The Secret of Saying Thanks [Hardcover]

Douglas Wood (Author), Greg Shed (Illustrator)

Book Description

Perhaps you'd like to know a secret, one of the happiest ones of all.

You will surely find it for yourself one day.

You'll discover it all on your own, maybe when you least expect it. If you've not yet discovered the secret of saying thanks, it's waiting for you. The secret can be found in the sunrise that offers promises full for the day ahead, or in the gentle shade of a tree sheltering you from the hot rays of the sun, or on the rock that offers rest from a long walk.

In the inspirational text that made him a bestselling, internationally acclaimed author, Douglas Wood offers a spiritual homage to nature and the world. Greg Shed's stunning portraits of the natural world tenderly portray all of the many ways in which we can say thanks for the wonders we sometimes take granted in life.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–A quiet, reflective piece on the importance of a grateful attitude. With a light hand, Wood shares the idea that there is a secret [in life], one of the happiest ones of all. Readers may discover it as the sun welcomes a new day, or maybe it will come when they really notice a flower and its fragrance for the first time. Maybe just some cool shade on a hot day or hearing a bird sing will lead them to say, Thank you. There is much to be grateful for: the stars, the moon aglow at night, lakes and rivers, ponds or puddles, family and people we love. Each spread is a reminder of the wonders around us. The heart that gives thanks is a happy one….We don't give thanks because we're happy. We are happy because we give thanks. This is a pleasing story for times of contemplation. It is not heavy-handed or preachy, and should appeal across cultures or religions. While it has a definite spiritual tone, it does not promote a singular point of view. Shed's oil illustrations of a young girl and her golden retriever noticing the world around them appear as though they are being viewed through a gauzy shade. The effect plays well with the peaceful nature of the text. This title could be used anywhere books with values lessons are in demand.–Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA
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About the Author

Douglas Wood is the author of A Quiet Place as well as the New York Times bestselling Can't Do series. His books Old Turtle and Old Turtle and the Broken Truth were both international bestsellers. He lives in a cabin in the woods of Minnesota. A studied naturalist, Douglas shares his knowledge of nature as a wilderness guide.

Greg Shed is a self-taught artist who lives in San Diego, California. He has illustrated numerous children's books and his artwork is known for its light and texture. His hobbies include hiking, music, and American history.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (September 27, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689854102
• ISBN-13: 978-0689854101
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 10 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Thanksgiving

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary, February 21, 2007

By 

M. RingswaldEgan "Mark" (Cincinnati, OH, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secret of Saying Thanks (Hardcover)

Douglas Wood is a breath a fresh air in our consumeristic world. He offers children a view of life that treasures the simple pleasures, and appreicate each moment life has to offer. A real find for children - AND adults.
The core message of this book has become MY daily reflection for the year. His books resonate deeply in me and my children LOVE them.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Touching Story, January 9, 2007

By 

C. Feldman "prayers of light" (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secret of Saying Thanks (Hardcover)

This book is filled with beautiful, richly colored pictures, and descriptive language that paints a picture of its own. I read this story aloud before our Thanksgiving dinner and it added such meaning to the day. Children and adults alike will treasure this book. It is something that will be a new tradition in our home.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For all ages, October 11, 2008

By 

M. Rozo (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secret of Saying Thanks (Hardcover)

I seldom write product reviews, but this one merits the time. I borrowed the book from my local library to read to my 4 year old, and was thoroughly touched. Most of us are rushing through our daily lives, with little time to reflect on anything. Reading the story to my son gave me the time to reflect on my own life, and time to say "Thanks". I'm purchasing it with the hope that, as my son grows, he will find time for reflection, and that this book touches him as it did me.