These thoughtful picture books will help youngsters recognize and value thankfulness this holiday season.

"Giving Thanks: Poems, Prayers, and Praise Songs of Thanksgiving" edited with reflections by Katherine Paterson; illustrated by Pamela Dalton; Chronicle Books; 56 pages; $18.99.

The creators of this beautiful compilation believe that the most remarkable of human emotions is gratitude, or thankfulness. A reminder at the opening of this cut-paper wonder lets us know that Meister Eckhart, who died 700 years ago, said, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is 'thank you,' it will be enough." Thus begins this lovely collaboration between two extraordinary artists, with over 50 graces, poems and praise songs from a wide array of cultures, religions and voices.

A truly lovely gift book for all ages with exquisite "scissor cuts" paper art from Dalton and lots of nature scenes and gentle verses, "Giving Thanks" will certainly help all readers be more thankful.

"Thanksgiving Day Thanks" by Laura Malone Elliott; illustrated by Lynn Munsinger; 32 pages; $17.99.

Elliott, author of the award-winning "Hunter" series, and Munsinger, illustrator of such gems as "The Teeny Tiny Ghost," collaborate here on a zesty picture book read. Sam the bear doesn't know what his special holiday project will be and hasn't discovered for what he's thankful. Because the other students are eager, determined and specific in what they want to make and start — tribal beads, a pumpkin pie-making contest, soup drive and miniature Mayflower — Sam feels sad about his indecisiveness.

Eventually, he figures out his contribution will be a holiday parade, even after a weather uproar threatens to ruin everyone's celebration.

Seasonal colors and a fun look make this relatable picture book a sure young-fan favorite. There's also a page at the end with a historical background of Thanksgiving and other facts.

"Over the River and Through the Wood" by L. Maria Child; illustrated by Christopher Manson; 32 pages; $8.99.

Originally titled, "A New England Boy's Song About Thanksgiving Day," Child wrote this poem for her book "Flowers for Children, Volume 2" in 1844. Based on her memories of traveling to her grandfather's house for Thanksgiving, the poem is a favorite even now.

With a vintage, old-fashioned look, smaller layout and original punctuation and spelling, this edition of a classic is a heartwarming, homey wonder. Readers will enjoy the longer lyrics, which capture timelessly the joy of family get-togethers. This classic book is a great gift to bring along to read aloud at any holiday table.

"The Thankful Book" by Todd Parr; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 32 pages; $9.99.

Pop artist Todd Parr's vibrant children's books are uber-popular. This sturdy book, featuring the rounded, simple line drawings for which he's famous, starts with a cut-out picture frame showcasing a multicolored (purple, yellow and blue) family. Each person and animal then delivers a thankful message — "I am thankful for my hair because it makes me unique," "I am thankful for my shadow because it makes me look taller," and even "I am thankful for underwear because I like to wear it on my head."

Quirky, zippy, brightly colored, and funny, Parr's cool new book ends with, "I am thankful for holidays because they bring my family together!"

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.