Gracias, Thanks

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mora, P., Parra, J., & Domínguez, A. (2009). Gracias, Thanks. New York: Lee & Low Books. ISBN: 1600602584

PLOT SUMMARY

Gracias, Thanks is a book about a young boy very thankful for the simple things in his life. Throughout this text, the boy expresses his gratitude for the sun that wakes him in the morning, friendship, family, and so many more things!

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a recommended read for all students that are bilingual or would like to learn the Spanish language. Pat Mora teaches English and Spanish readers to cherish the small things they have in life! Although the main character is Spanish, readers of all nationalities can connect with this book through the diverse illustrations. Pat Mora’s creatively integrates the Spanish language in this poetic read by writing Spanish on one side and the English translations on the other side.

In addition, many readers will explore many cultural markers in this picture book. John Para does an excellent job with sharing the elements of the Spanish culture with his beautiful illustrations. Students will be drawn to the bright Spanish hues (yellow, red, blue, orange, & green).   Students will also be able to notice that Hispanic people can comes in all different shades of color from dark brown to lighter skin tones.  

Students are able to see throughout the book how much the Spanish culture value their family and friends. While the main character is giving the thanks, the illustrations shows him spending time with  the people he cares about the most.  After reading this book, students of all different nationalities will learn the importance of being thankful of the simple things in life.

 REVIEW EXCERPTS

From School Library Journal

"This delightful bilingual book has universal appeal and would be a wonderful choice for library storytimes or classroom read-alouds as the giving thanks theme lends itself to holidays and social topics. The author endnote challenges readers to list the things for which they are thankful. A must buy for all libraries looking to add to their children Spanish collections."–Shannon Dye Gemberling, Peoria Public Library, AZ

From Booklist

“Parra’s vivid acrylic illustrations have the feel of folk-art woodcuts and whimsically portray the details of the boy’s world, from his kite and books to his tennis shoes and ice cream. Books of thanks can run toward clichés, but the originality and liveliness of language and art in this one will inspire children to consider their own blessings.”

Connections

Check out this lesson for this book!!https://education.byu.edu/sites/default/files/SOCIALLEARNING/documents/gracias-thanks.pdf