Finding Gratitude in Little Moments: A Cozy Look at The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
As the sun sets and the day’s chaos winds down, we nestle together in our little reading nook—a tiny fortress of pillows and blankets where my two adventurers and I dive into stories. One evening, amid the usual bedtime hustle—one child trying to invent the fastest way to avoid sleep while the other desperately clutches a favorite stuffed animal—I reached for The Thankful Book by Todd Parr. The promise of warmth and heartfulness drew me in, and I hoped it would offer us a moment of peace amid the evening whirlwind.
Todd Parr, the beloved author known for his vibrant illustrations and messages of love and acceptance, does not disappoint. In this delightful book, he guides young readers through a parade of things to be thankful for, incorporating everything from “music that makes me want to dance” to “kisses that make me feel loved.” My kiddos giggled at the silliness while simultaneously contemplating their own lives—a perfect blend of fun and reflection.
The illustrations are classic Parr: bold, playful colors that leap off the pages like confetti at a birthday party. It’s hard to keep their tiny fingers from pointing at every quirky character and mismatched shape, each one revealing a new element of gratitude. "Look, Mama! That monster loves bath time just like I do!" exclaimed my 4-year-old, eyes wide with excitement. It’s fantastic how a simple, childlike drawing can resonate so strongly.
But what really turned our reading into a delightful conversation was how interactive the book can be. After each page, my kids naturally began sharing their own thankful thoughts. “I’m thankful for juice!” piped up my youngest, while the older one added, “I’m thankful for our family movie nights!” It became a bonding moment, where we all reflected on our favorite things—silent gratitude whispered in the midst of our typical chaos.
One particular page about being thankful for silly faces had all of us in stitches, as we took turns making the goofiest expressions we could muster. Laughter erupted, and for a moment, we forgot the day’s stresses—just pure joy floating in the air like bubbles. It was a lovely reminder that even on the hard days, the simple joys often win out.
I can’t recommend The Thankful Book enough for families with kids aged 2 to 5. It’s ideal for storytime before a holiday dinner or as a gentle reminder to pause and reflect, especially around Thanksgiving. Todd Parr’s signature style makes for easy reading, ideal for little ones who might be restless but still crave connection through story.
This book has nestled itself into our collection as a family favorite. Together, we’ve turned it into a tradition—each time we read it, it becomes a starting point for deeper conversations about gratitude, love, and joy. It’s more than a simple children’s book; it’s a gentle nudge to celebrate the beauty of everyday moments. So if you’re looking for a cozy read that fosters connection and gratitude during the holidays and beyond, snug into The Thankful Book—you won’t be disappointed.
