SALLIE BEE WRITES A THANK-YOU NOTE

Nothing says thank you like a heartfelt handwritten note.

It’s not every day that Sallie gets a gift in the mail, but when she receives a handmade scarf from Grandma Bee, she just has to say thanks. Sallie is eager to text Grandma, but her mother is on her phone, and Sallie finally decides to write down her text so she won’t forget it. Saying thank you isn’t enough, Sallie decides, and the thanks naturally evolve as she writes down what she is thankful for and how the gift makes her feel. Mom declares Sallie’s work a thank-you note that just needs to be signed and mailed. Sallie is hooked on writing thank-you notes decorated with hearts and swirls—for the crossing guard, a bus buddy, and the lunch lady. Readers with sometimes-annoying siblings will appreciate that Sallie even thanks her brother for keeping his tarantula, Cuddles, caged all day. Later, Sallie receives more mail—a thank-you note from Mom for showing her “how many reasons there are to write a thank-you note.” Rosy illustrations featuring Sallie’s colorful notes help tell the story and capture familial love and the protagonist’s kindnesses. Look for Sallie’s kitten in most of the illustrations. Sallie and her family are brown-skinned; their community is a diverse one. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Will inspire and prepare readers to share their thanks.