The Thankful Book – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Thankful Book

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2012Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

85%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Todd Parr's colorful ode to gratitude teaches little ones to appreciate life's simple joys—no turkey required.

The Thankful Book

book

2012, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

85%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Todd Parr's colorful ode to gratitude teaches little ones to appreciate life's simple joys—no turkey required.

4.8

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4.8

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Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what you want in a gratitude book for little kids: simple, sweet, and actually usable. Todd Parr doesn't overcomplicate things—he just shows kids (and animals) being thankful for everyday stuff in his signature bold, colorful style.

It's not going to win points for narrative complexity or imaginative storytelling, because it's essentially a list. But that's fine. It does its job well, giving toddlers and preschoolers a framework to think about the good things in their lives without being preachy or abstract. The 4.8 Amazon rating suggests parents find it genuinely helpful, and Kirkus calls it "uncomplicated and worthwhile for any age," which is about right.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, sure, but also just a nice addition to the bedtime rotation when you want something gentle and affirming. Just know that once your kid hits kindergarten, they'll probably be ready for something with more substance.

Age Fit

Best for ages 2-6, when kids are just beginning to understand abstract concepts like gratitude and benefit from concrete examples. The simple language and bright illustrations are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, but elementary-aged kids will likely outgrow it quickly.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Todd Parr's signature approach celebrates gratitude, love, and everyday joys without being saccharine. The book models appreciation for simple pleasures—music, feet that help you run, kisses that make you feel loved—in a way that's emotionally healthy and genuinely sweet. The inclusive illustrations and accessible tone make it welcoming for all families.

Imaginative

The book's bold primary colors and childlike art style are visually distinctive and playful, but the format is straightforward gratitude statements rather than narrative or exploratory play. It invites kids to think about what they're thankful for, which sparks reflection, but it's not particularly inventive in structure or storytelling.

Safe

100

Completely safe for all ages. No concerning content whatsoever—just gentle celebrations of everyday life moments. The subject matter (being thankful for music, feet, kisses, family time) is universally appropriate and comforting.

Enriching

Teaches gratitude and mindfulness in an age-appropriate, concrete way that young kids can grasp. The book helps children identify and name positive aspects of their lives, building emotional vocabulary and appreciation. It's a solid tool for developing thankfulness as a practice, though it's more about reinforcing values than complex skill-building. High Amazon rating (4.8) and positive reviews suggest it resonates with families.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces the concept of gratitude in concrete, kid-friendly terms ("I'm thankful for my feet because they help me run and play")
Bold, inclusive illustrations in primary colors that toddlers find visually engaging
Short, declarative sentences perfect for the attention span of 2-5 year olds
Opens the door for families to talk about what they're grateful for beyond the Thanksgiving table
Todd Parr's established track record of creating warm, accepting books that kids genuinely enjoy

⚠

What to Watch For

The format is repetitive by design—great for toddlers, but kindergarteners and up might find it too simple
It's a gratitude list, not a story, so don't expect narrative arc or character development
Best as a conversation starter rather than a standalone reading experience

Conversation Starters

"What's something you're thankful for today that we didn't read about in the book?"
"The book says 'I'm thankful for kisses because they make me feel loved.' What else makes you feel loved?"
"If you were going to add a page to this book, what would you be thankful for and why?"
"Which picture in the book was your favorite? Why do you think that one made you smile?"

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