Manny & the Garden of Gratitude: When You Want to Complain - Hardcover

by Michael R. Emlet (Author), Joe Hox (Illustrator)

Manny and the Garden of Gratitude helps children learn to grumble less and give thanks more.

Manny Mole has everything he needs, but not quite everything he wants, exactly how he wants it. Instead of enjoying what he has, Manny often complains and fails to see the good around him, even though his family points out all there is to be thankful for. He can't think of a single thing to paint on his stone for the meadow's Garden of Gratitude. But when a storm destroys his family's home, Manny starts to appreciate all of God's blessings and decides exactly what to add to his stone.

Edited by counselor Michael Emlet, Manny and the Garden of Gratitude highlights the value of contentment, gratitude, and trusting God. It is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series that brings gospel wisdom and biblical counsel to families. Based on CCEF's model of hope and help, each story focuses on an animal family's real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus during challenging circumstances.

A special section at the end of the book equips parents to have meaningful conversations with their children about cultivating thankful hearts, while Joe Hox's colorful and engaging illustrations captivate young readers ages four to seven by bringing the animal world to life. Together, these elements help children and parents learn how to apply God's Word and choose gratitude over complaining.

Author Biography

Michael R. Emlet, MDiv, MD, practiced as a family physician for over ten years before becoming a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He is the author of the books CrossTalk: Where Life & Scripture Meet, Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications, and Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us, and the minibooks Asperger Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Angry Children, Help for the Caregiver, and Overeating: When Enough Isn't Enough.

Joe Hox was raised on a farm in southern Iowa where he doodled whenever he wasn't spading thistles or bottle-feeding calves. Everyone knew by his crooked hay rows that he would choose art over farming. Joe taught art for twelve years before becoming a full-time illustrator. He is the illustrator for the Good News for Little Hearts series, as well as Who Is Jesus? 40 Pictures to Share with Your Family, written by his wife, Kate.