"And I had a reason
to thank
elephants,
but I seem to
have forgotten,
so ...
I'll thank the
Tyrannosaurus
for being the longest word I know."
There is much to be thankful for when we look closely. The young child narrator, clad in red knit cap and matching boots, is aware and shares many of the things that fill him with gratitude. He begins with the moon and the sun, thanking them for night and day.
With each page turn, he finds endless reasons to be grateful to nature, his family and friends, and the many other sights and sounds as he goes about his day. It is such an important concept for each one of us; to take the time to look closely at our world and to be truly content with what is there.
There are unexpected twists and turns in his gratitude journey: a tree for shade, a hat for keeping thoughts in his head, a plant for a hiding place, a bowl for jelly, and his belly for making room for that deliciousness.
"I thank the itch
for the scratch.
I thank Mr. Jeffers
for the purrs."
When the time comes that he thinks he has done all his thanking, he just starts all over again!
The digital artwork is energetic, colorful, and fills the pages with warm and joyful details. Jarvis says this book started out as a song he sang, and led to his looking for those things he wanted to thank. It was the start of a long list. Wouldn't it be a fun way to start a new school year with your students?
Taking time to be thankful is a worthy pursuit, and one that can be practiced daily until it is second nature. Endpapers are filled with the great variety in ways world communities say thank you. What are you and your kids thankful for? Start your list!
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