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Give Thanks to the Lord: Celebrating Psalm 92
Written by Karma Wilson, an established awardwinning author. In this heartwarming story that references Psalm 92, award-winning children's author Karma Wilson tells a story about the Thanksgiving holiday that hits just the right tone. Told from the point of view of one young member of an extended family, Give Thanks to the Lord celebrates all the joys of the autumn holiday, from the arrival of distant relatives to a cozy house filled with noisy good cheer to apple cider and the delicious smells of roasting turkey and baking pies. And just when mouths are watering, the family sits down, holds hands, and says a prayer of thanks to God for 'food and fun and family, all the wonderful things we see.' Young readers will delight in each tender rhyme as they learn to appreciate their own many blessings in this full-color picture book for kids. KARMA WILSON Her first poem was published at the tender age of six. The poem was ironically titled, 'I Don't Wanna Write a Poem!' Growing up, she had no desire to write. But Providence had different plans, and now Karma writes poems for a living when she's not busy being a wife and raising three kids. In her spare hours Karma spends time in the wilderness, lifts weights, cooks, and kickboxes. And she loves writing. Karma lives in Fione, MT. AMY JUNE BATES has illustrated dozens of children's books. She lives in Ann Arbor, MI, with her husband and their son, Evan.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2007
4 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Karma Wilson
105 books523 followersKarma Wilson grew up an only child of a single mother in the wilds of North Idaho. Way back then (just past the stone age and somewhat before the era of computers) there was no cable TV and if there had been Karma could not have recieved it. TV reception was limited to 3 channels, of which one came in with some clarity. Karma did the only sensible thing a lonely little girl could do…she read or played outdoors.
Playing outdoors was fun, but reading was Karma’s “first love” and, by the age 11, she was devouring about a novel a day. She was even known to try to read while riding her bike down dirt roads, which she does not recommend as it is hazardous to the general well being of the bike, the rider, and more importantly the book. Her reading preferences were fantasy (C.S. Lewis, Terry Brooks, etc…) and historical fiction (L.M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, etc…). Those tastes have not changed much.
Karma never considered writing as a profession because her mother was a professional writer which made it seem like mundane work. At the age of 27 she realized that she still loved well-written children’s books of all kinds, from picture books to young adult novels. By that time Karma was a wife and the mother of three young children. Trips to the library with her kids were a combination of emotions…a good book meant fun for all! But so many of the books weren’t what her children wanted to listen to.
Then a tax refund changed everything. With the money the family decided to invest in a computer. Karma was forced to learn to type. Combining her desire to make the expensive computer pay for itself, her new-found typing skill, and her love of children’s literature, Karma started writing for children. She wanted to put a few more good books on the library shelves and pay off that computer! Countless rejections and three years later Karma was finally accepted by book agent Steven Malk (who had already rejected her once, which she never lets him forget). Her first book, Bear Snores On, was released in 2002. The computer was paid for!
Since then Karma has had more than 30 books accepted for publication. Many of those are on the shelves of libraries and bookstores around the world. Her books have received numerous state and national awards, been translated into dozens of languages, and a few have made an appearance on the New York Times bestseller list. Karma sincerely hopes that her books bring joy to children and families everywhere.
Karma writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young, and humorous and wistful poetry for the primary grades.
These days Karma lives with her handsome husband Scott, and her three not-so-young-anymore children, two dogs, two chickens and one cat on some modest but lovely acreage in NW Montana. Her hobbies include reading (of course), photography, baking, yoga, and a passion for Mixed Martial Arts.
Playing outdoors was fun, but reading was Karma’s “first love” and, by the age 11, she was devouring about a novel a day. She was even known to try to read while riding her bike down dirt roads, which she does not recommend as it is hazardous to the general well being of the bike, the rider, and more importantly the book. Her reading preferences were fantasy (C.S. Lewis, Terry Brooks, etc…) and historical fiction (L.M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, etc…). Those tastes have not changed much.
Karma never considered writing as a profession because her mother was a professional writer which made it seem like mundane work. At the age of 27 she realized that she still loved well-written children’s books of all kinds, from picture books to young adult novels. By that time Karma was a wife and the mother of three young children. Trips to the library with her kids were a combination of emotions…a good book meant fun for all! But so many of the books weren’t what her children wanted to listen to.
Then a tax refund changed everything. With the money the family decided to invest in a computer. Karma was forced to learn to type. Combining her desire to make the expensive computer pay for itself, her new-found typing skill, and her love of children’s literature, Karma started writing for children. She wanted to put a few more good books on the library shelves and pay off that computer! Countless rejections and three years later Karma was finally accepted by book agent Steven Malk (who had already rejected her once, which she never lets him forget). Her first book, Bear Snores On, was released in 2002. The computer was paid for!
Since then Karma has had more than 30 books accepted for publication. Many of those are on the shelves of libraries and bookstores around the world. Her books have received numerous state and national awards, been translated into dozens of languages, and a few have made an appearance on the New York Times bestseller list. Karma sincerely hopes that her books bring joy to children and families everywhere.
Karma writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young, and humorous and wistful poetry for the primary grades.
These days Karma lives with her handsome husband Scott, and her three not-so-young-anymore children, two dogs, two chickens and one cat on some modest but lovely acreage in NW Montana. Her hobbies include reading (of course), photography, baking, yoga, and a passion for Mixed Martial Arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 29, 2019
This is a story about a boy that is thankful for his family and friends and the noisy cheer they make gathered together. He is thankful for his food and hot cider drinks in a cozy house. He is thankful while playing outside with the leafs and football with his friends. It's a story about friends and family getting ready for thanksgiving feast. This is like a collection of childhood memories of mother's turkey and pumpkin pies while everyone happily reunites after a long year.
January 9, 2021
Sweet book bringing God into Thanksgiving. However, if I was a child reading this and had a less than stellar family life or an nontraditional family or even just a very small family who didn't get together often, I would not be able to relate to this book. It is very idealized, quaint, large family American thanksgiving.
November 5, 2021
A beautiful book about a young boy giving thanks to God during the Thanksgiving season. It references Psalm 92 in an easy-to-apply way for kids. A family is gathering for their Thanksgiving meal and there is much to be thankful for. A sweet story that get me excited for the holiday!
January 3, 2026
A nice Thanksgiving poem. I wish there were more Thanksgiving books out there especially from a Christian perspective. As a Christian, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays as it is such a prominent command of scripture to give thanks to the Lord and we have so much to be thankful for!
May 22, 2018
A good thanksgiving book to focus on gratefulness, family, and fall. Cozy illustrations and Scripture included.
March 11, 2019
One of the kids in the family gives thanks for extended family, playing outside in the fall, warm cider, and yummy Thanksgiving dinner.
June 6, 2019
I love this book and its message! The dog in the story looks like one of mine!!
November 16, 2020
A sweet book to share with children of all ages, especially during the Thanksgiving season.
August 9, 2021
8/5/21 Read with Julia
November 12, 2021
Very cozy and sweet thanksgiving filled picture book, centered around scripture.
October 7, 2022
Lovely.
October 9, 2022
Disappointed that this was written by a person named Karma.
November 8, 2022
I want to own this one!!!
January 21, 2023
Lovely rhyme and beautiful pictures. This book is a great way to encourage thankfulness at Thanksgiving and all year.
October 8, 2023
American/Canadian thanksgiving
November 5, 2024
We pull this out around Thanksgiving but is a good one for the whole year too.
Read
November 29, 2024Read to twins :)
November 14, 2025
really enjoyed the illustrations, but the text (as a read-aloud) was a bit clunky
December 10, 2014
Title: GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD
Author: Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Amy June Bates
Publisher: Zonderkidz
July 2014
ISBN: 978-0310738497
Genre: Nonfiction / early readers / religious holidays / Thanksgiving
"The table makes a lovely sight. The food is good, it tastes just right. I savor every, single bite. I feel so full of love tonight."
Celebrate the season in this heartwarming story that references Psalm 92 in tender rhyme from award-winning author Karma Wilson. Told from the point of view of one young member of an extended family, Give Thanks to the Lord celebrates joy of all kinds, from the arrival of distant relatives to a cozy house already filled with merriment, to apple cider and the delicious smells of roasting turkey and baking pie. And just when your mouth is watering, sit down and join a thankful child in prayer, praising God for “food and fun and family, all the wonderful things I see.”
My thoughts: This is an interesting sweet story about family gathering for Thanksgiving. Wonderful for families that have family that gathers at Thanksgiving. For those who live far away from loved ones or who are estranged or who have no extended family, it might be painful or cause questions.
For children toddlers, preschoolers or beginning elementary.
I’m late for this Thanksgiving, but if you order it now you will have it for nxt year. Great book.
24 pages. Available in hardcover and paperback. Ages 4 - 8
Author: Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Amy June Bates
Publisher: Zonderkidz
July 2014
ISBN: 978-0310738497
Genre: Nonfiction / early readers / religious holidays / Thanksgiving
"The table makes a lovely sight. The food is good, it tastes just right. I savor every, single bite. I feel so full of love tonight."
Celebrate the season in this heartwarming story that references Psalm 92 in tender rhyme from award-winning author Karma Wilson. Told from the point of view of one young member of an extended family, Give Thanks to the Lord celebrates joy of all kinds, from the arrival of distant relatives to a cozy house already filled with merriment, to apple cider and the delicious smells of roasting turkey and baking pie. And just when your mouth is watering, sit down and join a thankful child in prayer, praising God for “food and fun and family, all the wonderful things I see.”
My thoughts: This is an interesting sweet story about family gathering for Thanksgiving. Wonderful for families that have family that gathers at Thanksgiving. For those who live far away from loved ones or who are estranged or who have no extended family, it might be painful or cause questions.
For children toddlers, preschoolers or beginning elementary.
I’m late for this Thanksgiving, but if you order it now you will have it for nxt year. Great book.
24 pages. Available in hardcover and paperback. Ages 4 - 8
November 16, 2014
Beautifully written and illustrated celebration of Psalms 92 for children ages 4-8. It tells children in rhyming verse about how to be thankful not just for material things, but that they also need to thank God for family, friends and fun.
The book I received from ZonderKidz for review is a shiny paper cover book with an adorable illustration, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. This is a wonderful little book to use at Thanksgiving but I also think it is a great tool to start teaching children at an early age how to be thankful to God for all things. The story is written in rhyme and the illustrations on each page are sure to delight even the youngest child.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this Book by the publisher, ZonderKidz, for an honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
The book I received from ZonderKidz for review is a shiny paper cover book with an adorable illustration, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. This is a wonderful little book to use at Thanksgiving but I also think it is a great tool to start teaching children at an early age how to be thankful to God for all things. The story is written in rhyme and the illustrations on each page are sure to delight even the youngest child.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this Book by the publisher, ZonderKidz, for an honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
December 16, 2013
Beautiful illustrations and a gentle narrative voice make this book my new Thanksgiving favorite. It's just lovely. Thoughtful gift from one of my sweet students.
The table makes a lovely sight.
The food is good. It tastes just right.
I savor every single bite.
I feel so full of love tonight.
Food and fun and family,
all the wonderful things I see,
God has given these to me.
I'm just as grateful as I can be.
The table makes a lovely sight.
The food is good. It tastes just right.
I savor every single bite.
I feel so full of love tonight.
Food and fun and family,
all the wonderful things I see,
God has given these to me.
I'm just as grateful as I can be.
December 20, 2014
What a wonderful Thanksgiving book that encourages kids to be thankful and have an attitude of gratitude
Little ones and early readers will enjoy the rhyming text of the story.
The illustrations bring a warm and cozy holiday feeling to the book. You can almost hear the leaves crunching, smell the turkey and pies as well as the hot apple cider.
Although the book has a Thanksgiving focus, it can be read anytime to remind kids to be thankful for all the blessings that God has given them.
Little ones and early readers will enjoy the rhyming text of the story.
The illustrations bring a warm and cozy holiday feeling to the book. You can almost hear the leaves crunching, smell the turkey and pies as well as the hot apple cider.
Although the book has a Thanksgiving focus, it can be read anytime to remind kids to be thankful for all the blessings that God has given them.
November 17, 2023
A little boy shares all the joys of Thanksgiving day.
A soft and cozily illustrated celebration of Thanksgiving day, focusing on how it is good to give thanks to the Lord. A cozy read for Christian families around American Thanksgiving. The cover mentions this is related to Psalm 92, but I'd say at most it is just inspired by Psalm 92. There's just the merest hints of the Psalm in this and the focus is more on Thanksgiving Day.
A soft and cozily illustrated celebration of Thanksgiving day, focusing on how it is good to give thanks to the Lord. A cozy read for Christian families around American Thanksgiving. The cover mentions this is related to Psalm 92, but I'd say at most it is just inspired by Psalm 92. There's just the merest hints of the Psalm in this and the focus is more on Thanksgiving Day.
September 21, 2009
This is a very sweet Thanksgiving book about a family's get together for Thanksgiving holiday. It is very cute for us because there are two boys who resemble my children and even do some of the same antics :)
The message of this book is great- we are thankful for what we have and the most important of it all is family and friends.
The message of this book is great- we are thankful for what we have and the most important of it all is family and friends.
November 10, 2007
Nice inspirational offering for Thanksgiving, a reflection on Psalm 92--"It is good to give thanks to the Lord" I liked the idea, but the rhymes were really a stretch. Free verse probably would have been a better choice.
July 23, 2009
This was a good book with a wholesome message to it. However, it only got 3 stars because the main part of the message is in the title! A good book...but just not quite as good as I thought it was going to be. This would be a good one to read around Thanksgiving.
September 21, 2015
A young boy is giving thanks to the Lord for all his blessings on Thanksgiving day. The illustrations are warm and full of autumn colors--oranges, reds, and yellows.
The text is written in verse and is inspired by Psalm 92.
The text is written in verse and is inspired by Psalm 92.
January 14, 2009
Fantastic book to read your kids around Thanksgiving!
November 4, 2010
Michael enjoyed this. He is having a good time learning about all the holidays this year.
May 10, 2015
A religious take on the celebration of Thanksgiving. Text is poetic and the warmth of the watercolor artwork makes for a good seasonal read aloud for PreK-2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews