The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Greg Shed ages 4-8 32 pages Simon & Schuster Children's September 2005 Hardcover     The Secret of Saying Thanks is the perfect book for gift-giving this year, for any occasion. What better way to teach a child about what is important in life than with a big, beautifully illustrated book filled with inspiration and warmth? Author Douglas Wood, who also wrote Old Turtle and A Quiet Place, has teamed with a self-taught San Diego-based artist named Greg Shed whose illustrations blend dreamy colors and images with the texture of cloth for a truly warm effect. Together, they offer children and adults alike a unique book filled with lyrical text and imagery that evokes the wonder of the natural world and a real appreciation for the good things in life – things like family, friends, dogs and love. The theme is being thankful, and how gratitude is the secret behind what really makes us happy, and the book has an uplifting spirituality to it that can be enjoyed by anyone of any background, religion or creed. The Secret of Saying Thanks pays homage to the gentle shade of a tree on a sunny day, or the song of birds upon the wing, or the mystical, magical starry night sky. Or just spending time with those we love and who love us. This is a gorgeous book that will become a family treasure, the kind of book parents will want to read together with their children so that everyone can feel inspired by this gentle but profound reminder of just how much we have to be thankful for.       web reviews   Marie D. Jones/2005 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)