Growing Reader

Great Gift Books for Kindergarten Graduates

by Iva-Marie Palmer

Background image credit: Poh Kim Yeoh / EyeEm/Getty Images

It seems like just yesterday our kindergartner was off to his first day of real-deal school and somehow — isn’t time a wondrous thing? — the year is now drawing to a close.

Whether the kindergartner in your life has a graduation day at school or you want to commemorate the occasion at home, gifting one of these reads is a sweet way to say, “Great start!”

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

by Dr. Seuss

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Seuss’s picture book is probably one of the most oft-quoted in high school graduation ceremonies, but its biggest fans start young. Urging children to reach for great heights and see great sights, the master of humorous verse offers readers the perfect guide for navigating the ups and downs of all life’s adventures.

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Oh, the Places I’ll Go! By ME, Myself

Oh, the Places I’ll Go! By ME, Myself

by Dr. Seuss

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This fill-it-in-themselves book — illustrated in the style of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! — is filled with simple writing activities, mazes, images for kids to complete, and prompts for children to think about exactly where they want to go and what they want to do in life. It’s a great gift when paired with the original Dr. Seuss book, plus there’s room to write down some grown-up advice for young grads.

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The Year We Learned to Fly

The Year We Learned to Fly

by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

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In this New York Times bestseller Jacqueline Woodson lyrically uplifts young readers and shows them the heights they can reach through the power of resilience. With brilliant illustrations and a message to match this story is sure to help graduates recognize their value and inspire them to blossom beautifully.

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I Knew You Could

I Knew You Could

by Craig Dorfman, illustrated by Cristina Ong

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After the determined little engine makes it over the mountain, she realizes life’s adventures have only just begun. From high mountaintops to dark and scary tunnels, the train keeps moving forward through life’s many ups and downs. With its positive message on confidence and perseverance, this delightful little book is an inspiring guide to life for graduates of all ages.

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A Day In The Sun

A Day In The Sun

by Diana Ejaita, illustrated by Diana Ejaita

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This inspiring story celebrates the sun and takes readers on a journey to different countries, reminding young graduates that the sun shines on everyone. It's a great way to broaden their worldview with every turn of the page.

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The Book of Mistakes

The Book of Mistakes

by Corinna Luyken

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If there’s one lesson we should hope to teach our children, it’s to learn to fail well — and then let those mistakes guide them on the winding path of life. In The Book of Mistakes, as an artist begins to work with her mishaps instead of erasing them, she learns a new, more imaginative way to approach both creativity and life.

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Why Not You?

Why Not You?

by Ciara and Russell Wilson, illustrated by Jessica Gibson with JaNay Brown-Wood

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From superstar couple Ciara and Russel Willson comes an inspiring story that encourages young readers to go after their dreams no matter how ambitious they may seem! An affirming tale to uplift self-esteem, and empower imaginations.

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Oh, the Thinks You Can Think

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think

by Dr. Seuss

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Can anyone spark the imagination quite like Dr. Seuss? Oh, the Thinks You Can Think will get your child excited about coming up with new ideas and they’ll soon learn that the possibilities are endless. A great way to foster a love of learning for your soon-to-be first grader.

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Raise Your Hand

Raise Your Hand

by Alice Paul Tapper, illustrated by Marta Kissi

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Let’s not forget that with kindergarten graduation comes the anticipated entrance to first grade, and all the big-kid classrooms after that. Inspire them early with 11-year-old Alice Paul Tapper’s cheerful call to be a confident, vocal student. Doubly inspiring, the book is based on Alice’s creation of a new Girl Scout badge that empowers girls to raise their hands.

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Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl

Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl

by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus

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Junie B. is very excited to graduate kindergarten — so excited that she just can’t help modeling her bright white cap and gown for her stuffed animals. Then disaster strikes in the form of some spilled grape juice! Can she fix her gown before graduation day? Equal parts humorous and heartfelt, kids will love moving up to first grade right alongside Junie B. Jones!

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First Grade, Here I Come!

First Grade, Here I Come!

by D.J. Steinberg, illustrated by Tracy Bishop

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The jump to first grade can be overwhelming, there are so many new things for kids to figure out. Luckily, D.J. Steinberg has created the perfect guide for all incoming first graders. With scenarios like carrying your backpack, picking out a book in the library, the rules of spelling, and more, this book will give your child the confidence they need to succeed.

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Just Ask!

Just Ask!

by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López

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Inspired by her own experience United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor brings a tale that celebrates the beauty and value of our differences in Just Ask!. With lush and vibrant illustrations by talented illustrator Rafael López, young readers will see that although it can be tough to recognize as a kid, there are great things that come from our different backgrounds and perspectives.

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Believe

Believe

by Robert Sabuda

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No one does pop-up books like Robert Sabuda, and in this latest title, he offers a heartfelt tribute to the magic of possibility. Where one page depicts the smallest of acorns, the next opens to reveal a lofty tree in its full 3-D glory. Little readers will make the connections for their own boundless potential.

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The Wonderful Things You Will Be

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

by Emily Winfield Martin

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Reminiscent of Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, this charming picture book invites young readers to imagine all the possibilities for their future. Martin’s lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations are a beautiful celebration of what makes every child special in their own way.

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The Night Before Kindergarten Graduation

The Night Before Kindergarten Graduation

by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Amy Wummer

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Probably, it feels like just the other day that you were reading The Night Before Kindergarten on the eve of your child’s first day of school. Now it’s time to come full circle with the equally rhyme-filled sequel that gives grads-to-be a peek into the big day.

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The Night Before First Grade

The Night Before First Grade

by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Deborah Zemke

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Moving up from kindergarten can be a bit scary, but this cheery little picture book can help calm those back-to-school jitters. Follow Penny as she goes through her first day of school, offering soon-to-be first-graders a glimpse of what to expect.

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First Grade, Here I Come!

First Grade, Here I Come!

by Nancy Carlson

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Starting first grade can be quite an adjustment and it’s natural for kids to miss kindergarten. That’s how Henry feels after his first day of first grade. But the more he thinks about it, he realizes that there is a lot he’s looking forward to, like his new friends, his own desk with his name on it, learning to read, and the class pet guinea pig.

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Milo Imagines the World

Milo Imagines the World

by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

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Matt de la Peña's picture book is both beautiful and important, as it teaches young readers the valuable lesson that things are not always what they seem. Through the story of Milo, who imagines the lives of his fellow subway riders, we see that our assumptions can be misleading. When the last person gets off at his stop and walks the same path as Milo, he realizes that his beliefs may not be accurate.

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She Persisted Boxed Set

She Persisted Boxed Set

by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

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From author Chelsea Clinton and artist Alexandra Boiger comes a moving celebration of twenty-six incredible women across the globe. An ode to tenacity, equality, and everyday moments of change, the She Persisted boxed set is the perfect gift for little activists.

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I Am Every Good Thing

I Am Every Good Thing

by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

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This empowering picture book told in verse, follows the story of a self-assured narrator who bravely pursues his dreams. It serves as a great guide for recent graduates, reminding them to recognize their own value and to pursue their goals with confidence.

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A Letter to My Teacher

A Letter to My Teacher

by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

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Perhaps the only downside to kindergarten graduation is having to say goodbye for now to a beloved teacher. Embrace that gratitude with this sweet picture book written as a thank-you note from one lively student to her exceptional teacher. For a special touch, add a note or photograph to the inside cover that your child can always cherish.

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Grin and Bear It: The Wit & Wisdom of Corduroy

Grin and Bear It: The Wit & Wisdom of Corduroy

by Don Freeman

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Starring the curious teddy bear with the brightest attitude, Grin and Bear It embraces fifty years of Corduroy’s characteristic wisdom with heartfelt aphorisms: “Never forget who you are—and never forget who loves you.” A lovely keepsake worth countless reads, it’s an essential addition to the graduation celebrations.

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