Picture Books for Teaching Gratitude

Ever heard yourself saying “Be thankful!” to your students? Did that instill a sense of gratitude in their hearts? Probably not, right?

Children learn in many different ways. When teaching virtues, with the hope of instilling those virtues in them, stories are a great place to start.

It’s so important to encourage gratitude in both our students and ourselves throughout our daily lives. Being thankful shouldn’t be reserved for a holiday or after receiving a gift. When we make a habit of acknowledging gratitude for the small blessings throughout our day, it fosters happiness and a positive mindset.

Keep reading to discover some wonderful picture books for teaching gratitude with response activity ideas.

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts. Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones. Get a copy HERE.

This is a wonderful story about a little boy whose family can’t afford to buy him the shoes that he desperately wants in order to fit in at school. In the end, he has the opportunity to help a friend, even though it’s a hard choice for him to make.

Response Idea: This is the perfect book for a class discussion on empathy and gratitude. Ask students throughout a real aloud how they think the main character is feeling and why. Ask what they would do if they were in his position? Did he have a reason to feel grateful even though he didn’t get what he really wanted?

Gracias Thanks by Pat Mora. Illustrated by John Parra. Get a copy HERE.

A beautifully illustrated book about being thankful for the “small moments” in everyday life. Written in both Spanish and English, the story follows a little boy who shows gratitude for his family, friends, nature, and events throughout his day.

Response Idea: As a class, research how to say “thank you” in many different languages. Make a class poster or banner together, drawing pictures of things students are grateful for and adding “thank you” in different languages.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena. Illustrated by Christian Robinson. Get a copy HERE.

This story is a wonderful conversation-starter about positive mindset and gratitude. It’s about a little boy riding the bus with his grandmother after church one day. He points out things that seems unfair from his point of view and his grandmother reframes each situation into a positive.

Response Idea: Have students write or draw a timeline of their typical day or what they do after school. Then, with a crayon or marker, write one thing they are thankful for at each part of their day.

The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera. Get a copy HERE.

Perfect for your writing unit on friendly letters! In this story, little Grace writes a list of all the things she wants for her birthday. After the party, she writes thank you cards to everyone for the presents, and goes on to write more cards, thanking people for their kindness (and even to her teacher, thanking her for teaching her how to write letters!).

Response Idea: Brainstorm all the people who help you at school, by giving their time and service (teachers, librarian, principal, cafeteria workers, janitors, coaches, etc.) Write and decorate a thank you card to one person, thanking them for their help and care. Be sure to deliver the cards (and reinforce to students how when we show our gratitude for others, it brings both them and ourselves joy!).

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Get a copy HERE.

A true classic! The tree gives all that he has for the love of the little boy.

Response Idea: Have students think of a person in their life that loves them like the tree loved the little boy. Draw a picture of a tree and write that person’s name on the trunk. Then, in the branches, write all the ways they have shown love to you. Then, give the tree to that person and say thank you for all their love and kindness!

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli. Illustrated by Archie Preston. Get a copy HERE.

A sweet story, written in rhyming verse, about what various people are thankful for.

Response Idea: Guide students in writing their own poems about what they are thankful for OR make a class book together, with each student adding a sentence and picture about what they are especially grateful for.

Grow Grateful by Sage Foster-Lasser and Jon Lasser. Illustrated by Christopher Lyles. Get a copy HERE.

This story follows Kiko as she goes on a camping trip with her classmates. She encounters many instances of being afraid or unsure, but then points out what she is grateful for in each situation.

Response Idea: Have students write about a time when they had to do something that felt hard or overwhelming. Share stories with the class and brainstorm together what students can be thankful for in difficult situations.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. Get a copy HERE.

A very sweet story about a bear whose “cupboards are bare”. As his friends show up to share their own food, he feels bad about having nothing to share, but his friends comfort him and encourage him to share his stories as they enjoy their feast together.

Response Idea: Have a class meeting and discuss how we show say thank you as Bear did when people give things to us, but how we can also show gratitude by giving in return. Discuss examples of ways students can give, not just things, but time and acts of service to show gratitude.

If you are looking for writing activities for your students to foster gratitude throughout the year, please check out the resource linked below: It includes quick writing prompts that could be used for morning work, a variety of lessons and response activities on gratitude and thankfulness, a gratitude craft idea, bulletin board display banner, and printable bookmarks!

Also, be sure to download these FREE Gratitude Bookmarks with quotes from saints. Wonderful to use a gifts for students at Thanksgiving time, or anytime during the year!