5 Children’s Books That Teach Children Gratitude

Being grateful boosts happiness. Whether it’s for our health, our friends, having a home, safety and security, or the ability to read. And it’s no wonder it feels so good. Research has shown that actively practicing gratitude boosts happiness and fosters both physical and psychological health.

Gratitude can be practiced. Although gratitude is a spontaneous feeling, we can make conscious efforts to cultivate it in our daily lives. To nurture a child’s gratitude habit from a young age is to invest in their happiness and peace of mind. What’s more, teaching children how to express their gratitude gives them an outlet to voice their thoughts and feelings, providing them with a sense of wellbeing.

Books are a fantastic resource for helping to teach children about gratitude. We’ve chosen 5 children’s books from the BookSmart app to teach your children about gratitude, generosity and appreciation for the world around them.

The Tree of Hope by Kehkashan Basu

Published by Voices of Future Generations

Ages 6-8

Khadra is a curious young girl living in a desert where everyone struggles with the heat and the drought. But by planting and caring for a tree, she discovers some of nature’s best secrets, forever changing her community. 

► Read it in English here.

► Leer en español aquí.

Being Polite: Thank You (Emotional Intelligence) by Dolphin Press

Published by Dolphin Press

Ages 0-5

This book will help children learn polite words, like thank you, and when and how to use them.

► Read it here.

I Will Help You by Andrea Abbott

Published by Book Dash

Ages 6-8

When Mama Heron needs help, Lungile comes to her rescue.

► Read it here.

A Beautiful Day by Elana Bregin

Published by Book Dash

Ages 0-5

It’s a beautiful day for a picnic. Everyone wants to join in the fun.

► Read it here.

Thuli, Special and the Secret by Baeletsi Tsatsi

Published by Book Dash

Ages 6-8

Thuli has the cookies. Special has her eye on the cookies. What is their secret?

► Read it here.

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