Book Trailer Premiere: Thankful by Elaine Vickers and Samantha Cotterill

I'm THANKFUL Elaine Vickers and Samantha Cotterill are here to share Thankful's delightful book trailer. Thank you, Elaine and Samantha! 

Samantha Cotterill: Elaine and I are beyond thrilled to share with you the official trailer for our upcoming book, Thankful, which debuts September 7. Thankful is a beautifully written story, highlighting the celebration of everyday things that make life special. It couldn’t be more timely for me personally, as the emotional transition of sending off my eldest to college has been supported through many a meditative read of Thankful and its reminder of the healing power that pause and reflection can have on one’s soul. Elaine’s thoughtful “I am thankful for a heart that beats, and every breath, in and out, in and out” has already saved this emotional mother at many points this past week, and is one that will no doubt support anyone embarking on a new chapter of their own. Thankful is a perfect reminder to observe and take note of the joys in one’s life, from the small to the big.

Elaine Vickers: Sam, thank you for that beautiful introduction--and for the incredible job you did on the trailer. The art, animation, and every aspect of the filmmaking are entirely Sam, but I'm so grateful to have been able to come through with the KIDS! The first voice you'll hear in the video is my daughter's; the rest are audio clips we collected from our neighbors, cousins, and friends, expressing thanks for everything from friends to art to "the ninja star I found while I was camping" (from a very enthusiastic five-year-old.) There wasn't room in the trailer to include all of the voices, but the audio clips we collected were as diverse as the kids themselves, and every single one brought such joy to my heart.

Sam and I hope is that this video--and this book!--will be a gentle and loving reminder of all we have to be thankful for, even when challenges arise.

To Mr. Schu, and Sam, and the whole team at Paula Wiseman/S&S, and especially to readers, I am so very thankful for you.

Thank you!!! -John 

Borrow Thankful from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops. 

Simon & Schuster's Description: Stunning, diorama illustrations bring to life this lullaby of a picture book about celebrating everyday things that make life wonderful.

I am thankful for a home where I am safe and warm.
Thankful for parents who read me stories and comb my hair gently, gently.
Who whisper the same poem every night when they tuck me in.

When the first snow falls, a little girl writes down the things she’s thankful for on strips of paper and links them together. As one idea leads to another, her chain grows longer. There’s so much good in her life: a friend, things that are warm, things that are cold, color, things that can be fixed. This beautiful story is a much-needed reminder to observe and honor life’s small joys.