Book Works: Gratitude & Connection

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s a good time for talking with kids about appreciation: Who and what do they value most in their lives, and how can they express this? Each of these books offers ideas for discussing gratitude, the importance of family and friends, and the ways we depend on and support other people.

illustrated cover of the book when the leaf blew in

When the Leaf Blew In by Steve Metzger, illustrated by Kellie Lewis

In this appealing picture book, a leaf blows into a barn and creates a zany series of events. Young kids can see how all the animals are connected and how one action leads to the next. The story also provides a chance to talk about the season and how we can tell that it’s fall.Amazon affiliate link (opens in a new tab): https://amzn.to/2Dw6oLL

illustrated cover of the book this is the turkey

This is the Turkeyby Abby Levine, illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye

This story about a Thanksgiving dinner without the turkey is a great lead-in for talking about what matters most and the importance of family and friends. Young children can begin to understand the concept of “size of the problem” and the need to be flexible when unexpected situations come up.Amazon affiliate link (opens in a new tab): https://amzn.to/2D9ZHhk

illustrated cover of the book bear says thanks

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman

How can a bear who has no food create a feast for his friends? Kids will be glad that bear works it all out with the support of other creatures. This engaging picture book emphasizes friendship and different ways people can contribute to a group.Amazon affiliate link (opens in a new tab): https://amzn.to/2DrApfL

illustrated cover of the book the thankful book

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

In this sweet picture book, we meet a variety of children and animals who describe what they feel grateful for. Kids can respond by stating or drawing a picture of something they appreciate in their everyday lives.Amazon affiliate link (opens in a new tab): https://amzn.to/2OB3jemArticle by Elizabeth Sautter, M.A., CCC-SLPSpeech Language Pathologist & Executive Director of Communication WorksBook Works are book recommendations by Communication Works (CW) that support speech, language, social and emotional growth for children.