15 Amazing Kid Books to Teach Gratitude Around Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to instill the value of gratitude in children. Here’s a curated list of 15 wonderful kids' books that can help parents and teachers teach the essence of thankfulness.

1. The Thank You Book (An Elephant and Piggie Book) 

Author: Mo Willems
<Amazon Link>
Summary:
Piggie wants to thank everyone who is important to him, but Gerald worries Piggie will forget someone. A delightful story about thankfulness and friendship.

2. Bear Says Thanks

Author: Karma Wilson
<Amazon Link>
Summary:
Bear's cupboard is empty, so he invites his friends for a feast. They all contribute something to the meal, teaching Bear and young readers about the joy of sharing and expressing gratitude.

3. Grateful: As Song of Giving Thanks

Author: John Bucchino
<Amazon Link>
Summary:
This beautifully illustrated book accompanies Bucchino’s song "Grateful," detailing the little things in life that we often overlook but should be thankful for. A great read for instilling gratitude in kids.

4. A Grateful Heart

Author: M.J. Ryam
<Amazon link>
Summary:
Filled with poems, prayers, and blessings from around the world, this book helps children appreciate diverse cultures and understand different ways of expressing gratitude.

5. The Giving Tree

Author: Shel Silverstein
​<Amazon Link>
Summary:
This classic tale of a boy and a selfless tree teaches profound lessons about giving, selflessness, and gratitude. It’s a touching story that encourages children to appreciate the gifts they receive.

6. Thank You, Omu!

Author: Oge Mora
<Amazon Link>
Summary:
All of Omu’s neighbors come to taste her delicious stew, and she shares it generously until it’s all gone. The neighbors return to show their gratitude, making this a lovely story about community and thankfulness.

7. Thank You, Mr Panda

Author: Steve Antony
<Amazon Link>
​Summary: 
Mr. Panda has gifts for his friends, but they must remember to say “thank you.” This delightful book teaches manners and the importance of gratitude in a fun and engaging way.

8. The Thankful Book

Author: Todd Parr
<Amazon Link>
Summary:
Todd Parr's cheerful illustrations and simple text remind kids of all the things we have to be thankful for. A colorful and positive book that’s perfect for young readers.

9. Splat Says Thank You!

Author: Rob Scotton
<Amazon Link>
Summary:
Splat the Cat wants to show his gratitude to his friend Seymour. This charming story illustrates the ways we can show appreciation to those who help us. 

10. Thanks a Million

Author: Nikki Grimes
<Amazon Link>
Summary:
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.

11. Gratitude is My Superpower

Author: Alicia Ortego
<Amazon Link>
​Summary:
This charming book follows the story of a little girl named Betsy who learns how to cultivate gratitude with the help of her magical bear, Mr. T. Together, they discover that appreciating the small things in life can bring immense joy and happiness. The book includes practical exercises and prompts, making it a great tool for parents and educators to engage children in the practice of gratitude.

12. Thankful

Author: Eileen Spinelli
<Amazon Link> 
​Summary:
​Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the firefighter, for putting the fire out, children are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. Spinelli exhibits her endearing gift for storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming board book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.

13. Thanksgiving in the Woods

Author: Phyllis Alsdurf
<Amazon Link>
Summary:
Inspired by a real annual event, this heartwarming story follows a family’s journey into the woods to celebrate Thanksgiving in a unique way. Amidst the trees, friends and family gather around campfires, share homemade dishes, and express gratitude under the open sky. This beautifully illustrated book highlights the beauty of nature, the warmth of community, and the joy of creating cherished traditions. A perfect read for encapsulating the spirit of Thanksgiving.

14. Llama Llama Gives Thanks

Author: Anna Dewdney
<Amazon Link>
Summary:
In this delightful addition to the beloved Llama Llama series, our favourite little llama learns about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Through charming rhymes and colourful illustrations, Llama Llama and his family prepare a festive meal, celebrate with friends, and share what they are thankful for. This heartwarming story is perfect for young children, teaching them about gratitude, family traditions, and the joy of giving thanks.

15. Taylor the Thankful Turkey 

Author: Sonica Ellis
<Amazon Link>
Summary: 
Taylor the Turkey learns the importance of gratitude and expressing thanks in this delightful and educational tale. As Thanksgiving approaches, Taylor reflects on all the things he is grateful for, from his family and friends to the simple joys in life. The story is filled with vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling that captivates young readers, encouraging them to think about their blessings and the significance of thankfulness. A perfect read for the holiday season that underscores the value of gratitude in a fun and meaningful way.

These books are not only great for teaching the concept of gratitude but also for sparking meaningful conversations with children about the importance of thankfulness in our daily lives.
​
Ready to start reading? Find these books at your local bookstore or library, or there are links to provided to find them on Amazon, and begin exploring the wonderful world of gratitude with your kids today!