying thanks, it's waiting for you. The secret can be found in the sunrise that offers promises full for the day ahead, or in the gentle shade of a tree sheltering you from the hot rays of the sun, or on the rock that offers rest from a long walk. In the inspirational text that made him a bestselling, internationally acclaimed author, Douglas Wood offers a spiritual homage to nature and the world. Greg Shed's stunning portraits of the natural world tenderly portray all of the many ways in which we can say thanks for the wonders we sometimes take granted in life.

How Tia Lola Saved the Summer

How Tia Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez
Miguel Guzman isn't exactly looking forward to the summer now that his mother has agreed to let the Sword family--a father, his three daughters, and their dog--live with them while they decide whether or not to move to Vermont. Little does Miguel know his aunt has something up her sleeve that just may make this the best summer ever. With her usual flair for creativity and fun, Tía Lola decides to start a summer camp for Miguel, his little sister, and the three Sword girls, complete with magical swords, nighttime treasure hunts, campfires, barbecues, and an end-of-summer surprise! The warm and funny third book in the Tía Lola Stories is sure to delight young readers and leave them looking forward to their own summer fun! From the Hardcover edition.

Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too) at Camp!

Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too) at Camp! by Leslie Kimmelman; William Owl (Illustrator)
Best friends Sam and Charlie are headed to sleepaway camp for the first time! Each day brings something new--from swimming and nature hikes to camp songs and FOAM day! At camp, Sam and Charlie learn the importance of shomrei adamah, taking care of the earth, and taking care of friendships, new and old.

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks by Jake Swamp; Erwin Printup (Illustrator)
Giving Thanks is a special children's version of the Thanksgiving Address, a message of gratitude that originated with the Native people of upstate New York and Canada and that is still spoken at ceremonial gatherings held by the Iroquois, or Six Nations.

Available on Bookflix