Being Thankful (Mercer Mayer's Little Critter (Paperback))

I really like the Inspired Kids collection with Little Critter. All these books offer a moral lesson for children in a way that is easy for them to understand and refer to. The pictures as always are just beautiful. In this story, Little Critter wishes he has things other kids have or things that he thinks are better than his. He wants to go to the movies instead of having a movie night at home with his family. He wants to go to a restaurant instead of eating at home. His father tells him that a lot of people would love to have what he has and he has to be thankful for what he has. This is a good way to put things in perspective. Well, telling is not as effective as showing, so Little Critter continues to wish for more things. What I did not like was when Little Critter was mad at his sister for knocking his ice cream down and Little Critter said he wished he had a big brother instead of a dumb little sister. I did not like the use of the word "dumb", though I know some kids will actually say this. My daughter, being the "little sister" in the family, took it to heart. I think such words are unnecessary in books like this. Also, when his mom told him to say he's sorry, he did not reply or apologize to his sister.Other than that, I liked the book, but I will be editing that word from now on, though my daughter already knows it's there.Finally, Little Critter visits the farm and sees how happy and content the animals are with the food they have. So he goes home with a new perspective and even teaches his sister to be appreciative as well. That's all :) Gotta love Little Critter.

Love this book! Great for teaching young children about being thankful for what they have. Read to a group of Kinders, then followed up with making their own Thankful Rocks at a Harvest party prior to Thanksgiving.

This adorable soft cover book tells a story about a critter learning what it means to be thankful for what he has and sharing his lesson with his family.

Published by Thomas Nelson it is obvious from the beginning (scripture reference of Psalm 107:1) that this particular Little Critter book is based on Christian principles. Written in first person by Little Critter, the opening page has him wishing for a scooter in the shop window rather than being thankful for the one he already has. Little Critter continues to be ungrateful, always wishing for something "better". Even a talk from Dad doesn't stop him.A word of caution here. If you do not like your child reading about being nasty to a sibling this might not be the book for you. When Little Sister bumps into Little Critter, causing him to drop his ice cream cone he says "I wish I had a big brother instead of a dumb little sister like you." Needless to say, Little Critter's mom reprimands him. The next day Little Critter is out at Grandma's farm. How did this trip help change Little Critter's attitude?This book has a tremendous lesson for all of us, not just the kids. FANTASTIC story to share with your family. Thanks, Liz

This book is absolutely precious! It does reference prayer/God if that offends you. I’m a Christian so I was happy to see it included.

we bought this cute portrayal of a lesson in gratitude for a thanksgiving book. the “thankful rock” idea has been one that my 4 yr old grasped onto and now finds thankful rocks to gift to loved ones... all her idea! some of the phrasing i didn’t love; but th message still came across clearly to my 4 yr old.

I read these books to my children & now they are reading them to their children. 🥰🥰🥰

Great early readers with wonderful messages for young minds. We've purchased many for our 6-7 year old readers, the 9 year old even picks them up occasionally though they are far below her reading level (they're just a quick good story for her). Our 2-4 year olds like to have them read to them.

Gostei muito e meus alunos também

Mercer Mayer books always deliver a wholesome story time for children. The pictures are vivid and always hide little critters amongst the pages that children love to find. I read and cherished these books as a child and now have the joy of passing them on to my children.

Muito lindinha a historia, muito bacana para ensinar gratidão as crianças. Comprei pra usar com meus alunos.

This is for my little grandson to add to his collection. He loves this series.

As shown!