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

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 Gratitudehighlights 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 guides parents in having meaningful conversations with their kids about cultivating thankful hearts.  
• Children ages four to seven will be captivated by Joe Hox’s colorful, fun illustrations that bring the animal world to life._  
• Teaches children and parents how to apply God’s Word to choose gratitude over complaining.   

“As a dad of two boys, I know the sound of complaining well, especially in my own heart. We desperately need help confronting the grumbling that steals worship from God and blinds us to his faithful care. In Manny and the Garden of Gratitude, Emlet exposes the doubts beneath our complaints and helps parents and children grow together in grateful trust, even amid great loss.”
—Timothy St. John, Counseling Pastor, Lighthouse Community Church; author of After Church Hurt

Mike Emlet’s Manny and the Garden of Gratitude leads to sincere thankfulness and contentment. Readers big and small will recognize their own complaining hearts in Manny’s struggles—and learn alongside him why the Lord can be trusted today and always.”
—Lauren Whitman, Faculty & Counselor, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

Format: Hardcover