Books That Inspire Kids to Be Grateful

Are you looking for ways to raise kids who are grateful for their blessings? Gratitude is an essential character strength, and this list of books will inspire kids from toddlers to teens to be thankful well past Thanksgiving. From classic picture books to contemporary young adult novels, you'll find lots of reasons to be thankful for these reads. You'll also find excellent role models for how to appreciate the good things in life and return kindness to the people around you. And for more winning kids' picks, be sure to check out our roundups of movies and TV shows that inspire gratitude.

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Bear Says Thanks Poster Image
BOOK

Bear Says Thanks

age 3+

Warm animal story celebrates gratitude and friendship.

By: Karma Wilson (2012)
Fangsgiving Poster Image
BOOK

Fangsgiving

age 3+

Vampire learns the meaning of family in funny holiday tale.

By: Ethan Long (2018)
Last Stop on Market Street Poster Image
BOOK

Last Stop on Market Street

age 3+

Tender story of Nana showing grandson city beauty via bus.

By: Matt de la Peña (2015)
The Monsters' Monster Poster Image
BOOK

The Monsters' Monster

age 3+

Frankenstein-like monster teaches his creators gratitude.

By: Patrick McDonnell (2012)
Thank You and Good Night Poster Image
BOOK

Thank You and Good Night

age 3+

A perfect charmer of a bedtime book; the real deal.

By: Patrick McDonnell (2015)
Thank You, Helpers: Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Grocery Workers, and More Who Care for Us Poster Image
BOOK

Thank You, Helpers: Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Grocery Workers, and More Who Care for Us

age 3+

Happy rhymes, colors celebrate essential community workers.

By: Patricia Hegarty (2020)
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga Poster Image
BOOK

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

age 3+

Warm celebration of Cherokee families' year-round gratitude.

By: Traci Sorell (2018)
Happy, brown-skinned girl with glasses running with colorful cloth.
BOOK

American Desi

age 4+

Lovely celebration of Indian and American cultures blending.

By: Jyoti Rajan Gopal (2022)
Dear Teacher, A Celebration of People Who Inspire Us Poster Image
BOOK

Dear Teacher, A Celebration of People Who Inspire Us

age 4+

Sweet message of thanks for the life lessons teachers share.

By: Paris Rosenthal (2021)
Gracias/Thanks Poster Image
BOOK

Gracias/Thanks

age 4+

A sweet celebration of the best thing life has to offer.

By: Pat Mora (2009)
In Plain Sight Poster Image
BOOK

In Plain Sight

age 4+

Playful, loving relationship shines in sweet grandpa tale.

By: Richard Jackson (2017)
Keeping the City Going Poster Image
BOOK

Keeping the City Going

age 4+

Gratitude brims in celebration of workers in the pandemic.

By: Brian Floca (2021)
book cover of the Keeping Quilt
BOOK

The Keeping Quilt

age 4+

Quilt keeps memories of home alive in heartwarming tale.

By: Patricia Polacco (1988)
Our Table Poster Image
BOOK

Our Table

age 4+

Delightful story of family finding their way back together.

By: Peter H. Reynolds (2021)
Thank You, Omu! Poster Image
BOOK

Thank You, Omu!

age 4+

Lovely art adds to sweet tale of food, community, gratitude.

By: Oge Mora (2018)
What Is Given from the Heart Poster Image
BOOK

What Is Given from the Heart

age 4+

Lovely art, heartwarming story about the joy of giving.

You Are My Happy Poster Image
BOOK

You Are My Happy

age 4+

Comforting rundown of things to be happy about, like you.

By: Hoda Kotb (2019)
cover of Birdsong book
BOOK

Birdsong

age 5+

Gentle story of friendship and nature through the seasons.

By: Julie Flett (2019)
Dream Street Poster Image
BOOK

Dream Street

age 5+

Dazzling celebration of the power of a positive community.

By: Tricia Elam Walker (2021)
The World Belonged to Us Book Cover
BOOK

The World Belonged to Us

age 5+

Colorful tribute to the past honors inner-city culture.

By: Jacqueline Woodson (2022)