The beauty of practicing gratitude lies in its flexibility—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You can keep a gratitude journal, read books about thankfulness, meditate on your gratitude, send heartfelt thank-you notes, or simply take a moment to savor life’s small joys. The possibilities for practicing gratitude are endless.
What’s clear, though, is the science behind it. According to Harvard Health, gratitude has proven health benefits, including improved emotional and social well-being, better sleep, reduced risk of depression, and even positive effects on cardiovascular health.
So, how do we find the gratitude practice that works best for us? It takes a mix of experimentation, reflection, and curiosity. We can discover what feels most meaningful by tuning in to what resonates with us.
Lately, I’ve found gratitude naturally weaving itself into those in-between mindful moments—like while I’m showering, waiting in the car line, or blending my morning shake. In those quiet pauses, I feel thankful for life’s simple pleasures and for the home, family, and work we’ve built together.
Picture books offer another fantastic way to introduce gratitude, especially for educators and caregivers. They provide a beautiful medium for sharing stories that inspire children to recognize and appreciate both the ordinary and extraordinary blessings in life.
Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite picture books about gratitude. Through these stories, we can encourage children to embrace a thankful mindset and celebrate the beauty of life.
- Sincerely, Emerson by Emerson Weber, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett
This heartwarming true story, written by an eleven-year-old, recounts the incredible events that unfolded after she sent a thank-you letter to her postal carrier. Emerson’s simple act of kindness sparked a ripple effect across the country. Her postal carrier shared the letter with colleagues, and soon mail carriers nationwide were inspired to send Emerson thank-you letters in return. This uplifting story reminds readers of the power of kindness and shows how even small gestures can bring joy to others. - The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera.
This delightful story follows a young girl who writes thank-you letters to express her gratitude for all her birthday presents. Her heartfelt gesture inspires her to thank people throughout her community. This charming book serves as a wonderful reminder of the joy that comes from giving and receiving gratitude. - Thankful by Elaine Vickers and Samantha Cotterill
This heartwarming story features a girl who writes down everything she’s thankful for on slips of paper, linking them together to form a gratitude chain. The vibrant and engaging diorama-style illustrations beautifully highlight the countless people and things in our lives that deserve our appreciation. - Thank You, World by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin
This charming book invites readers to express gratitude for the beauty of the natural world and the wonders that surround us across the globe. - Finding Grateful by Dianne White, illustrated by Faith Pray
This beautifully illustrated picture book helps readers understand what it means to be grateful by encouraging them to appreciate life’s simple moments. With the reminder that “gratitude means noticing this thing, that thing, anything, really,” it’s a wonderful way to show how mindfulness enhances our practice of gratitude. - Thank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell
This charming story by the gifted author-illustrator was one of our all-time favorite bedtime reads when my daughter was a toddler. With adorable illustrations and a delightful storyline, it follows three animal friends as they practice gratitude before their sleepover. - The Grateful Giraffe by Giselle Shardlow
This engaging yoga book for young children takes readers on a journey around the world, introducing them to different animals and encouraging discussions about emotions—all while practicing yoga poses.
