Growing Reader

14 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!

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

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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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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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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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

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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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

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

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

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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The Almost Impossible Thing

by Basak Agaoglu

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Who among us hasn’t wished to fly? The bunny of this story wishes it most of all, but her friends keep reminding her that it’s an impossible feat. Or is it? Through amusing attempts and a large dose of teamwork, one bunny learns just how persistent dreams can be.

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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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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

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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