September 21st is International Day of Peace as well as World Gratitude Day. So today I bring to you beautiful words of gratitude and peace, through selected quotes and books as well! Hence the ubiquitous words.
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Here are some of those
Words of Gratitude
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” —Winnie the Pooh
Harvest Days : Giving Thanks Around the World
Harvest Days: Giving Thanks Around the World written by Kate DePalma and illustrated by Martina Peluso (Children’s Nonfiction/Culture | for 4 – 10 years, and up | Barefoot Books (September 20, 2022))
Explore harvest festivals from around the globe! Lyrical, rhyming text and lush, detailed artwork from Italian artist Martina Peluso immerse young readers in some of the most ancient traditions in the world. Nine pages of rich, educational endnotes dive deep with more information about the 12 cultures explored in the book and invite young readers to ask questions about food and the labor that produces it.
My Thoughts
A sweet informative read that gives readers a peek into various cultures around the world. It is interesting to note the similarities and the differences between these celebrations; and give thanks to all that made it possible.
I am not sure what I loved the most. Was it the rhyming text that is bound to be reread a few times? Or the vibrant and detailed illustrations? Maybe the text boxes with facts on each two-page spread or the informative backmatter? No matter what you love, you will enjoy this book and want to learn more about the cultures included. This is a great addition to home libraries and classrooms. Use it to initiate discussions and celebrations together!
Thanks to the publishers and Edelweiss for the digital review copy of this book.
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thankful
Thankful written by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Archie Preston (Children’s Nonfiction | for 2 – 6 years, and up | Zonderkidz (September 1, 2015))
Celebrate everyday blessings, practice thankfulness, and observe the wonderful acts of service that keep us going each and every day. Eileen Spinelli, bestselling and award-winning children’s author, charms with rhymes and whimsy in Thankful, perfect for any young reader and their family.
Eileen Spinelli brings us a charming and tender read about being thankful. With illustrations from Archie Preston that are sure to bring a smile upon your face as you turn the pages, and all the many reasons people are thankful, this book will make you think and pause; and most importantly, give thanks!
“The poet is thankful for words that rhyme”! Yes indeed, time after time.. With words of thanks so basic as that, we realize there is so much to be thankful for. So what are you thankful for today? As for me, it is family first, each and everyday.
“Take full account of what Excellencies you possess, and in gratitude remember how you would hanker after them, if you had them not.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Little Book of Caring
Little Book of Caring written and illustrated by Francesca Pirrone (Children’s Nonfiction/Friendship and Gratitude | all agess |Published by Clavis (August 30, 2022))
A little book about caring and friendship. For people of all ages.
Oh my! So very adorable indeed. This little book of caring shows how we can do little things that let others around us know we care; with words (like thank you, sorry, and please); with actions (simple and big); and with simply being there.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this book.
“We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.” ― Neal A. Maxwell
And then the
Words of Peace
“Peace begins with a smile..” ― Mother Teresa
Walking Toward Peace
Walking toward Peace: The True Story of a Brave Woman Called Peace Pilgrim by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Annie Bowler (Children’s Nonfiction/Biographies | 4-8 years |Published by Flyaway Books | 23rd March 2021)
This true story about a little-known woman who sacrificed everything for her convictions inspires us to step out for what we believe in, gathering others to join us along the way.
This is one of the main reasons I totally love children’s nonfiction; discovering people, places, and things I had not known of earlier at all! Walking Toward Peace is beautifully illustrated and works wonderfully for its target audience as well as older audiences too. The book tells the story of the woman known as Peace Pilgrim, with emphasis on her pilgrimages across the nation. Her goal was to spread peace. Truly inspirational and impactful. I am reading more about her and amazed I had no idea about her before this book.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this book.
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” ― Jimi Hendrix
Peace and Me
Peace and Me by Ali Winter and illustrated by Mickaël El Fathi (Children’s Nonfiction/7-11 years/Published by Lantana Publishing and distributed by Lerner Publishing in the US/21st September 2018)
Book Description: What does peace mean to you? This illustrated collection of inspirational ideas about peace is based on the lives of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates of the 20th and 21st centuries. A must for anyone interested in exploring this essential issue of our times, this child-friendly exploration of what peace means to you and me is a book for every bookshelf.
Check out my detailed post about this book here.
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.” ― John Lennon
Related Reads and Suggested Activities
- Have your kids or students or you yourself write an acrostic poem. Use peace and gratitude as the words. Or related words would work too.
- Using the example of the Peace Pilgrim, see what you can do to promote peace.
- Make Way For Peace With Words
- Simply Sunday – Scripts for Peace, Freedom
- G is for Gratitude For All That is Ours
- The Thoughtful Pensee and the Beautiful Path to Kindness
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, have you read any of these books? Your thoughts on them? And any recommendations for similar books? I would love to hear all you have to say. What are you thankful for today; or what words of gratitude do you have to say? What does peace mean to you? And what makes you feel most at peace?
Ending with my words of gratitude for you; always thankful that you come to my little nook of the internet; grateful that you chose to spend time reading and commenting on my posts. And so very thankful for any and all the support you lend by clicking through and buying recommended books and more!
I love all of these books. They are so inspiring for children. I think my favorite is Walking Toward Peace
Good to know that there is an International Day for Peace and I hope it is respected during these troubled times.
An interesting take on peace and seeing it from your views gives it a good read.
Adding Walking towards peace to my Reading list. The detailed write up on Peace and Me is awesome.
These all sound like some wonderful books. It’s always important to be grateful.
The Harvest book would be one that I need to read to my grandchildren. It looks like a great story.
I really love books about being thankful. I have read some of these too, and they are great.
Wonderful books for the little children to teach them the right mindset from early on!
These are all really great and wonderful books that I need to check out! Thanks for sharing this with us
What a lovely selection of books for young people! And a wonderful way to instill thankfulness and gratitude.
These are great books to teach children that wonderful mindset early on. Thanks for sharing this with us.
These seem like lovely titles that children may benefit from when learning how to be more grateful and aware of other cultures!
We must all learn to show gratitude. These sound like lovely books.
It sounds like all of these books would be wonderful to read. Thanks for sharing these books!
This world needs more gratitude and peace so I appreciate you sharing this list! These are perfect and I may have to pick up a few!
These are great book choices for kids. We have a copy of the Little Book of Caring and it’s really nice. My daughter loves it.
There is always something to be grateful for. Such a great list of books. They are making me excited about Thanksgiving.
Thanks for this heartwarming post! Your book recommendations for gratitude and peace are a delightful find. I appreciate the diverse selection and thoughtful insights. It’s a beautiful reminder to cherish the blessings in life and strive for peace.