Goodnight Gratefuls

A Children’s Bedtime Book for Kids Age 3-7 About Love and Appreciation

Children - Picture Book
39 Pages
Reviewed on 10/07/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Amanda Reou introduces the Opossum family and their nightly ritual in Goodnight Gratefuls. After a full day of playing and having fun, the three children—Opal, Otto, and Oscar—are called inside to get ready for bed. They do their night-time regular habits like brushing their teeth and putting away their toys, then gather to share what they are thankful for. Each family member takes turns in sharing why they are grateful. Among things that bring joy and happiness to their lives, they include gratefulness for family, love, friends, and other gifts. The children are thankful for many things, including friends who may be different but can still be friends. They are grateful for the opportunities to help others and to look forward to the future. I highly recommend all families adopt this nightly tradition and see how gratefulness can change your outlook on life.

One of the greatest antidotes for depression and sadness is gratefulness. It is difficult to be depressed when being thankful. In Goodnight Gratefuls, Amanda Reou shares the power of words and being grateful. Your child will learn the power of being kind and speaking words of encouragement. They will enjoy the cute illustrations drawn by Amanda. As both the author and illustrator, Amanda uses her words and artistic ability to entertain young readers as they learn to be grateful. As you spend time with your children discussing what they are thankful for, you will build bonds and learn more about what they think is important. Build on the tradition in this book and have your child name at least one new thing each night for which they are grateful.

Anne-Marie Reynolds

Goodnight Gratefuls by Amanda Reou is a children's bedtime story about love and appreciation. The Opossum family follows the same routine every night, getting ready for bed where they share their family ritual: talking of all they are grateful for, everything they hold dear and love in their lives. Mother always starts the list of Gratefuls, and the rest of the family takes it in turn, each listing everything they are grateful for in their lives. Cuddles and words help the Opossum family drift off into a deep sleep every night, leaving them refreshed and grateful for everything they have.

Goodnight Gratefuls, written and illustrated by Amanda Reou, is a lovely picture book for children aged 3 to 7, although I’m pretty sure adults could benefit from showing gratitude for everything they have too! This is a cute, fun story, but it also teaches children that they have much to be grateful for – even when they think they haven’t – and it teaches them to share it all with their families and friends. It’s a feel-good story with stunning illustrations, showing everyone that ending the day by sharing ourselves and our thoughts with others helps build unbreakable bonds. This book also helps kids learn about routines and build memories to cherish forever. It is also a great way for parents and grandparents to encourage their kids and grandkids to share their thoughts at the end of every day. A lovely book that is highly recommended reading for all kids and parents.

Pikasho Deka

Goodnight Gratefuls by Amanda Reou is a picture book that follows the adventures of a small Opossum family. As the sun was about to set, Mother Opossum prepared her kids for bed. Her children, Opal, Otto, and Oscar already knew their bedtime routine. They picked up their toys, took their baths, and brushed their teeth. Finally, Mother Opossum started telling them their favorite story, which included having to say their "Goodnight Gratefuls" every night before they went to bed. After Mother Opossum's speech about family, one by one, the kids begin to speak out loud about the things they are grateful for. The kids are grateful for their friends who bring them joy. They are also grateful for their beloved family pet, their food, the bodies they have, and much more.

What are the things you're grateful for in your life? Maybe this wholesome picture book about an Opossum family will help you figure it out. Join a cute critter family and learn a few things to be grateful for with Goodnight Gratefuls. Amanda Reou tells a heartwarming story that celebrates the close-knit bond of a loving family that practices and expresses gratitude. Young readers will find a lot to love about this book. The story is not only engaging but also very inspiring and bound to put a smile on little faces. The illustrations are the cherry on top. Children will see drawings of cute Opossums, and their lively personalities really shine through in Reou's artwork. You will also learn some valuable life lessons along the way. Parents will be delighted to read this bedtime story to their children. Highly recommended!