Gracias • Thanks

By Pat Mora, John Parra
Hardcover: $19.95

In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful.

Description

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!”

About the Creators

Pat Mora

Pat Mora is the celebrated Latina author of forty award-winning children’s poetry and prose picture books. A lifelong literacy advocate, she founded Children’s Day, Book Day (El día de los niños, el día de los libros) to celebrate children and motivate them to become readers with daily support from families, teachers, and librarians and annual festivities on April 30. Mora lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit her online at patmora.com.

John Parra

John Parra is a graphic artist, an illustrator, and a fine artist. His paintings have been exhibited in many gallery shows around the United States, and much of his work is inspired by his knowledge and appreciation of his Hispanic heritage. Parra has illustrated two recent picture books: P is for Piñata: A Mexico Alphabet and My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela. He and his wife live in South Richmond Hill, New York. Parra’s website is johnparraart.com.

Awards

  • Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • ALSC Notable Children's Books

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  • Golden Kite Award

    Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

  • Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award

    Gelett Burgess Center

  • Tejas Star Reading List

    Texas Library Association (TLA)

Reviews

  • * "The originality and liveliness of language and art in this one will inspire children to consider their own blessings."

    - Booklist
  • * "Readers will find themselves nodding in agreement as the unnamed narrator gives thanks to the ladybug that lands on his finger, the bees that don't sting him and his little brother, who throws mashed peas at their sister. . . For this graceful celebration, ¡gracias!"

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "The poetic writing flows in both Spanish and English and carries a sense of happiness brought by the simple things in life. . . This delightful bilingual book has universal appeal."

    - School Library Journal

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600602580
  • Publication Date Jul 01, 2005
  • Trim Size 10.75 × 8.5 × 1 in
  • Weight 0.9375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Manners & Etiquette
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Poetry
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • Themes Bilingual, Biracial / Multiracial, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Empathy / Compassion, Environment / Nature, Families, Fiction, Friendship, Grandparents, Gratitude, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Imagination, Integrity / Honesty, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Nature / Science, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Poetry, Realistic Fiction, Sharing & Giving, Siblings
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades K - 4
  • Guided Reading I
  • Spanish Guided Reading I
  • ATOS Book Level 2.8
  • DRA 18
  • Interest Level Grades K - 4
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 620
  • Reading Level Grades 1 - 2
  • Bebop Reading Emergent
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