WOULD YOU LIKE ACCESS TO ALL THE FREEBIES FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS? ➔

5 Gratitude Picture Books for Elementary Teachers

Reading aloud children’s picture books to your elementary students is a great way to introduce and teach gratitude. Below is a list of our favorite picture books to teach this social emotional learning topic. They all lend themselves well to facilitating rich classroom discussions around gratitude. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, Thank You, Omu!, Maddi’s Fridge and Last Stop on Market Street are part of our gratitude SEL Unit, which includes interactive read aloud lesson plans among tons of other resources for teaching gratitude. Learn all about these gratitude picture books below and how you can use them to teach gratitude!

5 Gratitude Picture Books

Below are 5 quality gratitude children’s books for elementary teachers. Your kids will love these read alouds! They are great for teaching gratitude, as well as many other concepts and skills.

1. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

The first on this list of gratitude picture books is Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. One day, Sylvester the donkey came across a fiery red pebble. He realized that if he is holding the pebble, any wish he makes will come true! As he was walking home, a lion appeared. Sylvester panicked, and wished he was a rock to be safe. He quickly learned that by being a rock, he would be unable to wish himself back to a donkey. This story reminds readers to be grateful for what we have, as we never know what can happen! My Gratitude SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble book coverThank You, Omu! book cover

2. Thank You, Omu! By Oge Mora

A woman named Omu makes a big pot of stew, and Omu offers the stews to her neighbors until there isn’t any stew left. Then Omu hears a knock at her door and all the people that Omu gave stew to have brought something for dinner for her. They have a big feast together and Omu says it is the best dinner she has ever had. This story allows students to discuss how the neighbors showed Omu gratitude. My Gratitude SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

3. Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt

The third on this list of gratitude picture books is Maddi’s Fridge. In this story, Maddi and Sofia are great friends. One day, Sofia was hungry and ran up Maddi’s apartment stairs to open the refrigerator… but there was only a bottle of milk inside. Sofia made a promise to Maddi saying that she would not tell anyone that her family did not have enough money for groceries. This heartwarming story reminds students to feel grateful, compassionate, and to spread kindness to all we love. My Gratitude SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

Maddi's Fridge Book CoverLast Stop on Market Street book cover and writing paper

4. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena

As CJ rides the bus with his Nana, he begins to ask her lots of questions about why they ride the bus, rather than drive a car. Nana explains that they need to appreciate what they have and enjoy what they are surrounded by. This story reminds readers to feel grateful for what we have. My Gratitude SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

5. Wishes by Muon Thi Van

The last book on this list of gratitude picture books is Wishes. This heartwarming story tells about a family saying goodbye to their home and loved ones.  They traveled on a long path to the water, where they boarded a small boat taking them through rough waves and warm sun. Finally, they see a ship in the distance that takes them to a place where hopefully, they do not have to wish anymore. This story lends itself to teaching about gratitude as the main character shares her appreciation for what is most important- her family. Check out these Wishes activities!

Wishes book cover

Integrated SEL and Literacy Activities

Below are some integrated SEL and literacy resources for elementary teachers.

SEL Unit

Our Gratitude Unit, which is available individually or as part of a year-long SEL bundle, includes lessons for the first four books on this list. This unit is packed with lesson plans, teaching resources, games, and activities. Click an image below to either get this individual gratitude unit or get ALL 30 SEL units!

Gratitude SEL UnitSocial Emotional Learning Units Bundle
buy now buttonbuy now button

SEL Book Companions

As I mentioned earlier, I love teaching SEL skills using picture books. That’s why I created the Starts With a Story Collection. High quality children’s literature supports elementary teachers in delivering meaningful and accessible SEL lessons. All of the read alouds on this list are part of this book companion collection. Check out the book companions below!

Sylvester and the Magic PebbleThank You OmuMaddi's FridgeLast Stop on Market Street book companionWishes

In closing, we hope you found this list of gratitude picture books helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

Share it:

Email
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter