25+ Books About Gratitude and Thankfulness for Kids
Practicing an attitude of gratitude is a skill that kids can be taught. Focusing on the things we are grateful for in our lives can help enhance our mood. There is no better time than now to work on gratitude with your students as we head into the Thanksgiving season. Whether you are in the mood for a game, an activity, or a craft project, there is something for everyone on our list of meaningful gratitude activities for kids of all ages.
There are books offer beautiful lessons about gratitude, generosity and appreciation for the world around us and the many incredible people in it.
See below for a selection of 19 children’s books that feature messages of gratitude.
There’s also a curated collection of simple gratitude activities for kids (and adults!) to cultivate an attitude of gratitude at home or in the classroom. Below are 5 gratitude and thankful activities & games to encourage and teach our children about the concept of gratitude.
Table of Content:
Gratitude books for babies and toddlers (0-2)
Gratitude books for Preschoolers (3-5)
Gratitude books for Early & Growing Readers (6+)
Fun & Family-friendly Activities on Gratitude
Best Gratitude Books for Babies and Toddlers (for 0-2 year old)
1 2 3’s of Thankfulness
Learning the importance of thankfulness is as easy as 1-2-3 with this sweet board book that fosters social emotional development. Help your child to discover the value of celebrating gratitude with this irresistibly illustrated board book that's perfect for Thanksgiving and all year round! “We love this book and the ABCs of Kindness. We read them both everyday. I’ve even started to buy these for everyone I know that has a little as they are such wonderful books.” - Amazon review by Cepower
Goodreads Rating: 4.00, 103 ratings
Ages: Baby - 3 years
2. Bear Says Thank You
This sturdy board book in the Hello Genius series presents learning manners in fun and age-appropriate story. When Little Bear has a BIG project, he needs lots of help from Mama Bear. He remembers to thank her all along the way, right up to a sweet surprise. “This is a great book for toddlers because it has a few words, and toddlers get the idea right away. I haven’t found any thank you books like this one.” - Amazon review by Greenmama
Goodreads Rating: 3.87, 363 ratings
Ages: 1 - 3 years
3. Biscuit is Thankful
Generations of children have been introduced to reading by Biscuit, the little yellow puppy. This sweet and simple board book is sure to be a favorite in your family—curl up with your toddler to share some important things to be thankful for. “Very cute, my niece loved this book.” - Amazon review by Jen
Goodreads Rating: 3.99, 158 ratings
Ages: 1 - 3 years
4. A Very Thankful Prayer
“This delightful board book is extremely well done. The length, poetic rhythm, and enchanting illustrations are perfect for keeping little ones engaged. I was looking for fall board books for babies and ordered three different ones. This one was easily our favorite!” - Amazon review by Nancy
Goodreads Rating: 4.46, 65 ratings
Ages: 1 – 3 years
5. We Are Grateful: Ostaliheliga
The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. Written by Traci Sorell,This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. “Beautifully written and illustrated. I love that it includes a syllabary and Cherokee terms. Excellent book. English vocabulary is easy for my 2nd grader. Pronunciation of Cherokee is a bit more of a challenge but so love the exposure.” - Amazon review by Jacqueline A.
Goodreads Rating: 4.33, 2,307 ratings
Ages: 1 – 7 years
Best Gratitude Books for Preschoolers (for 3-5 year old)
6. Give Thank You A Try
In Give Please a Chance, bestselling author James Patterson shows little ones the magic of the word "please.". “Friend introduced me to the Book; Please and Thank you Books are a great gift to give out and or a great Birthday, Christmas Card. Reading is a great gift!” - Review by Amazon Customer
Goodreads Rating: 3.69, 210 ratings
Ages: 3 - 6 years
7. All the World
This simple, profound, Caldecott Honor story is now available as a Classic Board Book. Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning until night, this book affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to the warmth of family connections, to the widest sunset sky. “I love this book so much. The poetry and illustrations are beautiful. My go-to baby gift. My daughter loves it!” - Amazon review by Natalie C.
Goodreads Rating: 4.23, 7,468 ratings
Ages: 1 - 4 years
8. The Thankful Book
Todd Parr 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. ”Purchased as a gift for my grandchildren. I’m a retired public school educator and feel this book should be in every child’s library!” - Amazon review by Ellen O.
Goodreads Rating: 4.10, 825 ratings
Ages: 2 - 4 years
9. Thank You, Mr. Panda
“Thank You, Mr. Panda is a graphic, kid-friendly way of teaching little ones the importance of saying "thank you" and recognizing that it's the thought that counts most of all behind every gift. “As you know, if you have a toddler, you will be rereading books over and over again. With the Mr. Panda series, I don't mind so much. Mr. Panda is dry and funny while he teaches his messages to the same characters in the books. My kid loves the books, and that's what matters the most. Good messages in all the books, and this one is funny. I recommend.” - Amazon review by Ian H.
Goodreads Rating: 3.62, 814 ratings
Ages: 2 - 4 years
10. Apple Cake: A Gratitude
In this simple rhyming story from the author of Held in Love, a child says thank you for the gifts nature provides. Eventually, the family has enough ingredients to make something special…a delicious apple cake! ”I work with children in foster care. I bought 2 copies & will save one for my nieces. It is a quick book of gratitude for food, and ends with a easy recipe for a European-style cake. Fun project baking for kids & parents.” - Amazon review by V. Wiley
Goodreads Rating: 3.98, 726 ratings
Ages: 2 - 5 years
11. The Giving Tree
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 classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans.”This is my gift when I find out someone is pregnant. This book gave me my love of reading that I still have to this day!!" - Amazon review by jmcs314
Goodreads Rating: 4.38, 1,081,290 ratings
Ages: 2 years and up
12. Bear Says Thanks
What better way for Bear to say thanks, than to have a big dinner with all his friends! Karma Wilson The playful text by Karma Wilson 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. “Great book for showing generosity and compassion and giving to those in need. My students enjoyed it so much. We did a food drive for one of our local community that help the homeless.” - Amazon review by Alexander B.
Goodreads Rating: 4.20, 2,694 ratings
Ages: 2 - 5 years
13. Last Stop on Market Street
This award-winning modern classic—a must-have for every child’s home library—is an inclusive ode to kindness, empathy, gratitude, and finding joy in unexpected places, and celebrates the special bond between a curious young boy and his loving grandmother. “This book is so beautifully and imaginatively written. My 4 y/o's eyes light up every time we read the music part of the bus ride. So happy to have this book in our collection.” - Amazon review by Lil’ Diggity
Goodreads Rating: 4.30, 16,878 ratings
Ages: 2 – 6 years
14. The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings
This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about all the things they should be grateful for! “The Berenstain Bears series of books have been our family's source of reading entertainment for almost 40 years and now our little granddaughter gets to enjoy them as well!.”. - Amazon review by Maureen K
Goodreads Rating: 4.10, 1,271 ratings
Ages: 2 – 7 years
15. Thankful
Little ones will snuggle up close as they enjoy this charming, cozy book about being thankful. From the local reporter to the doctor and pastor, children will delight as they explore the people of their town and what they are thankful for. “I love this positive and relatable book on thankfulness. The brother and sister (and the parents) are adorable, and I love that the children are grateful for what each parent does for them. I ordered copies for my nieces and nephews as well! Excellent book to have around at Thanksgiving, and all through the year!” - Amazon review by EK
Goodreads Rating: 3.95 ratings, 943 ratings
Ages: 2 – 6 years
16. The Thank You Book, The-An Elephant and Piggie Book
In The Thank You Book!, Piggie wants to thank EVERY ONE. But Gerald is worried Piggie will forget someone . . . someone important. “My 4year old granddaughter memorizes these elephant and piggie books because she loves them so much. Mo Willems is her favorite author.” - Amazon review by Bonnie
Goodreads Rating: 4.43, 6,018 ratings
Ages: 3 – 6 years
17. It Could Always Be Worse
Margot Zemach's It Could Always Be Worse is a 1977 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year, an Outstanding Book of the Year, and a 1978 Caldecott Honor Book. “The premise of this book is that you don't know how good you have it until things get worse. It use humor to show a small house get more and more crowded ... until it's time to let all the animals out.
Goodreads Rating: 4.17, 1,960 ratings
Ages: 3 – 6 years
18. Being Thankful
Join Little Critter® as he learns why it’s important to be thankful for what he has—not to be upset about what he doesn't. “I still have all our books from when the kids were little . Now I read them to the grandchildren and continue to add to our collection.” - Amazon review by J. Robinson
Goodreads Rating: 4.31, 433 ratings
Ages: 3 – 6 years
19. Thank You, Omu!
In this Caldecott Honor winner by Oge Mora, perfect for the Thanksgiving season and for fans of Last Stop on Market Street, a generous woman is rewarded by her community, who dream of a taste of Omu. “I loved this book about sharing and community. This is a sweet and lyrical story about kindness and sharing told through food which makes it relatable and accessible to others. I highly recommend.” - Amazon review by A. Ramos
Goodreads Rating: 4.44, 3,992 ratings
Ages: 3 – 6 years
20. Around the Table That Grandad Built
“A fun book. I love gathering my children and grandchildren around a dinner table. My son made a table for their kitchen nook. It was fun to give this book to him for Christmas. Children's books I feel are written to
adults and children alike. The messages in them apply to both. In our hurry up world, it is wonderful to gather around a dinner table and tell events of the day or stories of a lifetime.” - Amazon review by Grandmother Marge
Goodreads Rating: 3.81, 306 ratings
Ages: 3 – 7 years
21. Grateful Ninja
In a Five Day Gratitude Challenge, Grateful Ninja focuses on being thankful for the simple things in life, both big and small. Find out what happens in this comedic book about developing a heart of thankfulness. “My son loves these books because they are ninjas, and I love them because of the lessons they teach.” - Review by Amazon Customer
Goodreads Rating: 4.40, 72 ratings
22. I’m Thankful Each Day!
In this timeless board book, author-illustrator P.K. Hallinan celebrates our appreciation for the world and being grateful to God for daily joys. Kids will enjoy the easy-to-understand words, lively illustrations, and the hidden encouragement to find goodness in every day. “This is probably our FAVORITE book that we've read to our children. We love the flow of the book and especially the message! We bought several to give as gifts to friends as they become parents and are so glad it is back in print in the board book format.” - Amazon review by Andrew
Goodreads Rating: 4.28, 144 ratings
Ages: 2 – 5 years
Best Gratitude Books for Early Readers (for 6+ year olds)
23. Thankful
This book has been a constant read in our family. The message is wonderful and the illustrations are just THE best. The message of being thankful travels beyond just Thanksgiving time so I think this can be used either a bedtime, sharing in small groups with students or as a gift to a loved one.” - Amazon review by S. McBH
Goodreads Rating: 4.49, 340 ratings
Ages: 4 – 8 years
24. Gratitude is My Superpower
"Gratitude is My Superpower" will teach your little ones to appreciate the warmth of home, time spent playing with friends, and family relationships. In this celebrated book, little Betsy will learn that happiness is made up of simple things in life, both small and big. “With all the negative events happening around a young child, this book helps a young child understand how to express thankfulness and have a positive attitude. Very well written and illustrated.” - Amazon review by T. Thompson
Goodreads Rating: 4.58, 130 ratings
25. The Quiltmaker’s Gift
The heartwarming, strongly moral tale supports important values, and the detailed illustrations, featuring dozens of lovingly rendered quilt patterns, offer hours of delight. Children will delight in this new commemorative edition, which includes a special Quiltmaker's Gift Box so that, following the example of the Quiltmaker, they can create their own beautiful quilts. “I read this over two story times with my K4 class. They loved it!” - Amazon review by S. Sperlich
Goodreads Rating: 4.52, 3,547 ratings
Ages: 3 – 8 years
26. Those Shoes
“I wish I had found this book by Maribeth Boelts sooner. It's a wonderful heartfelt story. Many children have no idea about how other children live. Poverty is not a topic covered enough in the classroom. Teaching empathy and understanding can help children look at their peers in a different light. I loved it.I'm glad I purchased this book for my classroom.” - Amazon review by Helen R.
Goodreads Rating: 4.46, 3,778 ratings
Ages: 3 – 8 years
27. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
“We had this book years ago when my daughter was 3 or 4 and we accidentally donated it. She loved the book and was very upset about losing it, so this was a gift to her this year! The story line is very good and i believe even small children would love it!!” - Review by Amazon customer
Goodreads Rating: 4.15, 44,906 ratings
Ages: 3 – 7 years
28. Gracias Thanks
In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful. Come share the joy, and think about all the things for which you can say, ¡Gracias! Thanks. “This book has great, colorful illustrations. It is a bilingual book that appeals to children. It also has a good message, be thankful for the little things. It is adorable and the text is simple for our Kindergarten - 2nd grade children. I would most definitely buy this book again.” - Amazon review by Rhonda G.
Goodreads Rating: 3.91, 559 ratings
Ages: 4 – 7 years
29. The Thank You Book
“This book is a great tool for teaching children about gratitude, for both small and bog things in their daily lives. The pictures are beautiful and inviting, and the text is simple and eloquent to give small children a good idea about what sorts of thing we can feel g3ateful for. I am planning to use this book in my 3-year-olds preschool class to help them learn what the words "thank you " really mean.” - Amazon review by Susannah
Goodreads Rating: 3.81, 397 ratings
Ages: 4 – 7 years
30. The Thank You Letter
The Thank You Letter is perfect for starting conversations about gratitude, both for tangible gifts and for the little things we don't always stop to appreciate. The sweet story encourages young readers to focus on positivity and share it. “This was lovely to read! Both the story and illustrations are beautiful. My students were inspired to write their own thank-you letters.” - Amazon review by L.T.L.
Goodreads Rating: 4.10, 395 ratings
Ages: 4 – 8 years
31. Our Table
Celebrated, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds brings his signature touch of love and kindness to this special, timely picture book, as families now, more than ever, are rediscovering and reevaluating what means the most: time together with one another. “This is a very good book. The message is that Family needs to come together, spend time together at the table and talk to each other instead of being in our separate world on electronic devices. This story relays this important message very well.” - Review by Amazon Customer
Goodreads Rating: 4.23, 932 ratings
Ages: 4 – 8 years
32. Thanks a Million
“I love this book. In all fairness, my 5yo isn't as in love with it as I am, but she doesn't object when I add it to our pile for bedtime reading. I adore Nikki Grimes, I love the thankfulness in these poems, and I love that she uses so many different forms of poetry (haiku, riddle, etc.). The pictures enhance and extend the poems. We checked it out from the library and enjoyed it so much that I promptly ordered our own copy.” - Amazon review by Lisa
Goodreads Rating: 4.01, 152 ratings
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Family-Friendly Activities on Gratitude
Crafts and games with a strong core message of being thankful for all that we have, without taking them for granted, and how best to use these gifts to show kindness to others.
Activity 1: Write thank you notes!
Encourage children to write thank-you notes and cards for the people that do nice things for them. Making and sending thank you cards is a fun way to thank loved ones for their generosity and love and help children cultivate a sense of gratitude. Good ol’ fashioned thank you notes.
They are more than a polite formality. They can also help children to realize that the fact a person gave them a gift or came to their party or did something especially nice for them is worth being recognized and acknowledged.
Activity 2: Go on a Gratitude scavenger hunt!
My kids love to “hunt for treasure” and pretend with me! Scavenger hunts help kids to become aware of the simple things in nature they can be grateful for.
This gratitude photo scavenger hunt is a fun way to recognize the small stuff and big blessings in life.
1. Each person needs a digital camera or camera phone.
2. Determine time limits and boundaries.
3. Photos don’t have to be taken in order. Circle or check off ones completed.
4. When time is up, gather and share photos.
5. Feel blessed!
Activity 3: Crafty Thanksgiving Activities to Explore!
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Confetti Stuffed Turkeys
From @StudioDIY is this fun centerpiece for a Turkey Day kid’s table!
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"I'm Grateful For" Coloring Pages
From the amazingly talented Mique @30Days is this free Thanksgiving coloring page.
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Sponge Painted Turkey
Here’s another great Thanksgiving decor from Kim @The Resourceful Mama!
Activity 4: Thanksgiving Games for the Kids Table
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Gratitude Hop Scotch
From Kelly @Live Laugh Rowe is this Thanksgiving I Spy Game that will keep the kids busy!
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Thanksgiving Kids Table
Check out @Sugar and Charm’s festive & fun kids table set-up, including this activity sheet from Better Home and Gardens.
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Thanksgiving Bingo Game
Kids love Bingo! Visit @Crazy Little Projects for their Thanksgiving themed-game!
Activity 5: MORE Thanksgiving Fun & Games
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The Blind Side
From @Project Kid is a great game this Thanksgiving for kids of all ages!
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Mr Holland's Opus
Visit @Hello, Wonderful for this cute & colorful decor for the kid’s table this Thanksgiving!
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The Pursuit of Happyness
With the family gathered together, this is the perfect time to make a family tree. @K4 Craft
Activity 6: Family movie night with “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”!
Thanksgiving Games & Activities for Your Family
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