Finding Grateful by Dianne White and Faith Pray

Finding Grateful 

by Dianne White

Illustrated by Faith Pray

Published April, 2024

Chronicle Books

Hardcover 

44 Pages

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A heartfelt picture book that celebrates embracing the moment and finding gratitude right here, right now.

What does grateful look like? How does it feel? How do you find it? Even in the face of a challenge, you don’t need a You just need to pay attention to the little things—a smile, a hug, the smell of newly cut grass—that add up to a sense of presence and hope.

With evocative, lyrical prose, this warmly illustrated children's book is a reminder to pause, reflect, and take in the glimmers of positivity and connection that can be found amid even the most difficult circumstances. Both a timely meditation on finding gratitude in everyday moments and a timeless ode to the simple joy of truly being present, Finding Grateful encourages readers to slow down and embrace the beauty of being right where they are.

MODELS Kids aren’t immune to the stress and anxiety of an uncertain future—far from it! This book offers powerful tools for reclaiming their thoughts and emotions in difficult practicing awareness, staying open to and present in the world around them, and finding moments of gratitude each and every day.

CELEBRATES THE BEAUTY IN SMALL This picture book's embrace of joy in everyday moments will resonate with parents of observant and curious children who are fascinated by everything in their world.

MAKES BIG FEELINGS MORE Teaching social and emotional skills to kids is more important than ever, and this expressive book models a thoughtful, engaging way of emerging from difficult moments with lasting feelings of gratitude.

A WARM With its accessible and soothing tone, this exuberant yet gentle picture book is just right for reading to kids and for kids reading independently.

Perfect

My Thoughts

Finding Grateful is a sweet reminder that even in the face of challenges, there is still much to be grateful for.  After their car breaks down the girl and her mother find small blessings along the way as they walk to find help: a flower growing in a crack in the sidewalk, a cool sprinkle of water on a hot day, and a smile from a stranger. This book reminds readers that gratitude comes in many forms, big and small. I will be adding Finding Grateful to my school library and our school SEL book list. 

Image from Amazon.com 

September 21 is World Gratitude Day so you still have some time to grab your copy. 

Find recommended reading, activities, and links at findinggrateful.com.

Dianne White is a writing teacher and the author of many award-winning picture books, including Blue on Blue, illustrated by Caldecott medalist Beth Krommes, and Dark on Light, illustrated by Felicita Sala. Forthcoming publications include It's Your Time to Shine, illustrated by Nanette Regan, and Finding Grateful, illustrated by Faith Pray. Dianne loves purple flowers, puppies, and “finding grateful” each and every day. For more, visit findinggrateful.com and diannewrites.com.