A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 212

Picture Book: The Secret of Saying Thanks 

Author: Douglas Wood

Illustrator: Greg Shed

Summary: This book tells of a wondrous secret. It’s the secret of being attentive and grateful for the bounty that is ours to discover, particularly in nature. You can discover it at dawn when you notice the beauty of the morning. Discover this delightful secret while enjoying the shade under an old tree. This author goes on to suggest other ways and places to discover the secret of saying thanks such as when holding a hand or saying a prayer for “the heart that gives thanks is a happy one.”

Hanna’s Comments: I love this author’s books! He demonstrates such sensitivity to the beauty and awe of nature. His encouragement to be more contemplative and grateful is welcome instruction for children and especially adults who are busy and stressed in ways that too often lead to them starving for the natural world or worse, having a sense of entitlement, oblivion, and ingratitude.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 2005

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: God Book

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, blessings, diversity, emotions/feelings, the environment/nature, flowers/leaves/trees, God’s will, gratitude/thanksgiving, holiness, joy, manna, moon/space/stars/sun, prayer, response to God, righteousness, satisfaction, secrets/wisdom, wonder

Scripture Connections: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good (Psalm 107:1); every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children, youth, or adults before taking a hike or prayer walk together. You might even march around your place of worship, giving thanks for the bounty that is yours.