Mechanicsburg

Books That Teach Gratitude, Sharing, and Kindness

Our Favorite Reads for Preschoolers This Thanksgiving Season

At Best Brains Learning Center, we believe that character development starts early. Even our youngest students—toddlers and preschoolers—are beginning to understand big ideas like kindness, gratitude, and sharing through their everyday experiences. And one of the best tools we have to support that growth is simple: books.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we use storytime to spark meaningful conversations about emotions, empathy, family, and giving. Here are some of our favorite read-alouds that help children ages 2–5 learn to be thankful and thoughtful—at school, at home, and in their community.

1. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Why we love it: Bear wants to throw a feast for his friends but doesn’t have any food to share. His friends show up with dishes of their own, and Bear learns that gratitude isn’t about what you have—it’s about saying thank you. The rhythm and repetition make it perfect for toddlers.

2. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

Why we love it: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Omu, who shares her stew with everyone in her neighborhood. It’s a celebration of community, generosity, and the joy of giving—with a sweet surprise ending that warms every heart.

3. The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

Why we love it: Bright, bold, and accessible, this book helps even the youngest learners understand the concept of gratitude in their everyday lives—being thankful for hugs, music, or their feet! It’s a great reminder that thankfulness doesn’t have to wait for a holiday.

4. Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems

Why we love it: This funny, relatable Elephant & Piggie story follows Gerald as he debates whether to share his treat with Piggie. It captures a toddler’s real inner struggle—“Do I want to share?”—and shows that sharing can bring even more joy than keeping something to yourself.

5. Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney

Why we love it: Llama Llama doesn’t want to share his toys—but he learns that sharing helps everyone have more fun. This book offers a great opportunity to talk with children about how to handle tough feelings around sharing and repair friendships after conflict.

How We Use These Books at Best Brains

Books are more than just stories at our center—they're tools for connection. After reading, we:

• Ask open-ended questions (“How do you think Bear felt when his friends brought food?”)

• Invite children to reflect (“What are YOU thankful for today?”)

• Reinforce concepts through play and conversation

• Extend learning with art, role-play, or gratitude-themed activities

Whether it’s Thanksgiving week or a regular Tuesday, we believe that early exposure to books about kindness and gratitude helps shape the way children see themselves—and others.

At Best Brains, we believe learning to read and learning to care go hand in hand.

📍 Mechanicsburg, PA

📞 Call (717) 388.0000

👶 Now enrolling

References & Further Reading

• Zero to Three. (2021). The Importance of Reading Aloud. https://www.zerotothree.org 

• NAEYC. (2019). Books That Help Teach Gratitude and Kindness. https://www.naeyc.org

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). The Power of Storytime in Early Childhood. https://healthychildren.org

• Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2016). The Family Dinner Project: Teaching Gratitude at the Table. https://www.thefamilydinnerproject.org

• Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2011). Building Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood. https://developingchild.harvard.edu