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November 10, 2022   |   Marie Bouteillon

‘Tis the Season to Be Grateful

When stores begin staging their Christmas decorations, you know it’s time to start having conversations about being grateful

At this time of the year, my daughter and I participate in the Season of Giving in Decatur. Individuals and families sign up to purchase items for kids in need. We won’t meet the child, but we’ve gotten to know a lot about them: their interests, their clothing sizes, their reading level, their needs and wants for Christmas, their favorite colors, characters and series they enjoy...   

Together, my daughter and I compile items to give to them. If a child needs a winter coat, that must be our top priority. It’s an excellent opportunity to discuss how our basic needs, such as clothing, are met.   

There are so many reasons to be grateful for, and they don’t all involve something materialistic. We can be fortunate to have a roof over our head, warmth in our homes, love from our family, food on the table. We can be lucky to be together, to be seen and appreciated, to have friends. I handpicked a few French titles to help children become aware of their fortitude. These books will make great additions to both the classroom and wonderful books to read at home.   

We wish you lots of meaningful conversations this season, - Diego and Marie

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A trois on a moins froid
A trois on a moins froid

A trois on a moins froid

When we have a warm home, we can share it with friends. It may not be quite as comfortable and spacious as it once felt, but it can be a great way to share warmth. Grades PSch-2. 

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Un bon chocolat chaud
Un bon chocolat chaud

Un bon chocolat chaud

A favorite in our house. It is cold, and our three friends are getting ready to have some hot chocolate when someone knocks on the door. Barbosine isn’t too thrilled, but she shares her hot chocolate. A sweet way to learn about how sharing never goes unnoticed! Grades PSch-2

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Palmir (French)
Palmir (French)

Palmir (French)

The story of a young dragon who overcomes such incredible challenges with an empty suitcase. When he arrives at his new school, he receives something a suitcase cannot hold. A story to show students how kindness can be a way of filling someone’s bucket. Grades K-2

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Le manteau
Le manteau

Le manteau

Lison just loves her sister’s red coat! She cannot wait for her sister to outgrow it so she can get to wear it. Finally, the day has come, but on her walk to school, Lison crosses paths with another child and her mother. The two are cold and shivering. Watch how Lison gives her most prized possession, and walks away with a warm feeling inside. Grades 1-3.

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Réunis
Réunis

Réunis

In this family, we are grateful that we get to see each other once a year, when Daddy comes back from working far from home. Just being together (réunis) is something special. Grades 1-3.

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L’arbre de Noël
L’arbre de Noël

L’arbre de Noël

How someone’s trash can become someone’s else’s treasure. A story of a young homeless boy who takes such great care of the Christmas tree no one wanted. A tale of gratitude for all things small. Grades 1-3

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La lanterne de Tonton
La lanterne de Tonton

La lanterne de Tonton

For Chinese New Year, Zaodi receives a pretty lantern from her uncle. I love the storytelling language that Wang Yage uses. Students will learn about Lunar New Year traditions, and will see how Zaodi is appreciative of this special gift. Grades 1-3. 

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Terminus
Terminus

Terminus

Tom and his grandma travel across town to help in a food kitchen. The trip across town makes visible the disparities amongst neighborhoods, and can encourage discussions about where we live. Serving familiar faces helps Tom appreciate the act of giving back. Grades 1-3.

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Invisible
Invisible

Invisible

Tom Percival grew up in poverty, and writes this extremely realistic story of a young girl who is and feels invisible to those who have means. Even in these moments of uncertainty, she finds happiness in the love her parents have for her, and in making a difference in her neighborhood. Grades 1-4.  

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Pablo trouve un trésor
Pablo trouve un trésor

Pablo trouve un trésor

Pablo and Sofia live in a shanty town. Every morning, they head out to the piles of garbage to look for recyclables and discarded items that they might need. Today is Pablo’s lucky day! Grades 2-5

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Jouer aux fantômes
Jouer aux fantômes

Jouer aux fantômes

The young narrator is fully aware of his mom’s struggles with poverty, and yet protects her by not sharing what he sees. This book will make older students appreciate the privilege of having a roof over their heads. Grades 3-5. 

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