Let me share what got me thinking of Thanksgiving (besides the obvious of it being November and Halloween passing us by). I was browsing Target yesterday afternoon for a children's book to give to a colleague who is expecting this December. That's when I noticed a Mo Willems' book I had not read before.
The Thank You Book gives young readers another Elephant & Piggie adventure in which Piggie declares she is going to thank EVERYONE who is important to her but seems to be missing the one she values most of all. The back and forth banter/humor/personalities of these two characters is genius. In the past 3 years, I have taught in kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms and have always used Mo Willems' books for teaching reading for enjoyment, for reaching emergent readers and reluctant readers and teaching author's craft during Writing Workshop. I have yet to interact with a kid who doesn't laugh, smile and crave more after engaging with these books.
As I read the book, in the aisle of Target, I felt giddy that I had yet another great book to share with my students. However, I also got to thinking about the upcoming holiday. There is of course LOTS to be thankful for. Everyday alls you have to do is turn on the news to see what is happening locally, nationally and internationally to feel grateful for all that is good in your world. But this upcoming holiday season, I am going to be particularly appreciative of the people in my life (like Piggie). Each year, in addition to feeling thankful for my loved ones, I feel thankful for my job, my possessions, my home, food, my experiences, my health, etc. But, I could lose all those things (except health) and all would still be good in my world. I could lose my job, lose my home, not be able to travel, lose my car, lose my belongings and so on but it wouldn't matter. As long as I have the people I love (and the doodle I love) then all is good in my world. Your loved ones can never be replaced...time can never be replaced. So enjoy them, hug them, kiss them, be present this holiday season!
If you aren't familiar with Mo Willems, here are some other great reads!
(a tear-jerker!)
