With Thanksgiving around the corner, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude and the small moments that shape our days.
During most dinners, our family shares roses, thorns, and rosebuds from the day: one positive thing, one challenge, and one thing we’re excited about. It’s a way to move the conversation beyond the one-word responses my kids are famous for, you know, “yes,” “I don’t know,” or “I don’t remember.” Their answers can run the gamut from funny to wow, that was insightful. It’s a little peek into their day—their wins, frustrations, and hopes for what’s ahead.
Sometimes I ask, “Did you help anyone today?” or “Did anyone help you?” It’s my way of reminding them that kindness doesn’t have to be big; a shared snack, a smile, a seat saved at lunch all count. [And I think it might be working…]
A few weeks ago, my son went to his first college football game with a few friends from his elementary school. On the way home, he said to my husband, “Dad, I’m so grateful I got to go to the game. I’m making new friends at my new school, but I’m glad they asked me to come with them. It was the best.”
My husband said he was so touched by the unsolicited feedback; it was just pure gratitude. It reminded me that gratitude isn’t a November-only feeling. It’s noticing joy on ordinary days.
This year, Thanksgiving will feel a little different. My dad passed away in April, and with no grandparents left, our table will be smaller. But it will still be full of love—the love that remains, the memories that stay with us, and the joy of being together.
Books can be such a helpful way to spark these conversations with our kids: noticing the beauty in small things, celebrating family and community, and cherishing the time we have together.
Here are some of our favorite picture books for this season of thanks, stories about gratitude, family, and togetherness. If you'd like to explore or purchase any of these titles, we’ve linked them all on our Bookshop page for easy browsing.
1. Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten; illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr.
A powerful telling of the Wampanoag story behind the first Thanksgiving. Thoughtful and grounding, it opens meaningful conversations about gratitude, history, and honoring the origins of our traditions.
2. Finding Grateful by Dianne White; illustrated by Faith Pray
A gentle reminder that grateful moments don’t have to be big or fancy. This story follows the ups, downs, and in-betweens of a day and helps kids see that gratitude can meet them wherever they are.
3. Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes; illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera
A beautiful poetry collection that turns simple, everyday experiences into tiny celebrations. Warm, honest, and full of those “oh, yes, that’s exactly how it feels” moments that make gratitude feel real for kids.
4. Gracias • Thanks by Pat Mora; illustrated by John Parra
A bilingual celebration of everyday joys, from family gatherings to small sparks of happiness. Bright, rhythmic, and full of heart.
5. Family Feast! by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Frank Morrison
A joyful picture book about an intergenerational family cooking, laughing, and gathering around a shared meal. Pure togetherness energy, warm, lively, and overflowing with love.
6. At Our Table by Patrick Hulse; illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight
A thoughtful look at how families celebrate, gather, and build traditions, old and new. A lovely way to talk about how holidays evolve while the love at the center stays the same.
7. Thank You, Day! by Charlie Hopper; illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan
A bright, easy-to-love celebration of the little things; a sunny moment, a friendly wave, a small surprise. Sweet and simple, perfect for helping kids notice the good around them.
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A simple question or activity to spark connection after the story—no worksheets, just moments together.
At dinner or anytime that best fits your family, try your own version of roses, thorns, and rosebuds. Ask:
- “What was your rose today: something that made you happy?”
- “What was your thorn: something tricky?”
- “What’s your rosebud: something you’re looking forward to?”
You can always rename the categories to fit your family’s style, Sunshine, Cloudy/Stormy, Rainbow, or anything that feels right. It’s an easy, lovely way to keep gratitude and conversation blooming long after the meal is over.
This Thanksgiving, I’ll miss my dad deeply, but I’ll also feel thankful for the memories, the laughter, and the love that remain. Family isn’t just who’s at the table; it’s everyone who helped shape the stories we still tell around it.
November is a time to pause, notice, and give thanks for kindnesses, simple joys, and the people who make our world feel full. Here’s to celebrating gratitude in all its forms.
