Why Do We Say Thank You? by Champ Thornton

Written in rhyme, this tells the story of a young boy who spends a lovely day with his family going to the zoo and park, but doesn’t appreciate any of it. He is bored and has a rather bad attitude. That night he dreams about his day, but in his dream, he notices all of the wonderful, amazing things God created and marvels at them. When he wakes up he apologizes to his parents and praises the Lord. It ends, “When you finish this book-stop-give thanks to the Lord. With the world he has made, there’s no cause to be bored. The whole world’s like a window, through which you can see a creator who’s glorious as glorious can be.”

This picture book is beautifully written. There are a lot of books with marginal or just bad rhyme, but this rhyme is well crafted. Although this is a clear choice to be read around Thanksgiving, it really is a book for any season. Thankfulness should be taught year-round! Although gratitude is at the core of this book, the gospel resonates behind it. “‘I was wrong,’ said the boy. ‘I’ve been grumpy and bad. But Christ died to forgive me, and that makes me glad.” I highly recommend this for your family!

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1. What is something very small for which you are thankful?
2. What is something very large for which you are thankful?
3. What is an animal for which you are thankful? Why?
4. What is something you don’t normally say you are thankful for- but are?