Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired the Thank You, World series?

During the pandemic, my wife and I started taking long walks in the evening. Over time, we began saying thank you to everything that made us feel better: the grass beneath our feet, the wind bristling the leaves, the houses on the hill. One day, I started writing those moments down, and eventually, Thank You, Night emerged.

As the series grew, I drew from deeper roots: walks my siblings and I took with our Dad inspired Thank You, Rain and Thank You, Snow, and Thank You, Sun became a love letter to my Mom.

So much of kids' lives today are dominated by pace and technology. But every day, the world offers all of us small ways to slow down. That's what this series is about.

What makes your books different from other mindfulness books for kids?

Many mindfulness books for kids tell children about gratitude. The Thank You, World series lets them discover it.

The books aren't didactic, and they don't lecture about the benefits of being present. Instead, they invite children to notice and wonder alongside the characters. A child watches how nature makes the characters feel, and begins to understand those feelings for themselves.

And while every story pairs a child with a trusted, loving adult, it's the child who drives the discovery. The adults model and guide, but they give space. The message isn't just "nature is beautiful" – it's "nature can change how I feel if I'm open to it."

Are there discussion questions or activities to go along with the books?

Yes! Each book has discussion questions and activities in the back of them for families and educators. No prep needed. Just a book and a willingness to step outside.

The Thank You, World Series with Free Spirit Publishing and Illustrator Jo Loring-Fisher

Name: Children's Book Watch / Midwest Book Review
Author: Children's Book Watch, Midwest Book Review

Ideal for families and classrooms looking to slow down, notice the world around them, and build rituals of gratitude and spending time outdoors.

Thank You, Night (October 2024)

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Thank You, Rain (October 2024)

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Thank You, Sun (June 2025)

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Thank You, Snow (January 2026)

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What Readers & Experts Are Saying

"The Thank You, World series is an opportunity to slow down and breathe, offering children an intentional moment to explore gratitude and mindfulness and to appreciate just how wonderful nature can be." -- Mallika Chopra, author of Just Breathe

"Captures the beneficial qualities of mindful movement."-- Publishers Weekly

"This is an extraordinarily beautiful story and book, with equally beautiful illustrations, too. The way this story comes to life, a la its named and unnamed characters, is remarkably invitational. Children (and adults alike) can imagine themselves, their relatives, or their friends as any of the characters and become embedded in the story.

You can hear the rain, the conversation, and the splashing of the puddles more as you engage with the printed text (thanks to its font, size, and spacing). Thank you for creating such a story, sharing its characters, and inviting all of us as readers to engage with gratitude in this way. And for all the tips and reflection questions at the end! What a gift!" -- Chief Mission and Impact Officer, Charter School Network in New York City

"From the moment I read the first page, a smile was on my face! There is a serenity in this book that is captivating to children and adults alike. As a Child Psychiatrist, I am constantly being asked for good children's books and gifts. Thank You, Rain (Thank You, World) is at the top of my list!" -- Child Psychiatrist, NYU Langone

"Thank You, Snow" is a delightful and thoroughly 'kid friendly' picture book celebration of snow and promotes an appreciation for nature in all seasons. It also carries a message about the value of optimism, mindfulness, gratitude, and connection. Of special note is the inclusion of continued conversation questions on the story's themes and suggestions for practicing mindfulness and gratitude -- while also showing children how to embrace new experiences and use their senses to connect with the natural world around them. While unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library nature themed picture book collections for children ages 4-9. -- Children's Book Watch, Midwest Book Review

Awards and Recognition

2025 Thank You, Sun Mom's Best Choice Awards Gold Recipient

2025 Thank You, Sun Endies Endpaper Award Winner in the category of The Best Before and After

2024 Thank You Night Endies Endpaper Award winner in the categories of "best sun, moon, or stars."

2024 Thank You, Rain Endies Endpaper Award winner in the category of "same but different".

A child steps outside on a quiet summer night, surrounded by glowing fireflies beneath a star-filled sky, and feels a sense of calm — from Thank You, Night by Dan McCauley. — "I step outside. I take in the warm air and feel my chest open up. I hear crickets around me sing."

A child asks his Papa if they can go for a walk after a branch taps their window and he steps outside. The child and his Papa say thank you to the breeze before they start moving, from Thank You, Night by Dan McCauley. — "'Can we go for our walk?' I ask Papa. Papa smiles, 'of course we can.'"

A child reminds herself to pause and notice the rain before she keeps going on her walk with her Dad, from Thank You, Rain by Dan McCauley. — "'Slow down,' I think, 'and listen to the rain.'"

A young girl and her younger brother take shelter underneath a tree in their neighborhood, and they laugh. Their Dad reminds them to take a moment and listen to the rain. From Dan McCauley's book, Thank You, Rain. — "'Marcus and I giggle as we barely escape the rain shower in front of us.'"

A young boy, his mom, and their dog are enjoying a walk underneath the evening sunset, and the boy is reminding himself to take a breath. From Dan McCauley's book Thank You, Sun. — "Breathe."

A young boy and his mom revel in the beauty of the sunset as they look out from the top of the hill, hugging each other. From Dan McCauley's book, Thank You, Sun. — "Mama and I marvel at how, even as it sets, the sun lights the sky, glowing red, gold, and orange. 'Thank You, Sunset,' we say."

A young girl and her family are walking in the snow, noticing all the sights around them and are expressing gratitude for different things they've enjoyed from the snow. From Dan McCauley's book Thank You, Snow. — "'Thank you, Snow Angels!' 'Thank you, Sky.' 'Thank you, Trees.' 'Thank you, Breath.'"

A young girl and her mom take breaths outside as it snows, making snow clouds with their deep breath. The young girl expresses gratitude for her breath. From Dan McCauley's book Thank You, Snow. — "Breathe in. Breathe out."