Gratitude
November’s theme is, fittingly, gratitude.
Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Teaching Joanna and Connor to practice genuine gratitude is high on my parent priority list. If they can express gratitude, not only at Thanksgiving and gift-receiving times but every day, I believe I’m doing something right!
This month’s book recommendations show gratitude for friends, family, health, and other things we often take for granted.
Apple Cake by Dawn Casey & Genevieve Godbout
I purposefully listed this book first – Apple Cake is all about gratitude! The book follows a young girl (and her dog) as they thank nature for gifts provided. If you celebrate Thanksgiving, you’ll likely sit down together for a large meal – a meal made possible by farmers, pollinators, livestock, etc. Apple Cake is “a gratitude” to food and how it reaches our growling stomachs!
Bonus – with simple rhyming text, Apple Cake is a great book for young readers to practice on.
Double bonus – an apple cake recipe is included. It is a delicious recipe with basic ingredients and less refined sugar.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen
Another Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen recommendation! Set in a dreary town in the dead of winter, Annabelle knits colorful clothing for everyone. I believe Annabelle’s yarn symbolizes happiness – when shared, happiness is infectious and world-changing.
Extra Yarn is a fun story about generosity triumphing over greed. A great lesson as we head into “giving season”. Happiness cannot be bought and in the archduke’s case, it cannot be stolen either.
Sun and Moon by Lindsey Yankey
As the days get shorter and colder, moods tend to plummet. But, there is wonder in the night, too! Moon discovers this in this beautifully illustrated book about being thankful for what you already have.
We, parents and children, often focus on what we don’t have. When we focus on the negative, it can be difficult to see what’s right in front us. This month I encourage you to find ways to celebrate the dark. Eat dinner by candlelight, bundle up for a full moon hike/walk or simply, read this book.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead & Erin E. Stead
Flu and cold season is upon us. In this heartwarming story, Amos McGee’s unlikely friends care for him while he is sick, returning the kindnesses he showed them at the zoo.
I love how each animal friend cares for Amos differently based on their unique personalities. It showcases how there are many ways to be a good friend. This book is a great introduction to empathy.
The last page always receives a collective “aww” in our household.
What Can a Mess Make? by Bee Johnson
Grateful for mess?! Yes, especially when messes encourage creativity, imaginative play and sibling connection!
This book is an amazing reminder to parents that “a mess” is not always a bad thing. I know it’s not always easy to do but embrace the mess!
Our kids don’t see a mess – they see the product of their play and hard work.
Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris & LeUyen Pham
Bear Came Along is one of our all-time favorite children’s books. This adorably illustrated and smartly written book demonstrates how “we’re all this together”. Each animal brings their own perspectives to the log and they all embrace being on this wild ride called life, together.
The river path taken by the animals is shown in the beginning and end of the book cover. Joanna and Connor like tracing the path and naming where each animal hopped on. They, also, enjoy counting all the animals on the last page!
A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office Manager at Town Hall Library. She has two young children – Joanna (6) and Connor (4). All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading. Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.
