Gracias / Thanks by Pat Mora

Gracias Thanks by Pat Mora, illustrated by John Parra

Rating: 4.5 stars

I'm on the hunt for a great birthday book for a wonderful little almost 5 year-old in our life, and I thought this might be It.  It's not It, but it's still a good book and worthy of a read, especially if you're bilingual.  (Some of the things for which the little boy is grateful are a bit random, or else this would be a 5.)

The premise here is pretty simple: On each page, the little boy you see on the cover of the book gives thanks for something.  I love how specific and funny in a little kid way he is.  For example: "For the sun that wakes me up so I don't sleep for years and years and grow a long, white beard, thanks." 

Or "For the bees that didn't sting me and turn me into a pincushion, thanks."  I love that he thinks about something that didn't happen and gives thanks for that.

The book isn't religious in an outright way, so it's perfect for those of us who are religious in a less-outright way.  (Though it is definitely like the Catholic Prayers of the Faithful...let me know if you agree if/when you've read this book.)  There are so many things to give thanks for--whether you do that while walking around your yard, cuddling your newborn, or singing with a congregation.  I love that there exists a very nice children's book that reminds of all the itsy-bitsy things that we--children and adults alike--should say thanks for.  How different a world we'd live in if we could all appreciate what we've got just a little bit more.

So, here's my own additional entries in my imaginary Gracias / Thanks book:

For the heat of the sun that gives us a great reason to play with buckets and sprinklers and cups and hoses, and an opportunity for some wet giggles, thanks.

For Lorelei, who hugged me again and again and again when Jonathan and I came home from our short little second honeymoon yesterday, thanks.

For Ben, who sometimes makes me laugh so hard that I might possibly snort coffee out of my nose one of these days, thanks.

For Jonathan, who challenges and comforts me, thanks.

For my friends and family and maybe, if I'm lucky, a few others who read this blog, thanks.