Why Do We Say Thank You? Learning to Be Grateful by Champ Thornton

“On a fine, frosty day, in the small town of Kent,  
there awoke a young boy who was never content.”  

From the moment he wakes up, the young boy complains about everything. The sun is too bright, his pancakes are icky, and everything is so terribly boring. He can’t see why everyone else is having such a wonderful time—until his eyes are opened to the wonder of God’s world. Now he begins to see all the great things he’s missed and learns to be grateful. 

Often, kids (and grownups too) don’t feel thankful. It’s easy to complain about things, even when there are so many wonderful blessings all around us. But in the Bible, God says “in everything give thanks.” The young boy in Why Do We Say Thank You?  learns that thankfulness is a choice—it’s about paying attention to God and the glory of the world he has made. Award-winning author Champ Thornton wrote this book to help children recognize God as the source of all joy and contentment.  

Written for ages 4–7 and illustrated by Brad Woodard, Why Do We Say Thank You? is sure to become the go-to book when the kids are grumpy or complaining of boredom. A section at the end of the story for parents will help families continue the conversation far beyond the last page. 

Author:
Champ Thornton, PhD, is an acquisitions editor at Crossway. He and his wife, Robben, live in Newark, Delaware, have been married since 1996, and enjoy being parents to three energetic teenage children. He’s the author of numbers of books for kids and families, including The Radical Book for Kids, The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles, and Why Do We Say Thank You? Learning to Be Grateful.


Illustrator
Brad Woodard, BFA, has been illustrating his entire life, but decided on a major in graphic design at college. Post-college, while working as a designer, he rediscovered his love for illustration. Eventually and naturally, Brad’s illustrating and design fused together. He and his wife now run their own design and illustration studio, Brave the Woods. In addition to working with major brands, Brad shares his expertise via lectures, workshops, and online courses. He is the illustrator for Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days and Why Do We Say Thank You?