The Most Thankful Thing
What’s inside...
A girl looks at old photographs with her mother, trying to figure out what her mother feels most grateful for in her life. By the creators of I Love You, Stinky Face. This heartwarming picture book reveals what every parent is most thankful for. A perfect bedtime story for every day -- and especially for Thanksgiving! When a little girl asks her mom what her 'most thankful thing ever' is, Mom turns the question into a fun trip down memory lane. Turning the pages of Mom's photo album, they discover many wonderful moments in Mom's life, from summer camp to winning a trophy in a soccer tournament, from singing onstage to her wedding day. But one event in Mom's whole life is the very best ever -- the birth of her precious little girl.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most thankful thing in your life, and why?
How do you feel when someone thanks you?
Can you think of a time when you were really thankful for something someone else did for you?
Why do you think it's important to show gratitude?
How can we show our thankfulness to others every day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing something you are thankful for, setting a warm, open tone for the discussion.
Encourage your child to express their feelings freely, ensuring them that there are no right or wrong answers.
Listen attentively to your child’s responses, showing appreciation for their thoughts, which will make them feel valued.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations in your child's life to help them connect deeper with the message of gratitude.
Praise your child for their insights, which will boost their confidence and encourage a habit of thoughtful reflection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The story centers around a mother and daughter discussing the things they are most thankful for. The mother shares anecdotes from her past, highlighting moments of gratitude.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the small and big moments in their lives and express thankfulness daily.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The interaction between the mother and daughter as they recount thankful moments strengthens their bond. It shows how sharing experiences can bring family members closer.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in conversations with family members about shared memories and moments they are thankful for, fostering stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Reflection and Perspective
Explanation: The mother reflects on different stages of her life, helping the daughter see different perspectives on what can be considered valuable.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to reflect on different phases of their lives and recognize the growth and lessons learned at each stage.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By listening to her mother's stories, the daughter learns to understand and empathize with the emotions and experiences of another person.
Real-World Application: Children can practice putting themselves in others' shoes to understand their feelings and viewpoints, enhancing social interactions and emotional intelligence.