Mighty Thankful
by Daniel Georges
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Pub Date Oct 01 2025 | Archive Date Nov 30 2025
My Crazy Stories | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
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Description
A mischievous kid. A caring babysitter. An unforgettable lesson in gratitude.
Jimmy is fortunate to have plenty, but he isn’t aware of it. In the care of Cherry, a new babysitter, Jimmy embarks on his usual wild antics. Cherry’s gentle wisdom will open his eyes to the true meaning of gratitude—for not every child has the same blessings he takes for granted.
With playful storytelling and a heartwarming lesson, Mighty Thankful encourages kids to appreciate what they have, while also introducing important values and themes like empathy, respect, parents' unconditional love, sacrifice, multicultural diversity, and economic differences—all presented in a soft way children can understand.
Perfect for storytime at home or classroom read-alouds, and much in the spirit of Thanksgiving, this children's picture book (Ages 4-8) sparks memorable conversations about gratefulness and reminds kids that: Respect is the best way to be thankful!
From My Crazy Stories ORIGINALS, a new line of children’s picture books following the much-beloved, award-winning My Crazy Stories SERIES.
A Note From the Publisher
Hardcover: 9781735873954
Illustrated by Daniel Georges
Hardcover: 9781735873954
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781735873947 |
| PRICE | $11.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 40 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 37 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1776654
I was not expecting the chaos! I liked the tone of it, and how the lesson was woven into the story so that it felt authentic.
A surprising moral at the end of the story to have children being grateful for what they've got. When Jimmy's parents go out for the evening and leave him with a new babysitter, he runs a little wild. The babysitter puts into perspective how good Jimmy's life is and helps him to realize that he might need to change his ways and show more gratitude for his life.
Reviewer 1725327
This was super cute and fun! A perfect book for kids to learn thankfulness and how to behave and respect. I thought it was adorable and the boy being wild when his parents left was fun! Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mighty Thankful delivers a valuable, multicultural lesson on appreciation through the story of a mischievous boy, Jimmy. After he "goes mighty wild," his babysitter, Cherry, gently helps him see that not all children have the things he takes for granted. The playful storytelling effectively introduces important themes like empathy and kindness for young readers aged 4-8. While the illustrations are vibrant and the message is heartwarming, the narrative's delivery can sometimes feel a bit straightforward and focused on the lesson. It's a great book for sparking conversations about gratitude, but it could use a little more whimsy to balance its direct approach.
Mighty Thankful by Daniel Georges is such a charming and heartwarming read for kids. The story beautifully teaches gratitude in a simple, engaging way that young readers can easily relate to. The illustrations are bright, expressive, and full of life,perfectly capturing the joy of learning to be thankful.
I really loved the positive message and the gentle tone throughout. My only small wish is that it were a bit longer, since I was enjoying it so much! Still, it’s a lovely book to share with children and a wonderful conversation starter about kindness and appreciation.
Cheltzey C, Reviewer
A mischievous kid. A caring babysitter. An unforgettable lesson in gratitude.
Jimmy is fortunate to have plenty, but he isn’t aware of it. In the care of Cherry, a new babysitter, Jimmy embarks on his usual wild antics. Cherry’s gentle wisdom will open his eyes to the true meaning of gratitude—for not every child has the same blessings he takes for granted.
With playful storytelling and a heartwarming lesson, Mighty Thankful encourages kids to appreciate what they have, while also introducing important values and themes like empathy, respect, parents' unconditional love, sacrifice, multicultural diversity, and economic differences—all presented in a soft way children can understand.
Perfect for storytime at home or classroom read-alouds, and much in the spirit of Thanksgiving, this children's picture book (Ages 4-8) sparks memorable conversations about gratefulness and reminds kids that: Respect is the best way to be thankful!
This was such a great reminder for my kids and myself too. This was such a sweet read.
Sweet, heartwarming and truly hits home. I can relate to this one. This will really help kids to be thankful. The artwork is also great. I'm wondering if the Daniel Georges do comics. If he do, then he is awesome.
The illustrations in this book set out of this world realistic. This was such an important book and I feel like it will be a great tool to teach kids how to be thankful and what they shouldn’t do in a way that is still fun and enjoyable
M T, Reviewer
Follow "Jimmy Mighty" on an adventure as he learns a lesson in being Grateful/Thankful.
He realizes his parents are going out & he can misbehave with his babysitter. He is a tyrant, & his sitter is crying. He finally settles down to listen to what his babysitter has to say & learns he has a lot to be thankful for that he's taken for granted.
A sweet book that teaches a lesson. Brightly colored pictures on each page to draw kids in & keep their attention.
I don't care for the bad example he is for most of the book, that's why I gave 4 stars instead of 5.
Thanks to the publisher, author & netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.
Reviewer 1889449
A very realistic and relatable story. Loved the message and the artwork. Definitley the type of book I'd want to buy for my own kids.
Educator 1912746
I love the silly characters and illustrations. I think it feels a bit rushed, and parts of the text feel crowded. I think it could be more graphic novel/comic book style. I like the morale at the end and the cross cultural connection with the scooter. I think that Cherry should say specifically where she is from.
Pamela G, Librarian
I received an electronic ARC from My Crazy Stories | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles through NetGalley.
Jimmy can't wait for his parents to leave and the babysitter to be in charge. That's when he turns into Mighty Jimmy and wreaks havoc on his home. This time after making messes and being rude and mean, he discover his new babysitter crying in the kitchen. She shares her story and it makes Jimmy think. She tells him how lucky he is to have food, a home and family with him. Cherry makes him think and changes his life. The two enjoy more evenings together and he is thrilled when she can return to her country and see her son. The illustrations capture the chaos and the changes as the book progresses. Written for younger elementary level and would be a terrific read together.
Misty J, Reviewer
This was a great book to read to my son at bedtime- I like the lesson it teaches, about being grateful for what you have and learning to enjoy things. Hopefully I can use it to teach him how to be grateful in the moment, as I can refer back to this as needed.
He laughed at the story and it was highly entertaining for him- I also enjoyed the illustrations.
Well I did not expect to cry this early in the morning! What a wonderfully illustrated book with a powerful and important message. I am immediately buying for my library and recommending to all librarians in my district!
Sophie C, Reviewer
Mighty Thankful is a sweet and meaningful story about a little boy named Jimmy who gives his poor babysitter a very hard time. He’s wild, messy, and manages to turn the whole house upside down! But everything changes when the babysitter tells Jimmy about her own little boy. Hearing her story makes Jimmy stop and think—and suddenly he realizes how lucky he is and how much he has to be thankful for.
In a Nutshell: A lovely picture book teaching a much-needed lesson in today’s world. Great story, quirky illustrations, excellent life lessons. A standalone new entrant to the ‘My Crazy Stories’ universe. Recommended.
Plot Preview:
When Jimmy’s parents are going out for the evening, they leave him in the hands of a new babysitter named Ms. Cherry. Jimmy behaves wonderfully until his parents leave, and then unleashes his hidden side. With him flexing his speed and fearlessness and temper, Ms. Cherry has a tough time keeping up. But then, something happens and Jimmy is forced to question his attitude.
The story is written in Jimmy’s first-person perspective.
We are living in a material world, and we are raising a material generation because of our short-term thinking. Giving so many things to children – at times, even if they don’t need anything new – trains children to take their possessions for granted. Instead of being grateful for what they have, they constantly want more. The blame for this is entirely on the shoulders of the caregivers, no doubt. But here’s a storybook that will hopefully help kids themselves realise their privilege.
Jimmy’s character is representative of many children today. He has no value for what he owns, does what he wants without respect for those around him, and throws tantrums when things don’t go his way. Plus, he shows one side of his personality in front of his parents, and behind their back, the paragon of virtue turns into the pinnacle of obstinacy.
Ms. Cherry was an angel; I would have lost my cool with Jimmy within the first five minutes. While I would have preferred her to be more stern, I still admire how she instilled good values in Jimmy without demeaning him. Moreover, her admonishment isn't restricted to generalised aphorisms but includes practical advice. More kids could do with such babysitters (and parents).
As the story comes in Jimmy’s first-person POV, it has quite easy-to-understand vocabulary, There is a good use of capitalisation, repetition, hyperbole, and exclamations. Some lines are written in slang, but they suit Jimmy’s verbal style. While there is a lot of text on some pages, it is neatly spaced out and never feels cluttered.
The illustrations are somewhat quirky. As the character sketches aren’t in the typical style we see in children’s books, the graphics have a sort of freshness. Ms. Cherry’s eyes appear somewhat devoid of emotion at times, but this is counterbalanced by Jimmy’s vivid expressions. You can actually see the mischievous glint in his eyes. While the illustrations are digitally sketched by the author, many of the pages include inserts of actual photos. The page with the popcorn disaster, for instance, uses images of actual popcorn kernels to indicate the mess. This takes some time to get used to, but the technique adds an unusual depth and realism to the otherwise cartoonish look. I especially loved the “Let’s Fly” page, with the graphics transitioning from Jimmy to someone special to Cherry – so beautifully done!
Overall, this is a great story to inculcate an attitude of gratitude in little ones (and hopefully, in their parents too. It delivers well on entertainment as well as morals, thus making it an excellent option for children.
This book is a part of the ‘My Crazy Stories’ series, which seems to be a set of standalone books each focussing on one important moral lesson. Given my experience with this book, I’d definitely love to explore more books from this series.
Much recommended. This picture book would be a great option for little ones aged 3-8 years.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to My Crazy Stories and IBPA for providing the DRC of “Mighty Thankful” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
A spoiled brat learns a lesson in gratitude. Jimmy is crazy. I would not want to be his babysitter. But with a new babysitter, he soon realizes that he can’t treat people poorly without hurting them. His new babysitter helps him understand why he should be grateful and not take things he has for granted. It was timely with my 4yo daughter.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
Reviewer 1935836
Mighty Thankful by Daniel Georges
I really like the message this book brings and think it would be a great book to give for Thanksgiving.
The moral of the story is to be thankful for the things you have and not to disrespect them or your parents.
Jimmy has a new babysitter named Cherry. Jimmy gives Cherry a run for her money by acting out and being disrespectful. The story goes on with Cherry teaching Jimmy to be respectful for the things he has. As an adult you really feel sorry for Cherry as we have all met a Jimmy.
I like the way the author changes the Jimmy name after each stunt he pulls. The illustrations are cute and whimsical and sure to delight children.
This is a good story time book and can open discussion on respect and care for your things.
I was surprisingly pleased with this book. Jimmy Mighty is an absolute brat. Left with a new babysitter for the evening, it’s not long before he shows his true colors. Will Cherry regain some peace and harmony in the home, or will Jimmy rule the roost and drive her out?
The book had the potential to almost condone bad behavior. Instead, it set the scene, revealing undesirable behavior. It demonstrated the consequences. It then taught some valuable life lessons. It was an enjoyable read that I would recommend as part of a wider discussion.
A great read with an even greater sentiment. Really enjoyed this one, a lovely way to remind kids that being thankful for what you have is important and also that you never know what someone else is going through.
I can’t wait to read this to my nephew tomorrow, I know he’s going to enjoy reading it with me as he’s been that crazy little guy from the start of the book at times (like all kids), and has also been the thankful soul like at the end as well. I know he’s going to see parts of himself in the book as well as being reminded of what is important.
Thank you to Daniel and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review the story. I really enjoyed it.
X
Jane K, Reviewer
Saturday nights Jimmy’s parents go out. He can’t wait for them to leave. His new babysitter, Cherry, arrives and he appears behaved. When his parents drive away, Jimmy wreaks havoc. He rides his scooter in the house and plays ball. When Cherry gives him a sandwich and juice, Jimmy purposely knocks the juice he doesn’t like to the floor, making a mess and causing Cherry to slip. He throws popcorn everywhere. When it’s bedtime, Jimmy still wants to watch tv and yells at Cherry.
When Cherry disappears into the kitchen, Jimmy goes to look for her and sees her crying. She tells him she’s the worst babysitter and how she needs the job to care for her son who’s in her home country with his grandparents. She explains how she had to leave her son to work there so she can earn money for her son. She tells Jimmy how her son doesn’t have things like he has.
Cherry teaches Jimmy to be more thankful for things such as food instead of wasting it, his toys and to take care of them, respect the house and not make a mess, and respect his caring parents. She teaches him that respect is the best way to be thankful. Cherry tells him what she’s thankful for which are her son, her health and him. In the end, Jimmy is thankful for everything and helps Cherry pick a special surprise (scooter) for her son when she goes to visit him.
This was a children’s book for ages 4-8. It was a wonderful teaching lesson in gratitude and the true meaning of gratitude. It taught how not every child has the same blessings or advantages and it shouldn’t be taken for granted. It taught children to be appreciative for what they have, to respect what they have, respect their parents and to be thankful for what they have. The story showed empathy, economic differences and multicultural diversity.
Thank you #netgalley, #mycrazystories
Wonderful illustrations and story. Great life lesson about gratitude and indirectly respect. Jimmy is an impish terror when his parents leave. One night he has another new sitter, Cherry. Poor Cherry has her hands full. I can’t say more, I don’t want to spoil the book for you. Another favorite for me of 2025. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
Jennifer S, Librarian
In Mighty Thankful, Jimmy is a wild and crazy kid (as we all are), but the new babysitter teaches that
the best way we can be happy and appreciate our good fortune is to respect ourselves and others.
This picture book is beautiful and fun, and holds a special message for all of us. Be Thankful!
::OVERVIEW::
Jimmy in Mighty Thankful by Daniel Georges learns the meaning of being thankful when he is confronted with others not having the same privileges he has.
::GLOWS::
* Appreciated how the book builds awareness of people with different circumstances
* Emphasized being grateful for what you have and modeling what it looks like to develop thankfulness
* Highlighted friendship across lines of difference
* Really appreciate the lesson that “respect is the best way to be thankful”
* Modeled important things to be thankful for that truly matter, including health, family, and friends
* Showed the benefit of giving
::WONDERS::
* My only wonder while reading was that I’m unsure about exposing my son to all the things he could do to NOT listen and create chaos for a babysitter… (lol!) the little boy in the story turns it around though, and his behavior is obviously not endorsed.
* Overall, this book provides great example of the impact of our actions on others!
::WHO THIS BOOK MIGHT BE GOOD FOR::
* Advertised for kids ages 4-8, however I believe my 3 year old would enjoy
* For parents who are struggling teaching yheir kids the importance of respecting and listening to other caregivers
* For the children of parents who want their children to learn about thankfulness, respect, and developing relationships with others across lines of difference.
Thank you to the publisher (My Crazy Stories) and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mighty Thankful by Daniel Georges is an absolute gem! Jimmy is a mischievous kid, and Cherry, his new babysitter, guides him through an unforgettable lesson in gratitude. The story is playful, charming, and heartwarming, and it gently teaches kids to appreciate what they have while exploring empathy, respect, and diversity in a way that’s easy for little ones to understand.
This book is perfect for storytime at home or a classroom read-aloud, especially around Thanksgiving. My favorite part? How it shows that gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” — it’s about seeing the world and the people around us with respect and kindness.
Mighty Thankful by Daniel Georges is a delightful picture book that teaches kids the value of gratitude and respect. The quirky illustrations paired with a meaningful message make it a helpful guide for showing children how to be more appreciative, understanding, and kind. Though fictional, the story feels authentic to me--what child hasn’t acted differently away from their parents? A great read for ages 5–8.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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