For my last review of 2016, I chose a book that I feel is
very appropriate for the season. For me personally, this year was an uphill
climb. Sometimes, in fact, I felt like I was climbing Mt. Everest in low
visibility and hoping for the best. It is easy when faced with tough times to
grumble about the bad things, take the good things for granted, and forget to
say thank you.
The Thank You Book,
by Mo Willems is all about saying thank you—to everyone, for everything. Piggie
feels that he has a lot to be thankful for and announces to Elephant his plan
to say thank you to everyone in his life. Absolutely EVERYONE. Elephant is
skeptical. He doesn’t think Piggie can do it. He is sure Piggie will forget
someone. Undaunted, Piggie proceeds to thank the squirrels, and snake, and
pigeon, and…well, everyone. His good friend Elephant, however, is there to
remind him that he did forget someone,
someone very important. You will have to read the book to find out who and when
you do, you will be pleasantly surprised.
I love the joy in this book. Piggie is able to recognize the
good things in his life which pushes him to demonstrate overflowing generosity.
His enthusiasm is infectious. His gestures are emphatic. He is passionate about
showing his gratitude. His conversation with Elephant is funny communicates a
familiarity and affection that is usually shared by two good friends.
Let’s let Mo Willems and The
Thank You Book remind us to say thank you for all of the positive events
and people that graced our lives in 2016.
Happy New Year!
