ALA Booklist (Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2004)

A young boy tells of walking through the fields and woods with his father, who believes that the gifts of nature call for a response. As they hike, the father says Thank you to the frogs, the fox, the mushrooms, the quail, the sun, and the other beautiful things they see. The boy muses that it's a little embarrassing to say thanks to trees and things, but by the end of the day he finds himself saying Thank you to the stars. The admission of self-consciousness lends credibility to the boy's voice and point of view, and Manchess' illustrations are quite handsome--impressionistic oil paintings with light, shadows, and colors changing throughout the daylong walk. A book that fosters respect for the natural world through a relatively simple text and illustrations that express the beauty and dignity of nature.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 2004)

"Like his Indian friends... / Dad believes that the things of nature / are a gift." So the boy and his dad in this painterly, autumnal-colored oil-on-linen picture book go about saying "Thank you" to the animals in their wilderness setting--it's unclear for what, exactly. The premise is slim, the free verse undistinguished, and the paintings, though attractively lush and realistic, lack pizzazz.

Kirkus Reviews

A young boy explains how his Dad, like his Indian friends, believes that things of nature are a gift and in return something must be given back—a thank you. Every morning, his Dad says, "Thank you Mother Earth. Thank you Father Sky. Thank you for this day." As they walk together on a beautiful autumnal day, he thanks the frogs and crickets, fox, mushrooms, deer, quail, rabbit, and hawk. The tone is respectful, gentle, and appreciative of the wonders of nature. His father thanking trees and wildlife creatures embarrasses the boy, but his dad tells him it will become a habit for him too, and the story ends with the boy thanking the stars. Manchess's beautiful oil-on-linen paintings create the reverent atmosphere with rich earthly colors. His painterly style and perspective brings focus on each creature amid the panorama and subtlely juxtapose man's place on earth. A simple message with a unique spirituality enriched with handsome art. (Picture book. 4-8)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-A simple prayer of appreciation for being alive and at one with nature. As a father and son take a hike through the countryside on a sunny fall day, the young narrator explains, "Dad believes that the things of nature are a gift. And that in return, we must give something back. We must give thanks." The man expresses his gratitude for various animals, insects, and trees, as well as for Grandfather Sun and Grandmother Moon. Though the youngster claims it feels strange to offer praise in this way, his father explains that it soon becomes a habit "that makes you feel good." As evening moves in and the two head home, the boy ventures a quiet "Thank you, stars." Large, colorful, oil-on-linen illustrations beautifully depict the various objects described in the text. Among the animals skillfully represented are a raccoon, a fox, a hawk, and a deer. Warm shades of green, brown, and gold grace the realistic paintings of an autumn landscape. Similar in tone to Chief Jake Swamp's Giving Thanks (Lee & Low, 1995), this is a gentle reminder to cherish what nature bestows so freely.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.