I love using the book to talk to children about being grateful, giving thanks and good manners, as well as themes of friendship, sharing and gratitude. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman is a classroom favorite for the month of November. The story is about a lonely bear with empty cupboards who decides to throw a feast. His generous friends arrive one by one with plenty of food to share. Bear shows his appreciation for each offering with the memorable refrain, “bear says thanks.”
Check out the activities and worksheets I use to extend on the themes for this story here.