10 Picture Books That Help Kids (and Adults) Celebrate Gratitude

“Practice gratitude.” It’s a simple instruction we see on tote bags, coffee mugs and yoga T-shirts. And just like yoga, we know that, when we do it, we will feel better. Yet it can often feel nearly impossible to maintain this habit. Is it any wonder why? Even in this season of abundance, there are plenty of bona fide reasons to cry, complain and kvetch! Just remember: Our kids are listening. Build back your gratitude muscle by sharing these 10 picture books with the little ones in your life. I promise you’ll be thankful that you did.

Fangsgiving

Written and illustrated by Ethan Long

Vladimir the vampire and the other members of Fright Club are cooking up a Thanksgiving feast to die for! But when his uninvited relatives show up and start adding eyeballs to the mashed potatoes and maggots to the pumpkin pie, there are suddenly too many creeps in the kitchen. After losing his temper, Vladdy recovers by suggesting a do-over, where the results are flavorful to both family and fiends. Long’s affable plot and cartoon-style art playfully convey the importance of being grateful for our families, fangs and all. (Ages 3-6)

Finding Grateful

By Dianne White; illustrated by Faith Pray

After their car breaks down, a toddler and her mother begin the long walk home. Mama invites her daughter to “find grateful” by “noticing this thing, that thing, anything, really.” The child waves to a stranger, plays with a puppy and enjoys an ice cream, wondering, “Can this be grateful?” By the time she and her mom reach their front steps, she decides “it is all of this that makes my heart as light as the sun on a white-cloud day.” This sweet, soft focus meditation on being gratefully present is a relaxing read-aloud for both parent and child. (Ages 5-8)