Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dan McCauley?
Dan McCauley is an educator and the author of the Thank You, World picture book series with Free Spirit Publishing. He was raised in the Bronx and now lives in Los Angeles, where he works as a learning specialist and educational therapist. He has spent more than a decade working with students with learning differences and other vulnerable populations.
He writes stories about gratitude, wonder, belonging, and the moments that help young people feel ready to meet the world.
What books has Dan written?
The Thank You, World series with Free Spirit Publishing includes four picture books: Thank You, Night (October 2024), Thank You, Rain (October 2024), Thank You, Sun (June 2025), and Thank You, Snow (January 2026).
You can learn more about each book on the Books page.
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 the 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.
Who are the books for?
The series is ideal for families and classrooms looking to slow down, notice the world around them, and build rituals of gratitude and spending time outdoors. Children's Book Watch of Midwest Book Review recommended Thank You, Snow for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections for children ages 4–9.
Who illustrates the Thank You, World books?
The series is illustrated by Jo Loring-Fisher.
Where can I buy the books?
The books are available from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Bookshop, Teacher Created Materials, and Walmart. Links for each title are on the Books page.
Have the books won any awards?
Thank You, Sun is a 2025 Mom's Best Choice Awards Gold Recipient and a 2025 Endies Endpaper Award winner in the category of The Best Before and After. Thank You, Night won a 2024 Endies Endpaper Award in the category of "best sun, moon, or stars," and Thank You, Rain won a 2024 Endies Endpaper Award in the category of "same but different."
Publishers Weekly has noted that the series "captures the beneficial qualities of mindful movement."
What is Dan working on next?
Dan is developing a sports picture book series with Curiosity Unlocked, set to debut in fall 2027. The series puts kids at the heart of the action and explores the dreams and special moments that families and communities share through sports.
He is also exploring personal narrative and longer-form memoir work about his upbringing in the Bronx.
How can I get in touch with Dan?
Send a message through the contact page about the Thank You, World series, author visits, writing, or teaching. You can also follow Dan on Instagram, or sign up for email updates on book releases and future newsletters on the homepage.