Habits For Humanity: Books to Nourish Gratitude in Children

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Is there a book for that? 

That’s always my go-to when I have a parenting need. Do kids ask about death? There’s a book for that. Do they need a lesson in kindness? There are so many books about that. Do kids ask about life, the universe, and everything? Well, then we need a trip to the bookstore.

But it’s well known that if there’s a good story, they’re more likely to listen, and if they listen then they may remember. If they remember the lessons we want them to learn, they’ll probably practice these good deeds in their daily lives.

Here are some lovely stories that introduce gratitude, kindness, and appreciation through entertaining stories.

Appreciate Poetry

Thanks a Million
By Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

We always want children to say “thank you,” but how can you explain when they should say that magical phrase? In a series of quiet yet dazzling rhymes, Grimes offers up ideas on what could prompt kids to be thankful. They’ll certainly open their eyes to a new world after reading her verses!

Appreciate Nature

Because of an Acorn
By Lola M. Schaefer, Adam Schaefer, Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon

Plant the seed of appreciation for every small thing in your child’s mind. This beautiful picture book shows how much we owe to the life of an acorn. You can expect them to tread carefully on the grass and perhaps look at trees differently after enjoying this storybook.

Appreciate Differences

East Dragon, West Dragon
By Robyn Eversole, Illustrated by Scott Campbell

Two dragons live across the world from each other, fearing the stories they heard about one’s “great fire” and another’s “mighty roar.” It isn’t until they must work together to save “the silly knights” that East Dragon and West Dragon learn to appreciate the other’s differences, and not be so scared of what they do not understand.

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Appreciate Essentials

A Chair For My Mother
Written and Illustrated by Vera B. Williams

A young girl, her mother, and her grandmother diligently save up for a comfortable chair after losing most of their possessions in an apartment fire. Grandma bargains, her mother waits tables, and your child will be on the edge of their seat to see if the coins they collect can ever save up for something as simple and necessary as a chair.

Appreciate the World

Gratitude Soup
Written and Illustrated by Olivia Rosewood

Watercolors, collage, and cooking combine in this fanciful story of the Purple Fairy who finds gratitude in the whole world surrounding her. She takes it all in appreciation and proceeds to make gratitude soup. But how does it taste? You’ll have to read it to find out!

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Photos: Courtesy of Publishers 

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