Thank You by Jarvis

There are some truly special lines in this book. Some are deep and others are fun:

"I thank the bowl for the jelly. Thank you, too, little spoon. I'd also like to thank my belly for making just a little more room."

Publisher blurb: The moon brings nighttime, and the sun the day. With no yellow and blue, we’d be a world without green lights, and without itches we’d never know the relief of a scratch. From oversized plants that offer hiding places to boots that somehow know the way, from siblings who bravely take the first plunge to yourself for being you, award-winning picture-book creator Jarvis spans the gamut from the silly to the sublime and opens the endless possibilities for giving thanks.

Image source: Walker Books UK

I think I was meant to read this book! My favourite number is 24 and on the first page (the half title page as it is officially called) the main character is holding an enormous pencil with the number 24 on the side. Oh and the end papers contain the word thank you in numerous languages. 

Offbeat in the most delightful and gentle way, Jarvis’ work explores everyday blessings and encourages readers to pay attention to surroundings and actions that bring gratitude. Digitally rendered artwork has the look of cut-paper illustrations, with shapes scattered across the pages, bringing energy and verve to text that’s by turns contemplative and whimsical. Kirkus

Three-year-old readers will enjoy the energetic and evocative images as the boy sits on clouds, hides in plants, splashes in puddles and runs away from geese. Older readers might want to find out more about the words on the end papers that mean ‘Thank You’ in many languages or try their own hand at using collage to create trees, flowers, a swimming pool or a bright image of the sun. It’s always good to hear ‘Thank You’ and this book gives that warm glow of pleasure in celebrating what makes life good.  Just Imagine

Here are some other thank you books. This could be the topic of a mini theme with your preschool group:

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli illustrated by Archie Preston

"I'm ever so thankful for .... you!"

There is so much to like about this picture book but the aspect I appreciated the most was the imaginative interpretation of the text. Kirkus call this a 'counterpoint'. The words say one thing and the illustrations something unexpected. In this book all of the scenes show a family, their daily activities and imaginative play. I was excited to discover Thankful is available as a board book. Some books should not be converted to board books but I think Thankful would be perfect to share in this format with a very young child. If you are looking for a gift for a new baby this is one you should also add to your list.

"The waitress is thankful for comfortable shoes

The local reporter for interesting news."

"The poet is thankful for words that rhyme.

The children for morning story time."

You can see some of the pages from this book in this brief video.

Thankful is/was the first book illustrated by Archie Preston. He doesn't seem to have done many others which is an odd discovery because the illustrations in Thankful are so joyous and lively and simply delightful.

I've made a wonderful discovery. Eileen Spinelli is married to the author Jerry Spinelli.  His book Stargirl truly did change my life and the scenes in Wringer continue to linger with me decades after I first read it. I have one his newer titles - The Warden's Daughter - on my 'to read' list.  In a previous post I talked about another special picture book by Eileen Spinelli - Someday.

You might also look for this book by the wonderful Todd Parr.

The Thank You book by Mary Lyn Ray illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

Thank you is for buzz and bloom and grass 

(and toes) and all that makes us wonder.

When I saw the cover of this book I knew I would love it. This is a quiet book with gentle almost retro illustrations which go beyond the lyrical text. The Thank You book is perfect to share quietly pausing to notice the changing seasons and happy scenes of daily life.

Here are some ideas for using this book with a group of young children.

I am keen to read some other books my Mary Lyn Ray. Stephanie Graegin is the illustrator of the wonderful Heartwood Hotel series.

A delightful little book that encourages readers to connect to places, times, and one another with the simple act of saying “thank you” and whose illustrations promote equality, diversity, kindness, and gratitude for all. Kirkus

… here’s the book—twined around a child’s day, a child’s year, and their place in the world they are part of. Mary Lyn Ray interview for The Children’s Book Review

There is such a lovely gentleness to the way the text points out all the tiny pleasures of life that fill us with a spark of joy or happiness,using quiet imagery that feels like being wrapped in a blanket. Baby Bookworm

There is a companion volume to go with The Thank You book - The Friendship book

The perfect book to pair with The thank you book is The Quiet book.

I am keen to look for this book:

Giving thanks illustrated by Ellen Surrey

Giving thanks - the subtitle says "more than 100 ways to say thank you."

"Hi I'm Andy. When I was asked if there was anyone I would like to thank, these are the people I thought of."

I love the retro style of this book and the lovely message of simply saying thank you.  Each double page poses a question.

• What would you like to say thank you for?
• If you could give them a gift, what would you give?
• If you could do anything for them, what would you do?
• If you could share an afternoon with them, what would you do?
• If you could give them a feeling what would you give them?

The final two pages give ideas for thank you cards and gratitude jars.

Thank you are two simple words but they can be so powerful when expressed in a truly meaningful way.

This is a book to share with a young child or use with a class.  Take time to see what Andy does with his dad on each page.  It will warm your heart.