12 CHILDREN'S BOOKS ABOUT LOVE, FAMILY AND GRATITUDE

Books are an important part of our family and I have so many favourites that I enjoy reading with my girls. I thought I would put together a list of our most loved children's books that focus on family, gratitude and of course, love.

ALL ARE WELCOME

by Alexandra Penfold

Illustrator Suzanne Kaufman

Discover a school where all young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated.

Readers will follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other''s traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

IN MY HEART: A BOOK OF FEELINGS

by Jo Witek

Illustrator Christine Roussey

Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions.

LOVE FROM THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

by Eric Carle

Using a range of images from the World of Eric Carle, and featuring the Very Hungry Caterpillar, this special gift book gives all the reasons why someone special makes the world a better and brighter place.

LOVE MAKES A FAMILY

by Sophie Beer

Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. In this exuberant book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what''s most important in each family''s life is the love the family members share.

THIS LOVE: A CELEBRATION OF HARMONY AROUND THE WORLD

by Isabel Otter

Illustrator Harriet Lynas

Love is a language that is understood and shared by people all around the world. Whether we’re reading quietly with a loved one or playing on the beach with friends, all across the globe, the love we feel for one another is the same.

APPLE CAKE: A GRATITUDE

by Dawn Casey

Illustrator Genevieve Godbout

Held in Love, a child says thank you for the gifts nature provides, from hazelnuts in the hedge to apples from the tree, eggs from the hens to milk from the cow. Eventually, the family has enough ingredients to make something special... delicious apple cake!

I LOVE US: A BOOK ABOUT FAMILY (WITH MIRROR AND FILL-IN FAMILY TREE)

by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Illustrator Luisa Uribe

Families can be big, small, silly, adventurous, loud, or messy, but they all have love in common. I Love Us! is all about the little ways families show they care: breakfasts made, play times shared, hurts soothed, and good times celebrated. With a mirror surprise and fill-in family tree, this special book makes a wonderful gift for children and the people who love them on Valentine''s Day, Mother''s Day, Father''s Day-every day!

YOU HOLD ME UP

by Monique Gray Smith

Illustrator Danielle Daniel

This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other''s well-being in their everyday actions.

THE PROUDEST BLUE: A STORY OF HIJAB AND FAMILY

by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Illustrator Hatem Aly

With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It''s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it''s her older sister Asiya''s first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

ABC'S OF GRATITUDE

by Sarah Delaney-Mpulubusi

Welcome to the ABC's of Gratitude. By taking a complicated concept and breaking it down into words, affirmations and illustrations to explain what gratitude means. The intention of the book is to inspire children to gain an authentic appreciation for all that life has to offer through the practice of gratitude This is a fun, easy to read book to help you along your journey through gratitude

BEFORE YOU SLEEP: A BEDTIME BOOK OF GRATITUDE

by Ann Marie Romano

Illustrator Ioana Hobai

A bedtime book to rival Goodnight, Moon This winsome bedtime book has the makings to become a classic and an important part of families'' nightly rituals. Reflecting on various activities through each of the five senses, detailed poetic text and illustrations show memorable scenes. Recall little moments of your day: Sounds like "splish-splashing in your bath." Smells like "the smell of grandpa''s aftershave." Tastes like "cherry slushy, cold and sweet." Sights like "the glare of sunshine on the lake." And the feel of "a kitten''s fur as smooth as silk." The soft and inviting art adds warmth and relatability to each moment. The poetry has a steady and lilting quality sure to quiet down and soothe children at bedtime. This book encourages readers to pay attention to all aspects of their day, fostering a sense of gentle gratitude.

A BOOK OF LOVE

by Emma Randall

Love and the many ways one can show it are at the heart of this sweet, charming picture book. Whether it''s giving someone a big hug, offering a helping hand, or sharing words of encouragement, it''s these gestures that make the world a better place to live.