Piggie has so many friends to thank, she doesn’t know where to start! In this hilarious and heartfelt story, Piggie expresses gratitude to everyone she knows, showing readers the joy of saying “thank you.” With Mo Willems’ signature humor and expressive illustrations, this book delights children of all ages while opening the door to meaningful conversations about kindness and appreciation.
Why We Love The Thank You Book
We love this book because it makes gratitude fun and accessible for children, inspiring them to notice, appreciate, and express thanks in their everyday lives.
Learning Opportunities
This story is more than just fun—it’s an opportunity for children to explore social-emotional skills such as empathy, appreciation, and communication. Here’s how you can bring the book to life across different age groups:
Infants & Toddlers
- Interactive Reading: Use gestures and facial expressions to show excitement when Piggie says “thank you.”
- Thank You Songs & Rhymes: Turn key phrases from the book into a simple chant or song that encourages babies to respond.
- Gratitude Moments: After reading, point out items or people in the room to express simple thanks, like “Thank you, teddy, for being soft!”
Preschoolers
- Friendship Discussion: Ask questions like, “Who do you want to say thank you to today?”
- Thank You Craft: Create thank-you cards or drawings for friends, family, or teachers.
- Role-Play: Children can act out scenes from the book, practicing polite language and expressive emotions.
School-Age Children
- Story Extensions: Encourage older children to write a short letter or story about someone they want to thank.
- Gratitude Journal: Start a “thank-you” journal where children record things they appreciate each day.
- Classroom Connections: Use the book as a starting point to discuss empathy, kindness, and how small acts of gratitude can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
The Thank You Book is a joyful celebration of kindness, connection, and the power of expressing gratitude. Whether reading at home or in the classroom, children of all ages can laugh, learn, and practice appreciation in meaningful ways. It’s a story that reminds us all—big or small—that saying “thank you” can make the world a little brighter.
Written by:
Brittany Kay
Director of Program Quality at Heartfelt Impressions
