1. THANK YOU BEAR
This is “for anyone who ever thought they had something great,” as described on the dedication page. This endearing story is about a little bear who comes across a box. He thinks it’s quite awesome, but as he shows it to the other animals (monkey, fox, owl, etc…), they scoff and say that the box is nothing special. I could empathize with the poor bear as he got sadder each time. He starts to think that the box may not be so great after all. 🙁 I won’t spoil the ending, but I think the book has a great lesson in gratitude and in staying true to yourself when you see the value in something – despite what other may people think.
2. THE BLESSINGS JAR: A STORY ABOUT BEING THANKFUL
A little girl starts off her day feeling bummed and thinking that the day will be no fun. Her grandmother grabs a jar that they call the blessings jar and they set out on an adventure to make the most of their day. Along the way, they gather little reminders of God’s blessings to put in the jar. It’s an adorable story of counting your blessings even in the smallest details of every day life.
3. COOKIES: BITE-SIZE LIFE LESSONS
In this clever book, the author explains life lessons (or rather character development traits) in the context of cookies! For example, “patience” is explained as waiting for the cookies to finish baking. Oh I definitely know that feeling. “Generous” is described as sharing cookies with others, while “trustworthy” means not eating someone’s cookie when they briefly leave the room. Ha! I love how everything is described as it relates to cookies because who doesn’t love cookies?! And the book ends with a recipe for chocolate chip cookies!! I think that would be a perfect activity to do with a child after reading this book. I love when you can feel and taste the story! 😛
4. CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS
Ah, such a classic. I remember reading this growing up and loved reading it again recently. The story stretches your imagination to the extreme. Unrelenting torrents of food. Yup, that appropriately describes Thanksgiving. I get hungry thinking of hamburger storms and a pancake big enough to cover an entire school. P.S. Apparently there’s a movie and a sequel out too!
5. THAT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA!
From the author of the Elephant & Piggie series, Mo Willems brings another entertaining book. This is a silly and fun book about a tricky fox who tries to invite a goose over for dinner. Uh oh, be careful! 😮
6. YOU GET WHAT YOU GET
Melvin the squirrel doesn’t deal well with disappointment. (Who can relate?) He throws a tantrum if he doesn’t get what he wants. But at school, his teacher has a rule, “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit.” Melvin tries to outsmart his family, who doesn’t know the rule… or will they find out? This is a fun story of learning to accept how things turn out, without complaining! And wouldn’t that make the world a more pleasant place… 🙂
7. THOSE SHOES
This is a touching story of a boy who really wants a pair of shoes that the other kids at school all have, but his grandmother can’t afford them. As he navigates the embarrassment of having to wear hand-me-down shoes, this story about wanting something badly turns into a story of generosity. The author and illustrator do a great job of showing diverse characters and providing a glimpse of poverty from the eyes of a child.
8. SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE
Sylvester the donkey loves to collect cool looking pebbles. One day, he finds a fantastic magical red pebble that grants any wish you want, as long as you are holding the pebble. He get into a little predicament when he gets startled by a lion and accidentally wishes to become a rock. The pebble falls on the floor beside him, so he cannot reach it to make a wish to be his old self again. The book goes into how he tries to deal with that problemo! Ultimately, I like how this fanciful story shows that the love in a family can be worth more than a silly pebble, even if it can grant you any wish you want.
9. UNIQLO ULTRA LIGHT DOWN JACKET
And for my last random favorite, I would say that I can’t survive without this black puffy jacket. I get cold easily and Bay Area weather can get unexpectedly chilly (I know, I’m a pansy.). I’ve had this jacket for so long and worn it everywhere. If it’s summer time, I’ll will wear it. If it’s winter time, I’ll wear it. It’s washable and you can squish it into a teensy bag for travel purposes. This one time, I was wearing it, and my 2 friends decided that they needed one too, so now the 3 of us have the same jacket! You’re welcome Uniqlo for being a walking ad.
Alright, that’s a wrap! Do you have any favorites that you discovered this month? Leave them in the comments below!
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday! Eat until your eyes and hearts are satisfied. 😀
And keep reading! Perfect weather for cozying up with a book, magazine, or anything with words. Cheers!
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