Todah: I Am Grateful by Michelle Orrelle, with illustrations by Allie Busby; Kar-Ben Publishing; (c) 2026; ISBN 9798765-649350; 12 pages; $10.99. Publication date: Feb. 3, 2026
By Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
Todah means “thank you” in Hebrew and as you read to the little pride and joy sitting on your lap, it’s not too early to teach the tot some of the everyday activities for which we should be grateful to God.
Sandwiched between boker tov (good morning) and lila tov (good night) are 32 actions worthy of saying todah.
They are written in rhyme:
First, the activities: “I wake. I wiggle. I stretch. I giggle.
Then the chorus: “Todah. I am grateful.”
Later in the day: “I hear. I talk. I sing. I walk.
And then the chorus: “Todah. I am grateful.”
The book was inspired by Birkot HaShachar, the prayers observant Jews recite each morning. Pre-kindergarten children, coming from different ethnic backgrounds and different family configurations, are featured in the illustrations.
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World.