If Animals Gave Thanks
If Animals Kissed Good Night Series
What’s inside...
A must-have for any nursery! If Animals Gave Thanks is a beloved board book in the bestselling If Animals Kissed Goodnight series that imagines how creatures from all across the animal kingdom might share their gratitude – making it the perfect for read alouds during the fall season and Thanksgiving.What if animals did what YOU do?Raccoon would chir-chirrrr thanks for her cub. Crow would loop and swoop in the sky. And Bear would invite his friends to a bountiful feast. Across the animal kingdom, every creature would be grateful for food, family, and being together.Featuring playful rhymes and adorable art, little ones can see how creatures, great and small, show thankfulness. Families will giggle along as they imagine the critters that inhabit places near and far. A wonderful gift for baby showers, birthdays, new parents, or any occasion!Don't miss the other books in this adorable series: If Animals Kissed Good Night, If Animals Said I Love You, If Animals Celebrated Christmas, If Animals Went to School, If Animals Tried to Be Kind, If Animals Trick-or-Treated, and If Animals Went to Work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like if animals really could give thanks? How do you think they would show it?
If you could thank an animal, which one would you thank and why?
Can you think of some ways we can show gratitude to the animals and nature around us?
Which animal in the book did you like the most and why?
How do you feel when someone thanks you? How can you make others feel the same?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, changing your voice for different animals to make it more engaging.
Pause after each animal to discuss its unique way of giving thanks and relate it to real animal behaviors if possible.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book, discussing the emotions and themes it represents.
After reading, together list things both you and your child are thankful for, linking back to how the animals showed gratitude.
Connect the story to real life by planning a family activity to show gratitude, like feeding birds or visiting a petting zoo.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The story showcases various animals expressing what they are thankful for, illustrating the concept of gratitude.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and verbally express their gratefulness for family, friends, and their environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Each animal in the book shares thanks in its unique way, encouraging creative expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to find their unique ways of expressing themselves and their thoughts.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By observing animals showing gratitude for different things, children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This understanding can help children relate better to their peers by recognizing and respecting different perspectives and emotions.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book highlights various animals in their natural habitats being thankful for what they have, promoting respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of conservation and develop a caring attitude towards nature and wildlife.