THE MOST THANKFUL THING
by Lisa McCourt & illustrated by Cyd Moore
A young girl explores her mother’s scrap book searching for clues to discover the one thing for which her mother feels most grateful. From camping days to college graduation, each time the girl declares she’s found the ultimate moment, her mom responds that it’s not quite her “most thankful thing.” McCourt’s narrative, set in a dialogue format between mother and child, neatly segues from past to present as the mother reminisces about her accomplishments. While the course of the story contains no surprises for readers—the daughter holds the title’s honored role—the novelty of exploring a mother’s “pre-mom” days will hold great appeal for many youngsters. Moore’s color-filled, joyous illustrations capture the essential magic inherent in so many wonderful memories. Her pictures neatly blend the present time with past moments by overlaying current images on the black background of the scrapbook pages filled with notes, mementos, and photos. Like the child in the tale, readers will enjoy spending a long time poring over the many fun details included in the illustrations. (Picture book. 4-8)