No need to scramble around in a panic trying to find the perfect little item to tie together a gift for the grad in your life. We’ve got you covered! Here’s our list of books that are perfect for anyone embarking on life’s next adventure—whether that’s first grade or the job search!
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss; Random House Children’s Books; 17.99; Ages 3-adult
The classic graduation gift! Full of inspiration, humor, and Seuss’ signature rollicking rhyme. As resonant with adults as it is entertaining for kids. You can’t go wrong. Booklist sums it up: “Seuss’ message is simple but never sappy: life may be a ‘Great Balancing Act,’ but through it all ‘There’s fun to be done.’”
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper; Grosset & Dunlap (Penguin); 4.99; Ages 3-adult
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! Generations of kids have grown up with this inspirational book about endurance and belief—which makes it great for grads. Indiebound says: “Everyone loves that classic tale of the determined little engine that, despite its size, triumphantly pulls a train full of toys to the waiting children on the other side of a mountain.”
Yay, You! by Sandra Boynton; Little Simon (Simon & Schuster); Ages 3-adult
No graduation is complete without some Sandra Boynton. Let Indiebound sell you on this book: ”For new graduates, or for anyone facing imminent change, here is profound insight, bold inspiration, and truly ensloxifying advice. Also an occasional hippo. No wombats. What’s more, Yay,You! will not overstress the weary mind. It’s nice and short, with lots of pictures, no chapters, no index, no graphs, no study questions, and not a single Suggestion for Further Reading. Portable, colorful, and low in saturated fats, this is truly the perfect gift for that special onwardly-mobile someone. ‘There are so many choices. The world is immense. Take a good look around and decide what makes sense…’”
The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds; Candlewick Press (Random House); 16.99; Ages 3-adult
It is often said that life is a journey, and it’s true. But sometimes it’s hard to know which path to follow when signs point in so many directions. In this beautifully illustrated book, Peter H. Reynolds once again encourages readers to observe, to wonder, and to consider diverging from the well-worn path — to pursue their dreams. Originally published more than ten years ago, The North Star has had a profound effect on its many readers. This edition, featuring all new art, celebrates the book’s own voyage connecting people around the world. It has inspired classroom activities, a musical, and countless thoughtful journeys. (Indiebound) We just love everything from Peter Reynolds!
I Can Be Anything! by Jerry Spinelli, illus. by Jimmy Liao; Little, Brown (Hachette); 16.99; Ages 3-adult
“When I grow up, what shall I be?” This exuberant book offers up everything from a paper plane folder to a puppy dog holder, from a silly joke teller to a snowball smoother. Newbery-Award winning author Jerry Spinelli’s simple and charming rhymes are accompanied by internationally-renowned illustrator Jimmy Liao’s vibrant and fantastical illustrations. This book is an imaginative joyride about hopes and dreams, and a reminder of all the possibilities life has to offer. So, what do you want to be? Remember–you can be anything! (Indiebound)
You’re ready for Pomp and Circumstance! Call us and we’ll happily set any of these books aside. (703) 548-4092
The Dot, by famed illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, is a must-read for any child who thinks they are unable to do something. The book opens with a little girl named Vashti sitting at her desk with a blank sheet of paper on which she believes she cannot draw. When her teacher sees this, she tells her to make a mark to see what happens. Vashti, in frustration, angrily makes a dot in the center of the page. The teacher looks at it and asks her to sign the paper. The next day in class, Vashti walks in and sees her picture framed and hanging over her teacher’s desk. Irritated, Vashti looks at the picture and decides she can make a better dot than that one, starting her on a journey of drawing throughout the rest of the book. Due to her teacher’s clever encouragement, Vashti realizes she can draw.
