Gracias / Thanks

by Pat Mora, John Parra (Illustrator)

A young multiracial boy celebrates family, friendship, and fun by telling about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful.

Genres: Picture Books, Spanish Literature, Childrens, Cultural, Thanksgiving, Latinx, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

Pat Mora (born 1942) is a female Mexican-American author and poet. Pat Mora was born in El Paso, Texas. She is married and has 3 grown children.

Reviews

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spanish Edition--- {Thank you, next!} In my horrible Ariana Grande voice...

All the things that make this little boy grateful, everyday.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy lists the many things for which he is grateful in this bilingual picture-book from Pat Mora, a prolific Mexican-American children's author, whose many excellent titles include Tomás and the Library Lady and A Library for Juana: The World of Sor Juana Ines . From the rising of the run, which prevents him from sleeping so long that he awakens an old man with a beard, to the air-like softness of the pajamas he puts on at night, the boy finds delights large and small in his day, giving thanks for each.

Although there really isn't much of a story, as such, Gracias/Thanks is still an immensely appealing book, with a narrative that emphasizes all the many simple things that, though we don't think of them that often, make life pleasant, and acrylic artwork that perfectly captures the happy feeling of the text. I don't know that anything really stood out to me, but taken all together, I found the experience of reading this book very satisfying, and I think younger readers will feel the same. Recommended to anyone looking for stories about thankfulness, or for quality bilingual English-Spanish titles.

[529_Quincy Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not consider Gracias Thanks by Pat Mora with illustrations by John Parra as a “must read” the first, second, or even third time I looked at it. The only reason I kept looking at it was because of the personal respect and expectations I have accumulated for her as an author. I remember the first time through looking for some significant cultural practice or myth. When I finished the picture book I flipped through the pages looking closely at each picture hoping the illustrations by John Parra would provide greater insight. After my second time through I wrote this, “I find the book to be of little value as it highlights very common practices and artifacts available to people regardless of geographical and cultural boundaries.” Then I went through a snow storm in Chicago that shut down the city; major roads, public schools, and basic utilities. All of a sudden I was “stuck” in a high rise building looking out at the busiest city like it was a still frame photo.
I cannot remember the last time I was afforded a real “moment” to think. All day, every day I have to beat deadlines, be on time, and schedule time. I was effectively “shut down” and only then did I really appreciate the lesson Pat Mora was trying to convey. We should all be thankful for all the little things that we often take for granted. I still cannot say I particularly like the book, but it does have a fundamental lesson essential to becoming a better person. Hopefully it does not take a snow storm for everyone else to recognize its “simply complex” value.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. The illustration style isn't my favorite but I can still appreciate it. Really like the story and the things the child is thankful for -- from family to nature, fun to thoughtful. Good for Thanksgiving or any time of the year. As Pat Mora says in the author's note, "Listing what I'm thankful for always makes me happy. [...] I hope your family, class, and group of friends enjoy chatting about large and small pleasures in your lives. Keep the circle of giving thanks, growing."

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed from the library - a beautiful book in Spanish and English about gratitude and thankfulness. I'm pretty sure I butchered the pronunciation of the Spanish when I read this to my kids . . .

[Alexis Chatham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book overall was a total catch to me, it is a fiction story; the illustrations were so beautiful and well done, the story was cute but straightforward with a proper meaning behind it, to always be thankful for the little things in life. Any young child or early reader would enjoy this book, it is simply written, but it is interesting. This book is also written in both English and Spanish which is vital for any child. The characters are absolutely fantastic, the young boy who is telling what he is thankful is someone young children will enjoy reading about, the parents of this young boy are white and Hispanic, but it is not the main focus of the story. I really liked this mostly because it was so subtle it really normalizes mixed-race families. The young boy is also a fun and exciting character that young children will automatically become interested in. One thing that really caught my eye was the fact the boys' culture was represented in the story, he discussed the music his uncle would play and the dancing they would do, culture is often lost in books, but it was not in this one. The boy is also a fascinating character, even though the story was simple his personality was made known. Though the boy did come from a mixed-race background, there was never once a mention of something negative about him or his family. The boy tells about what he is thankful for perfectly it gives readers, adults or children a new perspective on things they could be thankful. Overall this book is perfect for young children and has a great message with the additional normalization of different people who have a different background.
The illustrations that are done in this book really bring it to life. Every page is an entire picture, beautifully drawn with an enormous amount of color used, it is all extraordinarily eye-catching and really brings the story to life. There is never a dull moment with the illustrations done and there is never a moment where there is any questioning of why a picture is drawn the way it is, it all flows well with the story. This book is the complete package, it gives a good representation of unique families without making it the main focus, while also telling a great story that is easy for children of young ages to grasp and also be able to read if they are early readers.

[Sam Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really more like 4.5 stars, and only because it's not a real STORY, this book is definitely worth taking a glance at (or in my case, owning). I am rarely very excited by bilingual books, and in this case, I don't know that it really adds much (I'd rather see it completely in English or completely in Spanish). But I can totally imagine myself reading one page in Spanish and one in English and switching off the tellings in a way that you really can't do when books are STORIES.

This is a list of things the little boy is grateful for, and they are funny without trying too hard, sweet without being saccharine, and very real.

Thankfulness is one of my religious values (which is the only reason this is on my-religion shelf), and this seems like a really excellent way to make it real to kids.

So clearly, I think Pat Mora is the bomb, but I should also take a moment to say I really enjoyed the illustrations as well. Like, totally.

Fun!

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited when I was informed I had won a copy of this book from the First Reads drawing! I was even more excited when I recieved it and seen the pictures depicted a multicultural family like ours!

In this delightfully colorful childrens book by Pat Mora and illustrated by John Parra we follow a young boy throughout his entire day as he says thanks to everything that makes him happy. He starts by thanking the sun that wakes him and ends his day of thanks by thanking the cricket that serenades him to sleep in the night.
Not only can I read this book to my children in English but my boyfriend can read this book to my children in Spanish! This book is truelly a treasured addition to my childrens home library!

[Brenda A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book mostly because of the message and because it was bilingual, both in Spanish and in English. It was about this little boy who was giving thanks for just everything that happened to him throughout the day. I loved it because it teaches the lesson to be grateful for even the little things. I think it is appropriate for children from k-2.

[Teresa Carbajal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a must read with your child(ren), pjs, a warm blanket, and a snuggle.

[Taneka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about gratitude that is also a great way to build Spanish vocabulary if you are a beginner or a child attempting to learn the language.

[Yareli Arellano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracias Thanks is by Pat Mora and illustrated by John Parra. This book is about a child being grateful about what he has in his life such as family, nature and friends. I would recommend this book because it talks about an important topic which is being grateful and thankful in life. A teacher can incorporate this book in his or her instruction by incorporating this book in her thanksgiving lesson. This book can engage the students by the visualization and the use of descriptive words. This book won the Golden Kite Award.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

diverse picture books (bilingual Spanish/English - gratitude / preschool-kinder and up)
* Prominently features diverse characters: yes, features mainly Latinx-looking people--the MC is a hispanic-looking boy (who happens to have a blond mom).
* great for preschool/kinder storytime: the story is quieter, but the text is sweet and I think older preschoolers/kindergarteners (or older/mixed grades) would appreciate this.

[Rll595ag_thomasjakovlic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracias Thanks by Pat Mora and illustrations by John Parra tells the story of one boy's appreciation for all the individuals in his life who make things possible. This book was Pura Belpre honor book, and one can see why; Parra's simple child like watercolor renderings of family, friends, teachers, neighbors, and common everyday objects who contribute to the young protagonist's daily activities do portray a sense of wonder about the world. Parra is able to depict each scene as if from a boy's point of view. The softness and warmth of the colors and the beauty of lazily but magical quality of lines intermingle, and each scene depicts the simple joys that can be had with friends, family, bugs, and waves. The boy sees that opportunity for adventure is only as limited to his own imagination and his thankfulness for people and things around him who make it all happen. Pat Mora's writing as a simple set of wishes in which Parra's illustrations beckon the reader to join the young boy as we each appreciate each fun filled day.

In many ways this picture book has portrait of a boy's adventures of the imagination quality to it. The writer and illustrator have joined hands and painted that canvas, and then we the reader see the full expression of that thankful joy of one boy. Each page is a full page spread; the left page is written in Spanish, and the right is in English; one only gets an understanding our boy's wonder and joy of the people and things that spark his imagination when the whole scene and canvas of the two pages are seen in their entirety. The simple things this boy appreciates from his Abuelita, to a ladybug, the worms that help him catch fish, to chocolate that his Dad melts and pours on ice cream, and the soft pajamas and cricket that lulls him to sleep on warm summer nights reminds us all that the best joys in life our truly the simplest ones. Thanks to Pat Mora pared use of language and John Parra's expansive, warm, and inviting use of watercolors helps to drive the narrative and visual contrast between the boy's small wishes and his incredible and appreciative sense of wonder, awe, and imagination about all the things that are possible with the help of others. That writer and Parra were able to share in that same vision and give it colorful expression in one picture book is a testament of their shared vision and artistry.

Other authentic tales from Latino/a writers to share with younger elementary students includes "Hairs" by Sandra Cisneros about the diversity among us, "Too Many Tomales" about a cooking adventure at Christmas gone wrong by Gary Soto, and "How Tia Lola Came to (Visit) Stay (The Tia Lola stories)" by Julia Alvarez. The title pretty much sums up this family comedy for the reader, and these short vignettes would certainly provide any class with shared reading experiences, and laughs!, about the joys of living with extended family members.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a bilingual picture book showing a young boy moving through his day, from rising to bedtime, telling what he is thankful for. Each time he tells what and why! Sometimes it's amusing: "For the sun that wakes me up so I don't sleep for years and years, and grow a long white beard, thanks." And other times, he's serious: "For Mom, who found my homework in the trash, thanks." John Parra illustrates with double-page spreads with the text in Spanish on the left, English on the right! Terrific book for everyone. It will be wonderful to use with a class to inspire them to write their own Gracias/Thanks, in Spanish or English or their own language.

[Tori Hillen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pat Mora's (2009) children's book, Gracias/Thanks, is an excellent read that promotes a great message for young readers. Moreover, the book is about a young boy that goes about his day and is grateful for all of the little things that happen. The book promotes the message that people should appreciate all aspects of life and remain positive. The book helps children to understand diversity and bilingualism because the book incorporates both Spanish and English text. Therefore, the reader can pick up on basic Spanish vocabulary. The book helps students to appreciate other home languages because regardless of what language is spoken, most people have the same morals and should be grateful for the little things in life. The book helps instill values of friendship, appreciation, and positivity. I, overall, enjoyed this book but the English text was choppy because it was translated from Spanish to English. The words did not flow properly but had a great message. I would use this book in my future classroom to teach about appreciation and diversity. The words are very basic and can be appropriate for students in either Kindergarten, first, or second grade. I really liked the message at the end to keep the circle of giving going. Life is all about remaining positive, and this book does a great job of teaching young children these ideals.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bilingual Spanish-English book. Everything, title, cover page, and note to the reader included, is in Spanish and then in English, except on the “abuelita” page where instead of being translated into grandmother or grandma, the English is given as Abuelita; I know that was an error.

The story takes one young boy from morning until bedtime, as he gives thanks for everything from the sun to the crickets. Family members and friends play a huge role in his thankfulness. The story isn’t scintillating but it has humor and is sweet and has just enough repetition for a bilingual book, not too much at all. And, it’s interesting enough as a picture book storybook on its own.

The pictures are colorful and vivid and complement the story very well.

I did try to read the Spanish first. I recognized a lot of the words but couldn’t really read it. However, this is an excellent book for kids who have either English or Spanish as their first language and are trying to learn the other language.

[Cassidy Goddard]

Gracias/ Thanks was such an interesting book to read. This book was about a boy telling all the things he was thankful for. He was thankful for big things and small things. I really liked that this children's book was written in 2 languages. On one side they would have the Spanish version, and on the other side of the page they had an English version. I think this would really be beneficial in a classroom with Spanish speaking ELL students because it would allow the students to read the book in their own language and in English. This was a very cute story that I think would hold the attention of the readers. The illustrations were bright and vivid, and they accurately depicted the characters. I think the illustrations made the book that much more interesting. The book is about a Hispanic boy, but it also shows many different cultures in the book. This book showed the boy living an average life, so I do not think it was over or under simplified. I would definitely read this book to my class.

[alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracias/Thanks provides a creative and slightly whimsical take on thankfulness in both Spanish and English. Each page presents another small thing for which the young boy is thankful (ranging from hot chocolate sauce to Grandma to waves at the beach). The particularly lovely thing about this book is the vivid, poetic images created by the boys verbal expression of his thankfulness. Not only would the book be a great introduction to Thanksgiving-related lessons but also a useful resource in creative writing lessons.

As the Spanish text is presented first on each page, I plan to read it aloud first while pointing to the relevant parts of the illustrations so students begin to formulate an idea of what the boy is thanking. Then by reading the English text, the full impact of the description will sink in and, I think, bring laughter. It will be a good way for my kids to start building their Spanish vocabulary, as well.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the language, the pattern, and the array of moments the author chose, which shows the breadth of the feeling of gratitude. I thought it would be a fine launch pad for poems with 4th graders, but I stuck too closely to her pattern (which works here nicely), and we wrote stiffly. Just now reading Pat Mora's note to readers I wish I'd just suggested we made long lists of what we love.

Both the kids and I love the illustrations.

[Elia Basista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to incorporate during the Thanksgiving season as the main character goes on to say the many things he is thankful for. This book also has a heavy influence of Hispanic culture which is great for incorporating culture, especially with the heavy influence of Hispanic culture America has today. This book can be used for class activities and discussions while incorporating both American and Hispanic cultures.

[Ashley]

Audience: Primary

Genre: dual language, fiction

Quote that promotes mental image and rationale:


"Por las abejas que no me
picaron y convirtieron en
un alfiletero, gracias"

"For the bees that didn't
sting me and turn me into
a pincushion, thanks."

This book is a list (in both Spanish and English) of what a young boy is thankful for. Much of his list invokes mental imagery in listeners/readers. The above quote is just one example. I chose this one because students can relate to the idea of bee stings, and can definitely imagine what it would like to be a "pincushion" for bees. This is a great book to practice Spanish/English language and to review/teach similes and metaphors to students.

[Jacque Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story centers a little boy reflecting on the things he is most thankful for. He reflects on the times and places he’s visited with family and close friends. I really enjoyed how this story emphasized on the importance of being thankful for family, friends and just life in general. The text itself was offered in both English as well as Spanish. The illustrator used bright fully colored and beautifully orchestrated illustrations throughout the story. I can see why this book won an award for being wonderfully illustrated. All in all, I would definitely recommend reading this book especially around the thanksgiving holidays! The season is all about giving thanks!
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[Libby]

Gracias is a bilingual picture book which contains poetic language. As a picture book, it is suitable for a 4-5 year old child. The exploration of the concept of gratitude is given a context with the relation of this concept to everyday situations. If the caregiver points to the text with their finger as they read, the child can practice reading with a caregiver, following along with eyes and developing the letter knowledge skill. The story also presents the child with an opportunity to learn new vocabulary, and both the child and the parent can practice talking to make new connections or relate content to known connections.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audience: Primary
Genre: Picture book
Text-to-self connection: I can relate to this book in that I think every day about the things I am thankful for. It is a great way to remember that even when things are tough, there is still plenty to say thank you for and that life really is wonderful. I enjoyed that this book was in English as well as Spanish. It would have great use in an English as a second language classroom. All of the things the boy said he was thankful for are things that children everywhere can relate to. This would be a great book to pull out before Thanksgiving to use as a prompt for a list of things students are thankful for.

[Mackenzie]

This book was about a little boy who was thanking the littlest of things in life. The author of this book did a great job of incorporating Spanish and English in to the book. So, readers get to see both English and Spanish words on the page. The mom in the story speaks English and the dad speaks Spanish, so readers are exposed to a bilingual family. The pictures are vibrant and colorful, which makes reading this book that much more inviting. I think it was neat to have both languages on the page, so readers of each background can enjoy and understand the book. The author of this book lives in New Mexico.

[Kaiana]

This is a simple book about a child who lists all the things he is grateful for in his life. The illustrations are very sweet and stylistic. They were created with acrylic on illustration board. I especially like that the text is written in both Spanish and English. There can never be enough bilingual books in a classroom! This book might be nice to use in November and prompt a writing topic about thanks and what they are grateful for. It's important for students to get a little writing practice in every day, so even though that would not make a full lesson, it would be a great prompt for practice.
Mora, P. (2009). Gracias/Thanks. New York, NY: Lee and Low Books.

[Catharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a teacher I can see using this book with young children around Thanksgiving. It gives children examples of all the little things in their lives they can be thankful for. The side by side text allows reading in both English and Spanish. The illustrations are colorful and vibrant. I do think that as a read-aloud the adult reader will need to involve students in connecting it to their own lives. Without that prompting I think it could be a book that adults will enjoy reading, but kids would not be drawn to.

[Green Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Por mi hermanito, que le lanzó su pure de chícaros a mi hermana y me hizo reír tanto que me caí de la silla, gracias.” One little boy spends an entire day counting his blessings in two languages! From the first mariquita of the morning to the chirp of dusk's grillo as he falls into dreams. Mora vibrant day-in-the-life tale reminds us to take note of guitar-shredding uncles who howl along with the dogs, the worms that feed our dinner fish, for our favorite well-worn pajamas and makes for a great gratefulness journaling activity prompt!

[Katherine Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book in an elementary school library and was immediately drawn to it because of Pat Mora! While this is not my favorite book by her, I definitely think that Gracias/Thanks would be perfect to have in a classroom library. I love that the bilingual text is side by side (English on the right page and Spanish on the left page) so that English Language Learners could see the comparison in text directly related. As to be expected with Pat Mora, the illustrations are vibrant and intriguing.