Teaching students about gratitude can have a lasting impact on their lives both in and out of the classroom. Using stories can help instill this trait. Read on for a full list of picture books to teach gratitude!
*Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click a link and purchase something, I receive a small commission for sharing the link at no cost to you. This allows me continue writing content for my readers.
10 Picture Books to Teach Gratitude
Thankful by Eileen Spinelli
This story takes us on a journey of things to be thankful for in different lives from comfortable shoes for a waitress to a honey bee for the beekeeper.
We are Grateful by Traci Sorell
The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to show gratitude. This is a dual language picture book (Cherokee and English) about the ways the Cherokee people express gratitude throughout the year.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
A heart-warming story of a boy who, on a bus ride to help others, learns to see the beauty of what he does have instead of what he doesn’t.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
All Jeremy wants are the cool shoes that everyone at school seems to be wearing. But his grandma tells him that they only have room for “need” and not “want.” Jeremy soon realizes that what he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the what he wants.
Gracias/Thanks by Pat Mora
This bilingual (English and Spanish) book is about a young boy who shares everyday things for which he is grateful.
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
Omu generously offers a portion of her stew to everyone who follows their nose and knocks on her door. When she reaches her own dinnertime however, she discovers that her pot is empty. Fortunately, her generosity finds its response in the people with whom she has shared, people who want to say: “Thank You, Omu!”
Use this interactive read aloud lesson plan for Thank You, Omu to discuss this book with your students.
Giving Thanks by Chief Jake Swamp
This one is a special children’s version of the Thanksgiving Address, a message of gratitude that originated with the Native people of upstate New York and Canada.
Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes
A collection of poems about all the many ways (big and small) that we can be thankful. A great reminder to be thankful for the people and things that surround us.
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
Like so many of his books, this one is a colorful, bright, and simple, yet powerful book of thanks.
Look and Be Grateful by Tomie dePaola
Simple text reminding us to look around and see all that there is to be thankful for. It urges us to open our eyes and see the blessings that surround us.
What other picture books would you add to this list?
