THANK YOU

A youngster is grateful for many unexpected items.

It’s important that children learn how to show thankfulness; to that end, a tiny tot in a bright red cap and matching boots expresses gratitude for a host of things. As the book opens, the young protagonist lounges on a crescent moon—the first thing on the list: “I thank the moon / for the nighttime.” That scene’s followed logically by: “I thank the sun for the day.” Stepping through patchwork rocks, the child adds, “I thank my boots for knowing the way.” Clouds are thanked for providing puddles to splash in, a Tyrannosaurus is thanked “for being the longest word I know,” and at bathtime, the child thanks “the toothbrush for my smile” and “the bath for the bubbles.” The gratitude doesn’t end at snack time: “I thank the bowl for the jelly. Thank you, too, little spoon. I’d also like to thank my belly for making just a little more room.” Offbeat in the most delightful and gentle way, Jarvis’ work explores everyday blessings and encourages readers to pay attention to surroundings and actions that bring gratitude. Digitally rendered artwork has the look of cut-paper illustrations, with shapes scattered across the pages, bringing energy and verve to text that’s by turns contemplative and whimsical. The protagonist is tan-skinned, while other characters are racially diverse.

A joyfully quirky gratitude journal for the preschool set.