A young boy’s account of things for which he is thankful over the course of a single day is refreshingly child-centered in this bilingual (Spanish/English) picture book. The boy is thankful to the sun that wakes him “so I don’t sleep for years and years and grow a long white beard.” The ladybug that lands on his finger is a “little red flying surprise.” When his little brother throws mashed peas at his sister, the boy laughs so hard he falls off his chair. He’s thankful for all these moments and more in Pat Mora’s engaging narrative, which can be enjoyed and easily extended in a family or classroom setting. John Parra’s distinctive illustrations have a folk-art look and depict the child as biracial, with a white mother and Latino dad. (Ages 3–7)

Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor - American Library Association (ALA)

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!"