30+ Books About Gratitude & Thankfulness for Kids
Kids who learn to be thankful tend to be happier and kinder. When they see the good things and people in their lives, they make better friends and handle problems more easily. This helps them feel happier, do well in school, and care more about others.
Here are 30 great books about gratitude, organized into three age groups: Babies and Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Early and Growing Readers.
These stories offer valuable lessons on thankfulness, generosity, and appreciating the world and the people around us.
Gratitude Books for Babies and Toddlers
1 2 3’s of Thankfulness
Teaching kids about thankfulness is simple with this charming board book that supports emotional growth. This beautifully illustrated book helps your child learn the importance of gratitude, making it great for Thanksgiving and any time of year.
“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
2. Bear Says Thank You
This strong board book from the Hello Genius series teaches kids about manners through a fun story. When Little Bear has a big project, he asks Mama Bear for help and remembers to thank her each step of the way, leading to a sweet surprise at the end of this book.
“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
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
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
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
Gratitude Books for Preschoolers (for 3-5 year old)
6. Give Thank You A Try
In Give Thank You a Try, bestselling author James Patterson shows little ones the magic of the word "thank you.".
“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!” - Review by Amazon Customer
Goodreads Rating: 3.69
7. All the World
This Caldecott Honor story is now a Classic Board Book. Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning until night, this book teaches us to express gratitude for 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
8. The Thankful Book
Todd Parr bestselling books all have 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 local library!” - Amazon review by Ellen O.
Goodreads Rating: 4.10
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 to express a sense of gratitude.
“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
10. Apple Cake: A Gratitude
In this great 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
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 tender story about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This classic book 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
12. Bear Says Thanks
What better way for Bear to say thanks, than to have a big dinner with all his friends! Little 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
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 unconditional love 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
14. The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings
This classic Berenstain Bears story is a heartwarming story of sharing.
“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
15. Thankful
Little ones will snuggle up close as they enjoy this charming, cozy book about being thankful. Kids of all ages will appreciate the life lessons in expressing all that we 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
16. The Thank You Book, The-An Elephant and Piggie Book
In The Thank You Book by Mo Willems, 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
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 uses 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
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
19. Thank You, Omu!
In this Caldecott Honor winner by Oge Mora, 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
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
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
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
Gratitude Books for Early Readers (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
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
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
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
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
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
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 grateful 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
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
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
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
