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Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
Thankful Over the Clouds with Asha is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by the Bartel family. The story follows Asha, a young girl who bonds with a turkey over the fact that they both miss their families. The turkey explains that he cannot get to his family because they are far away, and he cannot fly to them. Asha remembers that she also misses her grandparents, who are also far away. She tells the turkey that thinking of things that bring her joy, like her pet dog and crayons, or things that make her feel safe, like her fuzzy socks and bedtime stories that chase away nightmares, makes her feel lighter. As they start sharing things they are thankful for that bring them happiness, they gradually begin to feel lighter, eventually floating into the sky.
Thankful Over the Clouds with Asha is an inspiring story that teaches readers about finding comfort and joy even in sad times. It conveys a profound message about coping with sadness and loneliness, whether from breaking a favorite toy, losing a loved one, or being separated from them. The Bartel family’s storytelling encourages open discussions between children and adults about loss and sadness, while also reminding us that cherishing happy memories and joyful things can help soothe our pain. I love how the story builds as Asha and the turkey share what they are thankful for, creating suspense and anticipation. The colorful illustrations beautifully complement the narrative. They effectively capture the emotions of Asha and the turkey and use a consistent warm color scheme that creates a calming effect on the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children to inspire them to be hopeful and grateful, even in difficult times.
