 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Gracias/Thanks
- By Pat Mora
- Genre: For Beginning Readers
Common Sense Media says
A sweet celebration of the best thing life has to offer.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book may inspire their own family gratitude lists.
What's the story?
A simple book of gratitude, the narrator takes the reader through his day to share all the things that matter to him. From the time he wakes up, through his day playing outdoors and with his family and ending with him cozy back in bed with pajamas "so soft they feel like I'm putting on air." Spanish text runs alongside English so that families can read either side to get the story.
Is it any good?
Sweet without being cloying, kids will relate to things that matter to the narrator. From the small things like a ladybug to big things like friends and family, the list rings true and everyday. This is a book that transcends a "thankfulness" genre that can very easily turn to treacle instead.
Acrylic on illustration board paintings are textured with rich colors reminiscent of Mexican folk art. The many details bring weight to the narrator to help make him real to the reader. Clearly this is an ordinary little boy and one kids will understand.
Primitive-looking pictures are terrifically detailed and saturated with color.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what they are grateful for.
Families can talk about who the narrator is thanking. What is he trying to express?
Kids can try thinking of new ways to look at things that they are not
sure that they are thankful for. For example, the narrator thanks bees
for not stinging him. What other negatives can be turned into a
positive?The illustrations are very detailed. What kinds of things can kids
discover about the narrator and his family that aren't mentioned in the
text? For example, what sports does the narrator like?
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| Author: | Pat Mora |
| Illustrator: | John Parra |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | For Beginning Readers |
| Publisher: | Lee & Low Books |
| Publication date: | October 20, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 32 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 8 |
| Read aloud: | 4 |
| Read alone: | 8 |
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