It’s been a week. We’ve been packing, moving, and cleaning to move out of our generous neighbour’s rental home and into an Airbnb while we try to finish the home renovations, which are still not done, and are not surprisingly, behind schedule.
With the rainstorms, we learned that our walls were leaking despite our contractor’s best efforts to weather-proof the project, and brand new drywall was wet. We were mopping up water and running a dehumidifier in an effort to prevent mold and further damage.
In the midst of all of this upheaval and physically demanding work that needed to be done by a deadline, my youngest also ran a fever and vomited periodically for two days. So I had even more laundry to do, more demands on my time, and I had to cancel on my babysitter. Oh, and my dog has an ear infection. Super.
Despite it all, I’m thankful that we have a roof over our heads, the disposable income to pivot our plans on short notice, pizza places to feed us, a family to come home to, a house to renovate, and clothes to launder.
Sometimes we go through seasons that really put life into perspective and overwhelm me with gratitude for the big things (like health, financial security, a roof that doesn’t leak, food on the table, a strong marriage, and friends who reach out) and the little things in life (washing machines, coffee, freshly baked cookies, and my new favourite cleaning product Dawn Powerwash.).
Side note: Look at the job it did on these blinds!!!! I seriously just sprayed it, let it sit, and then wiped the dirt off with baby wipes. So easy, I must proselytize this product).
I’d be lying if I said on top of all of this I actually found time to read books about gratitude to my children – I didn’t. But, in previous years of celebrating Thanksgiving, I have several favourite books that feature grateful characters, gratitude, and a reminder of what we have and where it comes from.
Of note, this post contains Amazon-affiliate links, from which I earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Kids Books for Thanksgiving
Before We Eat by Pat Brisson, Illustrated by Mary Azarian
This book is excellent. It is a poem that thanks all the people who had to work to bring food to our tables. It is a wonderful reminder of how interconnected we all are and how many people are involved to keep us healthy and growing.
Franklin’s Thanksgiving by Paulette Bourgeois, illustrated by Brenda Clark
The more, the merrier at Franklin’s Thanksgiving feast!
Town Mouse and Country Mouse by Paul Galdone
A story of mice who change places and realize how thankful they are for their own lives. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side!
I’m linking the Paul Galdone version of this story here, because it is the one I own, but it appears to be out of print and you can only find it used. If you’ve been wanting to purchase individual fairytales as separate but matching books as a set for little hands instead of as a heavy anthology, the Paul Galdone fairytales are excellent.
But, if you’d like a version of this story that is still in print, here is another great alternative:
Town Mouse and Country Mouse by Jan Brett
I hope you had wonderful Thanksgivings with your families and friends! May you have much joy this holiday season.
Warmly,
-Heather
Enjoyed this post? Check out some of my other recent posts!
- Helping an Addict
- Warm, Cozy, Eclectic Bedroom
- The Power of Learning with Living Books and Making Connections
- Cat Books for Kids
- Colorful Eclectic Family Room
If you’d like to get an email when I publish something new, sign up for my mailing list!