Parents' Guide to

Gracias/Thanks

By Dawn Friedman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

A sweet celebration of the best thing life has to offer.

Book Pat Mora For Beginning Readers 2009
Gracias/Thanks Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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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?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This book is sweet without being cloying, and 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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

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