In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful.
There are so many things to be thankful for.
For one young boy, it’s
flying ladybugs,
splashing ocean waves,
a best friend,
Dad’s thick chocolate syrup,
and much more.
Straight from the heart of a child flows this lighthearted bilingual celebration of family, friendship, and fun. Come share the joy, and think about all the things for which you can say, “¡Gracias! Thanks!”
Pat Mora is the celebrated Latina author of forty award-winning children’s poetry and prose picture books. A lifelong literacy advocate, she founded Children’s Day, Book Day (El día de los niños, el día de los libros) to celebrate children and motivate them to become readers with daily support from families, teachers, and librarians and annual festivities on April 30. Mora lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit her online at patmora.com.
John Parra is a graphic artist, an illustrator, and a fine artist. His paintings have been exhibited in many gallery shows around the United States, and much of his work is inspired by his knowledge and appreciation of his Hispanic heritage. Parra has illustrated two recent picture books: P is for Piñata: A Mexico Alphabet and My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela. He and his wife live in South Richmond Hill, New York. Parra’s website is johnparraart.com.
American Library Association (ALA)
Bank Street College of Education
American Library Association (ALA)
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Gelett Burgess Center
Texas Library Association (TLA)
* "The originality and liveliness of language and art in this one will inspire children to consider their own blessings."
* "Readers will find themselves nodding in agreement as the unnamed narrator gives thanks to the ladybug that lands on his finger, the bees that don't sting him and his little brother, who throws mashed peas at their sister. . . For this graceful celebration, ¡gracias!"
"The poetic writing flows in both Spanish and English and carries a sense of happiness brought by the simple things in life. . . This delightful bilingual book has universal appeal."
