For The Graduate

At this time of year I often get asked for book recommendations for graduation gifts.  Believe it or not, a picture book never goes wrong.  If you know me at all, then you know that I love children's picture books. Often times there is so much more beyond the simple words and delightful pictures. There is often an underlying message to be had or a life lesson to learn.

With the graduate in mind, here are a few of my favourite picks ...

Curious George Curious You: On Your Way!

by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld
Illustrator: H. A. Rey

Curious You: On Your Way! is a perfect sendoff for children of all ages entering a new phase of their lives. Scenes from many original Curious George books accompany words of congratulations and encouragement to anyone who has accomplished much but still has many things to see, to do, and to dream. Curious You: On Your Way! helps to celebrate all of the milestones of our lives.

Instructions

by Neil Gaiman

Illustrator Charles Vess

                           

Trust Dreams.
Trust your heart,
and trust your story.
A renowned storyteller whose words have transported readers to magical realms and an acclaimed illustrator of lushly imagined fairy-tale landscapes guide a traveler safely through lands unknown, and yet strangely familiar, and home again.

Courage

by Bernard Waber

There are many kinds of courage.   Often times what defines it, defines us. There are heroic kinds of courage, but there are also everyday kinds of courage that normal, ordinary people exhibit all the time, like "being the first to make up after an argument," or "going to bed without a nightlight." Bernard Waber explores the many varied kinds of courage and celebrates the moments, big and small, that bring out the hero in each of us.

Yay, You!: Moving Out, Moving Up, Moving On

by Sandra Boynton

This book is great for graduates, or for anyone facing imminent change. This book offers  profound insight with bold inspiration, and sound advice. And in true Sandra Boynton fashion, there is also an occasional hippo. Graduates will thank you as this book 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!

"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

It is often said that life is a journey, and we all know that is 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 encourages readers to observe, to wonder, and to consider diverging from the well-worn path — to pursue their dreams. The North Star is sure to have a profound effect on its many readers.