Parenting would be a breeze if kids naturally said thank you for every sandwich, lifted a pinky to help clean, and wrote spontaneous haikus about your sock-folding skills.
Alas, gratitude is more often something they need to see, hear, and practice—ideally without the eye rolls.
The good news? There are some incredible books out there that sprinkle a little thankfulness magic into your nighttime routine, and they work just as well for parents as for kids.
Here are five reads you can add to the pile to help your family grow a habit of genuine, heartfelt gratitude.
1. The Thank You Book by Mo Willems
Mo Willems is to picture books what Mary Poppins is to nannies: practically perfect in every way.
In The Thank You Book, Elephant and Piggie go on a thankathon, trying to remember everyone who deserves their gratitude. It’s simple, it’s silly, and it’s a masterclass in making thankfulness feel fun instead of preachy.
Many parents find this book is a sneaky way to get kids talking about who they’re thankful for (“Yes darling, the dog does count, even if he did eat your crayons”).
Bonus: research suggests that repeated exposure to gratitude in stories can help children internalize grateful behaviours (source).
Extra points if you and your child make your own “Thank You Book” after reading.
A few stick figures, a glue stick, and the promise of biscuits are all you need. Even if you only make it through three pages before bedtime chaos descends, you’re still winning.
2. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
A gentle, beautifully illustrated story, Last Stop on Market Street follows a boy and his grandmother across town on a bus.
Along the way, Nana helps her grandson see the little wonders in everyday life—sunshine on the pavement, music in the air, kindness between strangers.
There’s not a trace of lecture or guilt-tripping; gratitude simply radiates off the pages.
If your kids are prone to “Why can’t we have a car?” or “Why is the bus full of weird people?” this book is a balm.
It opens up conversations about appreciating what you have, noticing beauty in unexpected places, and showing thanks with a smile or a helping hand.
A little secret: this one often hits parents right in the feels, too.
Sometimes the reminder that “the world in which we live is beautiful, if only we look” is something we all need after a long day (see what educators say).
3. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Now, The Giving Tree stirs up passionate debates among parents—some find it heartwarming, others want to buy the tree therapy. But no one can deny its power to spur conversations about giving, receiving, and what it means to be thankful.
This classic doesn’t spoon-feed solutions. Instead, it leaves space for questions: Is it generous to give until you have nothing left? How do we say thank you to those who help us?
And just when you think your child hasn’t absorbed a word, you’ll catch them hugging the nearest houseplant in a fit of empathy.
Read it together, and let everyone share how the story made them feel.
Don’t be surprised if you end up with a few unexpected confessions—sometimes, your child’s “thank you” is hidden behind a sideways question about the tree’s feelings (literary experts weigh in here).
4. Thankful by Eileen Spinelli
Some books just make you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and sigh contentedly. Thankful is one of them.
With gentle rhymes and cheerful pictures, it lists the ordinary people who make the world go round, from the fireman “thankful for being able to help” to the artist “thankful for color and light.”
Instead of focusing on material things, this book invites children to notice small joys and everyday helpers.
Parents have found this story is a lovely springboard for rituals like “three things we’re grateful for”—even the most time-pressed families can squeeze this in at dinner, in the car, or while brushing teeth (yes, you can be grateful for toothpaste).
One study shows that consistent gratitude practices can help kids (and grown-ups) sleep better and feel less stressed. And who wouldn’t be thankful for a little less stress at bedtime?
Try it: After reading, ask each family member to name someone outside the family they’re thankful for that day.
You might hear “my mate who shared his pencils” or “the postie who always waves.” One or two mumbled answers is all it takes—there are no gold stars for poetic gratitude.
5. Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
Every child wants to be special (and every parent wants five minutes of peace), so a book that frames thankfulness as a literal superpower? Genius.
Gratitude is My Superpower follows a young girl who discovers she can turn even the grumpiest mood around just by counting her blessings.
There’s a practical element here: the book includes simple prompts and activities families can try, from gratitude jars to “thank you” notes.
If the idea of another craft project makes you break out in hives, don’t worry—you can jot down things you’re grateful for on a napkin or the back of a takeaway menu.
Research suggests that kids who regularly practice gratitude show greater resilience and empathy (read more). Plus, calling it a superpower pretty much guarantees engagement—at least until puberty, when everything is embarrassing.
Share your own “superpowers” as you read. And if your child names Peppa Pig instead of you, try not to take it too personally.
Bringing Gratitude Home
You probably won’t raise a tiny Dalai Lama overnight, and that’s perfectly alright.
Gratitude is a muscle, and these books are gentle weights for your family to lift together—no gym membership required.
One night it’s giggles over Elephant and Piggie, the next it’s a soft sigh at Nana’s wisdom, and occasionally it’s a muttered “thank you” for the broccoli (miracles happen).
The ritual of sharing stories, talking about what matters, and noticing the good things—big and small—sets a foundation that lasts far beyond childhood.
Your kids are learning from you, too. If you can muster up a smile when you find a sticker stuck to your trousers, or say thanks when someone else nabs the last biscuit, you’re modeling gratitude in action.
The books just make it easier—and a lot more fun.
Keep a few of these titles on the shelf, the dashboard, or even under your pillow. One story at a time, gratitude takes root.
And who knows? Maybe tomorrow, someone will thank you for only burning the toast on one side. Small mercies.
