Manny & the Garden of Gratitude: When You Want to Complain Michael R. Emlet (Editor), 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 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.

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 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 pigs. Everyone knew by his crooked hay rows that he would choose art over farming. Joe spent the first part of his art career as a teacher, and now his focus is illustration. Joe has illustrated all the Good News for Little Hearts series books. His favorite book projects have been with his wife, Kate Hox, the author of Who Is Jesus? 40 Pictures to Share with Your Family, and Who Is God? 52 Pictures to Share with Your Family.

“If complaining happens frequently in your home (as it does in mine!), Manny and the Garden of Gratitude will help you talk with your kids about grumbling and explain how gratitude to God is possible—even when life is hard or we don’t get what we want. Like Manny’s family, yours can learn together the contentment that comes from trusting God’s faithful care.”

Christine M. Chappell, Certified Biblical Counselor; author of Lament: Crying Out in Faith; host, Hope + Help Podcast, Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship

“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 book, Manny and the Garden of Gratitude, lovingly helps kids take steps in learning to be grateful while they are young. This book is a beautiful gift for children, and growing in contentment is a gift for a lifetime.”

Amy Baker, Director of Ministry Resources, Faith Church; editor of Caring for the Souls of Children

“‘God stays with us on good days and hard days.’ This truth from 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; author of When Parents Feel Like Failures: How Jesus Quiets Our Distress