September 21 – World Gratitude Day

About the Holiday

In 1965 an international gathering in Hawaii established World Gratitude Day as a time for people everywhere to formally appreciate and give thanks for all the wonderful things in the world. In 1966 the attendees celebrated World Gratitude Day on this date in their individual countries, beginning a tradition that has grown over time. The benefits of positive thinking have become well documented. The founders of Gratitude Day also recognized that by taking a day to celebrate the amazing parts of our lives we might become happier, more content people.

Thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books for sending me this book for review!

It’s Almost Time for . . . Thanksgiving!

Written by Maisha Oso | Illustrated by Tom Knight

Once October rolls around, the holidays come in quick succession, each with their own particular decorations, activities, food, and fun! How do you keep each one special and distinct for your kids? Maisha Oso has the answer with her It’s Almost Time for . . . series of books for holidays we love to share with our family and friends. Her newest book gets kids excited about transitioning from Halloween to Thanksgiving, as they help a Mom and Dad, big brother and little sister spruce up their farm, replacing skeletons and jack-o-lanterns with hay bales, pumpkins, and festive wreaths as their horses, turkeys, and the boy’s little lamb try to help.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Tom Knight. Text copyright © 2026 by Maisa Oso. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Then it’s on to planning the menu. Everyone can agree on “mac n’ cheese, potatoes, peas,” and, of course, turkey, but maybe not so much on the doughnuts. Fortunately, the crisp autumn air beckons with an invitation for an impromptu game of football in the yard with the whole family. Soon, the big day arrives, and the kitchen is bustling—kids included. With the turkey finally in the oven, it’s time to relax and watch the grand parade on TV with floats, bands, dancers, and confetti. Next, with delicious aromas wafting through the house and grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends arriving, it’s time for dinner and remembering “why you’re filled with gratitude” on this special day. Yes, “spending time with those you love / makes this a life worth living. / You’re belly’s stuffed? You’ve had enough? / Today must be . . . “

Waiiiit . . . What? That was unexpected! With the turn of the page, Oso upends the story in hilarious fashion. But were there clues all along? Alert kids may have been watching the boy’s constant companion who’s embraced all the traditions of Thanksgiving but interpreted them in his own endearing way. Oso lovingly gets things back on track, though, as the boy explains the holiday to his little friend and the whole crew gather for a picture to commemorate another Thanksgiving!

Maisha Oso’s jaunty, rhyming celebration of Thanksgiving welcomes young readers to join in on all the fun of fall and this family holiday while infusing the preparations and dinner with humor, and surprises. Readers will be delighted to point out their own familiar traditions and are sure to giggle at Lamb’s enthusiasm for a spring holiday. Oso’s final rhyme will have kids and adults happily chiming in.

Tom Knight invites readers to a tidy pink farmhouse where the kids are eager to help, the food is home-grown, and doughnuts are in the pantry but, sadly, not on the menu, as the family prepares for Thanksgiving. Humor abounds in Knight’s depictions of Oso’s puns and the lamb’s contributions to the celebration. Heartwarming images of the family gathered around the table and thinking what they’re grateful for can prompt children to share their thoughts.

A charming and heartening way to introduce Thanksgiving traditions to the youngest children while renewing excitement for the holiday with older kids, It’s Almost Time for . . . Thanksgiving! is a picture book with surprises that will entertain the whole family.

Don’t miss Maisha Oso and Tom Knight’s It’s Almost Time for . . . Christmas!, their upcoming It’s Almost Time for . . . St. Patrick’s Day!, It’s Almost Time for . . . Easter!, and It’s Almost Time for . . . Halloween!

Ages 4 – 8

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026 | ISBN 979-8347108015

About the Author

Maisha Oso is the author of picture books Buster the Bully, My Hair Is a Book, Before the Ships, and the It’s Almost Time For… series, as well as the Venus Washington chapter book series. She writes stories to empower, entertain, and encourage emotional intelligence in young children. A former strategy and analytics professional from New York City, Maisha is currently working in her most challenging role to date: a stay-at-home mom of three tiny humans. You can visit her at MaishaOso.com and follow her on Instagram.

About the Illustrator

After an enjoyable stint as a graphic designer, Tom Knight is now proud to be using his imagination as a full-time career. Drawing on a long and abiding love of imagery from children’s literature, Tom has worked for a diverse range of publishers, including Little Tiger Press, Templar, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, and Macmillan. He has also turned his hand to authoring his own titles and is the author and illustrator for the Good Knight, Bad Knight chapter book series and picture book Jimmy Finnigan’s Wild Wood Band. He does all this from a poorly temperature-controlled studio in the garden, where he is constantly distracted by the greedy birds that hang out by the feeder outside his window. Follow him on Instagram.

World Gratitude Day Activity

I’m Thankful For . . . Activity Page

Get the kids—or the whole family—together to write or draw what you’re thankful for with this I’m Thankful For . . . Activity Page!

You can purchase It’s Almost Time for . . . Thanksgiving! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 11 – It’s National Gratitude Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

November has been designated as a time for reflecting on our lives and being grateful for our family, friends, opportunities, and the things we have. To celebrate Gratitude Month, take time to count your blessings and thank those who are important in your life.

Thanks to Two Lions for sending me a copy of Duck and Hippo Give Thanks for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Duck and Hippo Give Thanks

Written by Jonathan London | Illustrated by Andrew Joyner

As Hippo raked leaves, he was “dreaming of a good, old-fashioned Thanksgiving,” but his reveries were interrupted by Duck, who landed with a plop right in the middle of Hippo’s leaf pile. When Hippo asked his friend what he was doing, Duck answered that she was having fun and invited Hippo to join her, but with a huff he said, “‘I’m trying to make the pile all nice and tidy!’” Just then, Hippo was bonked on the head by a falling apple. He handed it to Duck as a snack, who said, “‘Thanks, Hippo!’”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-duck-and-hippo-give-thanks-leaves-falling

Image copyright Andrew Joyner, 2018, text copyright Jonathan London, 2018. Courtesy of Two Lions.

That reminded Hippo that tomorrow was Thanksgiving and he asked Duck to celebrate with him. Duck suggested they invite all of their friends. They went to the grocery store to buy supplies. The shopping went quickly as Hippo whooshed down the aisles with Duck in the cart grabbing food as they went. When Hippo wanted a ride in the cart, though, he got stuck. Elephant rushed over and got him out. To thank him, Duck and Hippo invited him to their Thanksgiving feast.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-duck-and-hippo-give-thanks-poof

Image copyright Andrew Joyner, 2018, text copyright Jonathan London, 2018. Courtesy of Two Lions.

At the bakery, Turtle let them skip ahead of him in line, so he was invited too. For lunch, Duck and Hippo went to Pig’s Pizza. To thank her for the delicious slices, Duck invited her to their dinner the next day. “‘Yummy!’ cried Pig. ‘I can’t wait!’” Back home, they began preparations. They helped each other gather leaves, pumpkins, squash, and apples then decorated the table together. Duck even “did a dance on the tabletop and sang, ‘TA-DA!’” before going home with the promise of seeing Hippo tomorrow.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-duck-and-hippo-give-thanks-dreaming

Image copyright Andrew Joyner, 2018, text copyright Jonathan London, 2018. Courtesy of Two Lions.

While Hippo was dreaming of his big old-fashioned Thanksgiving, Duck had called together Elephant, Pig, and Turtle. “‘Let’s make something special for Hippo!’” he told them. Thanksgiving morning Hippo was up early. He baked apple and pumpkin pie, acorn squash, and other goodies. Then he sat down to wait for his friends. He waited and waited. The sun went down and the moon rose. Still, Hippo’s friends hadn’t arrived. Finally, they burst through the door with a surprise for Hippo. Hippo eagerly wondered what it was.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-duck-and-hippo-give-thanks-hippo-dreaming

Image copyright Andrew Joyner, 2018, courtesy of Two Lions.

One by one, they showed what they had brought. Turtle held a tray of Chinese egg rolls, Elephant had made sea-cucumber sushi, Pig had created one of her famous pizza napoletanas, and Duck offered a plate of peanut-butter-and-jelly tacos. “‘SURPRISE!’” they all cheered. Hippo frowned. This was not the Thanksgiving feast he had imagined.

But then he saw how happy all of his friends looked. “He spread his arms wide and said, ‘WELCOME!’ And thank you for being who you are!’” They all sat around the table, held hands, and gave thanks for “being together, and for sharing natures bounty.” Then they gobbled up the best Thanksgiving feast ever. And when they were done? They went outside and dove into the leaves!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-duck-and-hippo-give-thanks-friends

Image copyright Andrew Joyner, 2018, courtesy of Two Lions.

In his warmhearted Thanksgiving story, Jonathan London presents gentle conflicts which are resolved with generosity, friendship, and understanding as Duck, Hippo, and their friends prepare what each considers the perfect Thanksgiving feast. The spirit of the story lies in Hippo’s quick realization that a “good old-fashioned Thanksgiving” doesn’t lie solely in one type of meal, but in including friends, new traditions, and togetherness. Other examples of acceptance, of thoughtfulness, and of shaking off trivial accidents and minor complaints between the characters show young readers that happiness can be achieved when one fully considers a situation from both sides.

Andrew Joyner’s bright, action-packed illustrations clearly show the fond friendship between Duck and Hippo as they plan Thanksgiving dinner together. Duck’s carefree personality contrasts and complement’s Hippo’s more fastidious nature. Through the wide smiles, playfulness, and generous acts of the supporting characters young readers will understand that instead of ruining Hippo’s feast, they are excited to participate and contribute to it. Clear facial expressions and highlighted text also spotlight the strong bonds among these friends.

A feel-good story with humor and a positive message about the true meaning of Thanksgiving, Duck and Hippo Give Thanks—the latest in the Duck and Hippo series, which includes Duck and Hippo in the Rain and Duck and Hippo Lost and Found—is a wonderful addition to the series for fans and a terrific holiday book for home and classroom libraries.

Ages 3 – 7

Two Lions, 2018 | ISBN 978-1503900806

To learn more about Andrew Joyner, his books, and his art, visit his website.

You’re invited to watch the Duck and Hippo Give Thanks book trailer!

National Gratitude Month Activity

Alphabet I Spy Gratitude Game

Things to be thankful for are all around you! What do you see? Find an entire alphabet of favorite things with this printable game!

Alphabet I Spy Gratitude Game

**You can find Duck and Hippo Give Thanks at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

November 13 – World Kindness Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Instituted in 1998 by a coalition of nations, World Kindness Day is an international celebration that encourages people around the world to be mindful of others through mutual respect, inclusion, empathy, and gratitude. To celebrate, people are asked to perform acts of kindness—big or small. A simple “hi,” a smile, or an offer of help or support goes a long way in making the world a kinder and better place to live in. But don’t limit your care and concern to just one day. Promoters of the holiday hope that kindness becomes infectious, inspiring good relationships every day of the year.

Thanksgiving in the Woods

Written by Phyllis Alsdurf | Illustrated by Jenny Løvlie

A little boy watches for the signs—fall winds, leaves falling, and when “jack-o-lanterns lose their smiles”—that tell him its time for Thanksgiving in the Woods. As he counts the days he gathers all the supplies he’ll need, including his stuffed puppy Brownie and puts them in a pile. At last the day comes to get ready for Thanksgiving in the Woods. His mama wakes him early. The boy stuffs “all of [his] treasures into a backpack. Mama gathers boots and winter coats” while Daddy brings his guitar and the boy’s recorder.