THE THANK YOU BOOK

A picture book with a small trim about the value of expressing thanks for the little and big things in life.

With poetic skill, author Ray uses lyrical language and a deeply felt sense of authenticity to spin out a story about saying “thank you.” In each page, she picks out parts of the day where readers may feel “a little hum—a happy little hum…and you want to answer back.” She enumerates gratitude to the morning, for “glue and glitter,” to parades (where the signs read “Peace” “Love,” “Kindness”)—permission and encouragement to say “thank you” back is presented throughout in a delightful, nonsanctimonious way. Illustrator Graegin’s friendly, warm illustrations use soft shades of natural-looking color as she interweaves circular spot illustrations featuring cozy scenes with double-page spreads evoking a larger world. The illustrations are populated with a rich variety of snuggly-looking animals dressed in clothing and children of dark to light skin and hair—humans and animals interacting with one another without any sort of hierarchy or division between them. The illustrations not only present the text’s theme of saying “thank you,” but also amplify it by giving the story an emphasis on diversity and equality.

A delightful little book that encourages readers to connect to places, times, and one another with the simple act of saying “thank you” and whose illustrations promote equality, diversity, kindness, and gratitude for all.