Kids Picks
Graduation is a special time for everyone, no matter how old you are. Whether you have finished Pre-K and are headed to kindergarten or graduating from college and getting ready to take on the world, your accomplishments should be celebrated! These books make great graduation gifts and are sure to inspire for years to come.
Ages 3-5
“May You Love and Be Loved” by Cleo Wade
In Cleo Wade’s latest enchanting picture book, following the success of “What the Road Said,” she tenderly explores the boundless promise of tomorrow. Overflowing with aspirations for both our children and ourselves, Wade’s poetic prose celebrates the myriad dreams we nurture. With her distinctive illustrations exuding warmth and sincerity, this book serves as a testament to the universal desire for love and connection in every precious life.
“The Wonderful Things You Will Be” by Emily Winfield Martin
Emily Winfield Martin’s beautiful verses celebrate the many qualities cherished by parents as they gaze upon their children, from courage and creativity to wit and wisdom. Enhanced by charming illustrations, both tender and playful, and featuring a delightful gatefold showcasing children adorned in various costumes, this book promises to captivate readers of all ages. Whether shared at baby showers, birthdays, or graduations, “The Wonderful Things You Will Be” serves as a timeless reminder of unconditional love and enduring truths, destined to resonate across generations.
Ages 6-8
“What the Road Said” by Cleo Wade
Radiating with inspiration and accompanied by stunning illustrations crafted by Lucie de Moyencourt, Cleo Wade’s “What the Road Said” serves as a beacon illuminating the virtues of embracing risk, fostering self-belief, and forging one’s own path toward happiness. Each page is a masterpiece deserving of admiration, instilling a profound sense of hope. Universally relatable, regardless of age, “What the Road Said” resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on its readers. Wade’s bestselling work gently reminds us that it’s natural to feel apprehensive or occasionally stray from the intended path. Through kindness and curiosity, she encourages us to persevere, recognizing that resilience is the most valuable asset on life’s journey.
“The Curious Why” by Angela DiTerlizzi
With a book in hand, boredom becomes a thing of the past – a sentiment beautifully echoed in this delightful sequel to “The Magical Yet.” “The Curious Why” emerges as a steadfast companion, revealing that boredom is merely a choice. On those days when boredom looms, fear not: Your newfound ally known as the Curious Why stands ready to unveil the endless wonders awaiting discovery in the world around you! Ever wondered about the fate of dinosaurs? How crayons come to life? Or the science behind a bee’s sting? Angela DiTerlizzi’s engaging verse and Lorena Alvarez Gómez’s vibrant illustrations come together in perfect harmony to ignite young imaginations and reaffirm that joy is always within reach, awaiting only a spark of curiosity.
Ages 9-12
“Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life... And Maybe the World” by William H. McRaven
Ten years ago, Admiral William H. McRaven delivered a commencement address at the University of Texas that drew from the university’s motto, “What starts here changes the world.” He imparted the 10 principles gleaned from his Navy SEAL training, which not only guided him through challenges in his military career but also proved invaluable in his personal life, and in this book McRaven demonstrates how these lessons can empower individuals to enact positive change on both a personal and global scale. He shares anecdotes from his experiences and those of fellow service members, highlighting resilience, compassion, integrity, and bravery in the face of adversity. With humility and optimism, this timeless narrative offers straightforward wisdom, practical guidance, and uplifting reassurance, inspiring readers of all ages to strive for greatness, even amid life’s toughest trials.
“The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow
Many academics deliver talks titled “The Last Lecture,” prompted to contemplate their mortality and reflect on their deepest values. As they speak, audiences ponder the same question: What wisdom would we leave behind if we knew it was our final opportunity? What legacy would we aspire to leave if tomorrow never came? When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was invited to give such a lecture, he didn’t have to imagine it as his last – he had recently received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Yet, his lecture, titled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” wasn’t about succumbing to death; it was a testament to overcoming adversity, nurturing others’ aspirations, and embracing every fleeting moment. Pausch emphasized the preciousness of time, noting, “time is all you have . . . and you may find one day that you have less than you think.” It encapsulated his life’s philosophy – it was about truly living. In this book, Pausch encapsulates the humor, inspiration, and intellect that made his lecture a sensation, immortalizing its essence for generations to come.
