Authors: Soye Aguda and Raphael Aguda
Number of Pages: 10
Date of Publication: 2024
Book Reviewer: Hyginus Ekwuazi
What I’m Grateful for by Soye and Raphel Aguda, with illustration inspiration
from their son, Asher, is a slim children’s picture book centered on the principle
of gratitude. The concept is simple yet impactful, made clear from the opening
page, where a Sunday school lesson led by the only named character in the
book, Uncle Dan invites children to express what they are thankful for. Each
page that follows presents what the reader can interpret as the children’s
answers, showcasing the many blessings to be grateful for: the gift of each new
day, the gift of life, the privilege of playing in safety, having a place to call
home, the love of siblings, peace and joy in the home, the beauty of the
changing seasons, and the strength to have fun. The book concludes with an
activity page, encouraging readers to reflect on and list the things they are
personally grateful for.
In this way, the book highlights the many blessings people often overlook,
reminding children—and indeed all readers—to reflect on their lives with a
spirit of thankfulness.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its simplicity, which allows its message
to come through without ambiguity. The book goes beyond being a passive
reading experience. By inviting readers to actively participate by listing five
things they are grateful for, What I’m Grateful For fosters deeper engagement
and makes the lesson personal. This approach taps into reflective pedagogy, a
method that encourages self-exploration as a way of internalizing values. In line
with Jean Piaget’s stages of moral development, this book helps them move
beyond understanding morality purely in terms of rules, to understanding it in
the context of empathy, fairness, and gratitude.
The book’s emphasis on gratitude closely mirrors the values of community and
the recognition of blessings that are integral to daily life. The
interconnectedness of life shines through as each child expresses thankfulness
for their family, home, and the peace and security they experience. In African
cultures, communal living and mutual support are vital, and the book seamlessly
reflects this through the children’s expressions of gratitude for their siblings
(p.6) and the love they receive. The communal essence of the story hinted at in
this way, a value which most people are taking for granted more and more,
mirrors the traditional African way of life, where togetherness and collective
gratitude are celebrated in daily prayers, songs, and proverbs. This is as
encapsulated in the timeless word, ubuntu: I am because we are, which
emphasizes humanity to others.
To situate What I’m Grateful For within a broader literary and cultural tradition,
it is essential to consider its place within the genre of moral and didactic
children's literature. It ranks closely with Mo Willems’ The Thank You Book
and Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson. It loosely compares with works like
Aesop’s fables and Christian parables, which use simple narratives to teach
virtues like gratitude, kindness, and humility. While these older works may be
longer or more complex, the core of the lesson remains the same: through
stories, children learn to value the small and often overlooked blessings of life.
As a popular proverb puts it, “Little by little, the bird builds its nest.” This
reinforces the idea that gratitude for simple things can lead to great outcomes,
much like the bird that builds something significant through consistent, small
efforts.
Overall, What I’m Grateful For is a simple insightful book that not only
reminds young readers of the value of gratitude but encourages them to reflect
on the many blessings in their own lives.
Professor Hyginus EKWUAZI is a multiple award-winning writer, scholar
and consultant. He is the author of several works of research and some critically
previously published works including five collections of poetry; three stage
plays; a couple of screenplays; and two acclaimed children’s novels. Hyginus
Ekwuazi has taught broadcasting & film at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan; the
Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos; and the Dominican University, Ibadan.