Learning that Thankfulness Is a Choice
Why Do We Say Thank You? is the second book in Thornton’s Why Do We Say? series
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?: Learning to be Grateful (New Growth Press/October 17, 2022) by award-winning author Champ Thornton learns that thankfulness is a choice—it’s about paying attention to God and the glory of the world he has made.
On a fine, frosty day, in the small town of Kent,
There awoke a young boy who was never content.
“This is boring,” he’d say. As if nothing was good.
In this heart, he would never thank God as he should.
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 he has a dream that opens his eyes to the wonder of God’s world. Now he begins to see all the great things he’s missed and learns to be grateful.
“Boredom, complaining, and ingratitude often go hand in hand. Helping your child overcome these bad attitudes involves two things—seeing the wonder and goodness of what God has created and trusting the forgiveness we have in Jesus,” Thornton shares.
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, “Helping Your Child Learn to be Thankful,” will help families continue the conversation far beyond the last page.
Thornton writes, “Why Do We Say Thank You? uses a fun and fantastical dream to help your child visualize the connection between the goodness of the Creator and the goodness of his creation. In day-to-day life, outside this book we don’t actually see the beams of light illustrating this connection. But your child can use their senses to experience God’s creation and see the connection between God and his world through faith.”
According to Focus on the Family President, Jim Daly, “If ‘I’m bored!’ is your child’s favorite phrase, this is the book for you! The comical, colorful main character whines and wears a massive scowl . . . until he finally revisits his day through the lens of gratitude for God’s kindness and creativity. Then ‘I’m bored’ becomes ‘Oh wow! Look!’ Champ’s story deftly demonstrates the power of perspective—to kids and their parents!”
Why Do We Say Thank You? is the second book in Thornton’s Why Do We Say? series. Also available is Why Do We Say Good Night?: When You Are Afraid of the Dark.
Why Do We Say Thank You?: Learning to be Grateful
By Champ Thornton, Illustrated by Brad Woodard
October 17, 2022 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-214-0
Religion / Christian Education / Children & Youth
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Champ Thornton is an acquisitions editor at Crossway and the author of a number of books for kids and families, including The Radical Book for Kids, Pass It On, Radically Different, Why Do We Say Good Night, Wonders of His Love, The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles, and Why Do We Say Thank You?. Thornton has pastored churches in Delaware and South Carolina and served as director of SOMA, a ministry training school in Columbus, Ohio. Thornton enjoys hanging out with his family and friends, drinking coffee, listening to music, doing genealogical research, and reading theology, biographies, and fiction. Thornton and his wife, Robben, have three children and live in Newark, Delaware. Visit www.champthornton.com to learn more. He can also be found on Twitter (@champthornton) and Instagram (@thorntonchamp).
ABOUT THE 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?.
For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903.874.8363
