Picture Book Review: Thankful

It occurred to me one day that there's no reason why I shouldn't be reviewing children's books.  There are some really cute ones available through the blogger review programs, and since they're short it won't be as big of a commitment to get it read on time.  Then I can have books to bestow upon children whenever I choose.  Whether or not I have children of my own someday, I'm sure I will have children in my life who are dear to me.  (I already do, being an auntie of eight!)

Well, anyway.  The first book I requested is Thankful by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Archie Preston, and published by Zonderkidz.  Autumn is my favorite season, and I always liked having books about leaves and Thanksgiving on our coffee table growing up.  So that's what first attracted me to this book. 

The story runs through what different people in careers and walks of life are thankful for.  All of the pictures depict a child in the role, either doing the thing or pretending to do it.  The whole thing is rhyming and ends with being thankful for "you"-- whichever child you happen to be reading it to, which is fun because then you can reach over and give them a little squeeze.  (I read it to my nephew. :))

All in all, it's a cute little book but I wasn't overly thrilled with it.  The illustrations aren't exactly my style... in picture books I like to be taken in by either the story or the pictures, and both were kind of mediocre.  Still, I will keep it around in my collection.  It would be ideal for children up to age 5.

You can find out more about the book here: http://www.zondervan.com/thankful

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”