Thankful FUR You
What’s inside...
Cannoli loves Thanksgiving! It's his favorite holiday. So, when he and his owner notice the shops in town are decorated for Christmas before the big day, he begins to wonder: Is Thanksgiving canceled? With help from his owner and his doggie friends, Cannoli learns what it means to be thankful.
Age
4-7
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of the things the characters in the book are thankful for? What are you thankful for?
How do the characters show their gratitude to each other? Can you think of a way we can show gratitude to someone today?
Why is it important to be thankful? How does it make you feel when you express gratitude?
What did you learn from the characters' actions in the story? How can we apply these lessons in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them to think of specific instances where they felt grateful. Praise them for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing the importance of gratitude. Use examples from the book to highlight the positive impacts of kindness and thankfulness, making the discussion relevant and actionable in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: Throughout 'Thankful FUR You', various animal characters express thankfulness for friendships and simple joys in life, guiding young readers in recognizing the value of appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express gratitude daily by saying thank you for meals, help, and companionship, fostering a positive attitude and appreciation for others.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The book showcases characters understanding and sharing the feelings of their friends when they face challenges or sadness, which highlights the importance of empathy in relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by noticing how their friends and family are feeling and offering a kind word or a helping hand, strengthening emotional connections and social skills.
Example Lesson: Sharing
Explanation: In 'Thankful FUR You', characters share their belongings and time with each other, displaying the joy and community that comes from generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing toys, snacks, or even their time with peers, which helps in building friendships and learning cooperative play.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: This book emphasizes the importance of friendships and shows how friends can support and enrich one’s life, demonstrating the value of building strong interpersonal relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to make new friends and cherish existing ones, learning to nurture relationships through mutual respect and care.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Things
Explanation: The story’s characters find happiness in everyday moments and simple pleasures, teaching children to appreciate the small, often overlooked aspects of daily life.
Real-World Application: Children can practice finding joy in simple activities like playing outside, reading a book, or helping around the house, which can enhance their overall happiness and satisfaction.