The Best Graduation Gifts

By Holly E. Newton

The end of the school year connotes graduation time, celebrating many different levels of school completions. Books, as always, are the perfect gift and help commemorate this important event in a young person¹s life. Here is a list of some outstanding picture books celebrating the graduate.

For the younger reader celebrating a change in schools, here is a simple tale about judgment.

Zen Shorts, by widely acclaimed author Jon J. Muth, is a story that involves three tales. Three children become friends with a giant panda. He imparts a clever story for each child. One of the tales expertly demonstrates how we need to forgive. A young monk criticizes an older monk for carrying an unappreciative traveler over rain puddles, as he says, "She didn't even thank you!" The wise older man replies, "I set the woman down hours ago." The older monk was able to forgive and forget, while the young monk was still learning this lesson of forgiveness.

Another perfect book for the younger child is This Little Light of Mine. This picture book is based on the familiar song of the same title and is illustrated beautifully by the acclaimed E. B. Lewis. The words of the song describe how the light from within will shine on and on. But, the pictures tell much, much more. A young boy sees another youngster sitting alone, appearing dejected as he is slumped with his head in his hands. As the song progresses throughout the book, the boy invites the sad fellow to join his friends and before long a smile shines through the sad face. This book will surely strike a chord with all ages!

Sometimes it's the wordless books that seem to have the greatest message. Home, by Jeannie Baker, shows the progress of life through an open window. Ms. Baker has small remnants of a girl's life on the windowsill, displaying her growth though the years. For instance, the book begins with congratulations for the birth of a baby girl. Through the window, you see the proud parents in their back yard holding this new baby. There are older looking vehicles on the street beyond the yard. Several pages later, there's the girl as a teen putting makeup on in a mirror that's sitting on the windowsill. Beyond the yard is a full garden and beyond that newer looking cars on the street. There's much to observe and reflect on one's own growth throughout the years.

Sometimes biographies are the perfect inspiration for graduates. Walt Whitman: Words for America, by Barbara Kerley, is a look into the life of one of America's best and most famous poets. His poetry reflected the feelings of our country during the tumultuous Civil War. I found it fascinating that when Walt was young, he loved words and loved to read. He was always writing down feelings and expressions in his little notebook. In the Author¹s Note located in the back of the book, he states that when he was eleven years old, he was given a library card. Later he added, it was ³...the signal event of my life up to that time." Brian Selznick beautifully illustrated the pictures throughout the book, and he studied many historical documents and locations to accurately reconstruct this amazing poet¹s life.

Here is a perfect companion to Walt Whitman¹s biography. When I Heard the Learn¹d Astronomer is a wonderfully illustrated book by Loren Long, based on Walt Whitman¹s famous poem. This poem celebrates the amazing imagination that is budding in all of us. The incredible pictures take you to a young boy's experience as he ponders life and the stars, ³In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.²

Mother Teresa, by award winning Demi, is an inspirational account of one humble woman serving those much less fortunate and extremely poor. This incredible woman gave all that she had throughout her life. Included here is wisdom that we can glean from her: ³Life Is An Opportunity --Avail It. Life Is Beautiful --Admire It. Life Is A Challenge --Meet It. Life Is Costly --Care For It. Life Is A Promise --Fulfill It. Life Is Sorrow --Overcome It. Life Is Too Precious --Do Not Destroy It.²

And lastly, here's a book celebrating and exploring the endless possibilities of life. Imagine a Day, by Sarah L. Thompson, and creatively illustrated by Rob Gonsalves, will spark your imagination --beyond imagination. ³Imagine a day Š when a book swings open on silent hinges, and a place you've never seen before welcomes you here.² Give a great gift to your graduate. Give a book to inspire, motivate and celebrate!

Visit Holly's Web Site!

Remember your Grad but don't forget Dad! One click gets you access to all the best Father's Day gift ideas on the web.
Click Here for Great Father's Day Gift Ideas!

1. University Collegiate Jewelry Gifts, College Graduation Gift Ideas
... Women Licensed Collegiate Jewelry Pendants College Logo Charms and Teachers Gifts College Education and Graduation Gifts for the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Arkansas, University of ...
http://www.jewelry-gifts. ...giate-education-i.htm

2. DaySpring E-cards -- Graduation
Home/ E-Cards/ Graduation/ College Back to E-Cards Pick up an E-Card Browse E-Cards ----------------------- A Call to Prayer Baby Birthday Christian Occasions Clergy Appreciation Clergy Appreciation ...
http://www.dayspring.com/ ...hoice.asp?subcatID=94

3. college graduation cards
Sponsored Links college graduation cards Solutions college graduation cards Articles Graduation Cards free by Awesome Cards Send custom graduation greeting card in seconds. Awesome Cyber Greeting ...
http://www.sageofbroward. ...graduation-cards.html

4. College graduation announcement
Information About College graduation announcement Site For College graduation announcement Related List: Copyright © 2004 1 Online Degrees All Rights Reserved. | Teaching Reading | Chicago Private ...
http://www.1onlinedegrees ...ion-announcement.html

5. college graduation gifts, baby gifts: www.gifts-all-occasions.com
college graduation gifts, baby gifts at www.gifts-all-occasions.com Looking for that perfect gift? Our site offers a variety of yummy treats packaged in beautiful arrangements for any occasion. Look ...
http://www.gifts-all-occa ...-graduation-gifts.htm

6. College Graduation Party Banners - The Perfect College Graduation Party Deco...
... a Friend Testimonials Event Reminders PartyFavors PartyMail Upcoming Holidays 17 DESIGNS College Graduation Party Banners - The Perfect College Graduation Party Decoration Idea! Seize the day with ...
http://www.partybanners.c ..._College_banners.html

7. Scotts Hill College Graduation Program
yesterday's tennessee home yesterday's families schools links what's new memorial about Scotts Hill College Graduation Program - 1901/1902 from the collection of B. R. Jennings top home ...
http://www.tnyesterday.co ...college_1901_1902.htm

8. MCCortez.com -- Photo Gallery :: Cornell College Graduation 2003
MCCortez Home Page- Photos- Services- Resources- Members- Email- Contact Us Cornell College Graduation 2003 38 images in this album on 2 pages slideshow login Gallery: MCCortez.com -- Photo Gallery ...
http://www.mccortez.com/gallery/album28

9. Find College graduation gift at Eoob United States
... gift Dolphin gift Sitemap You are in / Gifts / Search the web Search for: Your query for: College graduation gift College graduation gift Other related web sites to College graduation gift Cheap gift ...
http://www.eoob.us/gifts/ ...-graduation-gift.html

10. Photos :: Whitman College Graduation
Whitman College Graduation 66 images in this album on 6 pages [slideshow] [login] Gallery: Photos 1 2 3 4 5 6 grad 001 Viewed: 127 times. grad 002 Viewed: 78 times. grad 003 Viewed: 65 times. grad ...
http://gallery.bufferchuck.net/graduation

11. College Graduation Gift related products and services
Company Search Entertainment Government Health Job Search Packages People Search Reference Shopping Travel Search the Web: College Graduation Gift Directory Businesses specializing in College ...
http://www.searchitall.ne ...llege-graduation-gift

12. College graduation invitations at workingatharvard.org
College graduation invitations information Click here to see more info about college Alpha ... ... dining. Enter here for college Lot of information about college invitations graduation Friends site ...
http://www.workingatharva ...aduation-invitations/

13. Randomdialogue.net Gallery :: Paul's College Graduation
Paul's College Graduation 14 images in this album slideshow login Gallery: Randomdialogue.net Gallery Album: Parties and Events Gallery: Randomdialogue.net Gallery Album: Parties and Events Powered ...
http://www.randomdialogue.net/gallery/paulgrad

14. college graduation gift ideas, college graduation gifts
" Birthday Gifts " Anniversary Gifts " Wedding Gifts Cool college graduation gift ideas and college graduation gifts available online March 12, 2005 College graduation gift ideas - give unique ...
http://www.gift-shop-cafe ...graduation-gifts.html

15. college graduation gift idea gift shopping christmas store mother day gift
college graduation gift idea Are you looking for college graduation gift idea ? Look at learn what it is . For the the credit services, the best college graduation gift idea . And for college ...
http://www.food-fruit-gou ...legegraduationgiftid/

16.
College Graduation Gifts College Graduation Gifts resources: Free Virtual Greetings - Information, tools, and resources to help create, fill, and enhance a virtual assistant practice. Free newsletter ...
http://www.greetingsngift ...Graduation-Gifts.html

17. Lacie's Gallery :: College Graduation
College Graduation 57 images in this album on 5 pages [slideshow][login] Gallery: Lacie's Gallery Album: Dances & Other Dress Up Events  1  2  3  4  5 Lauren and I before ...
http://laciehacker.com/gallery/graduation

18. Why mandate a religion course for college graduation
why mandate a religion course for college graduation why mandate a religion course for college graduation stuffing, and by the aid of forcemeats best make the frame, found the right shoulder free ...
http://why-mandate-a-reli ...duation.tu.wielun.pl/

19. Pepperdine University - Seaver College - Graduation
... for Graduates Parking and Shuttles Services Available Rainy Day Schedule Contact Us Graduation Seaver College Commencement Ceremony Saturday, April 29, 2006 Get Ready... ...Enjoy the Day Make sure ...
http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/graduation/

20. The Persisting Racial Gap in College Student Graduation Rates
The Persisting Racial Gap in College Student Graduation Rates African-American college student graduation rates show some improvement. This is particularly true at the nation's highest-ranked ...
http://www.jbhe.com/featu ...udent_grad_rates.html

21. Graduation in the Movies - Advancing the Plot
Welcome to "Graduation In the Movies" at college.coolfreepages.com! (In preparation for completion ... ... com, I note films where either a high school or college graduation has been used in this way. -J ...
http://www.college.coolfreepages.com/

22.
Dragonball Z Movies Books You Can Read Online travel by train computer networks gourmet foods Discount Car Rental Coupons Home Sitemap College Graduation Gifts Milwaukee Power Tools | best jokes ...
http://www.funtasy-design ...-Graduation-Gifts.htm

23. Gift Ideas HQ - College Graduation Gift Ideas
... Ideas Christening Gift Ideas Christian Gift Ideas Christmas Gift Ideas Coach Gift Ideas College Graduation Gift Ideas Communion Gift Ideas Confirmation Gift Ideas Cool Gift Ideas Corporate Gift ...
http://www.giftideas-hq.c ...egraduationgiftideas/

24. College Graduation Plaques, the Perfect Gifts for Graduating Seniors from Pl...
College Graduation Plaque GIVE THE GIFT THAT WILL BE DISPLAYED AND APPRECIATED LONG AFTER THE OTHER GIFTS ARE GONE AND FORGOTTEN Graduation from college, university, or trade school is a major ...
http://www.plaquemaster.c ...raduation-college.cfm

25. Dropout, Graduation, and College Acceptance | Facing the Consequences Report...
... Reader.) TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Suspensions, Expulsions, & Zero Tolerance Policies Tracking & Other Curriculum Issues Teacher Demographics Dropout, Graduation, & College Acceptance Conclusion ...
http://www.arc.org/erase/FTC5grad.html

26. Unique and Perfect Gift Idea and more college graduation gift ideas
Unique and Perfect Gift Idea 'college graduation gift ideas' Home | gift ideas for him ... ... Unique and Perfect Gift Idea Get college graduation gift ideas Here! A Gift of Poetry. The unique ...
http://www.unique-and-per ...uation-gift-ideas.htm

27. College Graduation Announcement Wording
College Graduation Announcement Wording FireRocket Search Related Searches college graduation picture college gift graduation man college athlete graduation rate college graduation card college ...
http://www.graduation1.co ...announcement-wording/

28. College Graduation Gift Ideas
College Graduation Gifts College Graduation Gift High School Graduation Gift Law Graduation Gift Medical Graduation Gift HP Pavilion 15.4" Laptop w HP DeskJet 3845 Printer, HP Nylon Case & USB ...
http://www.karlwallinger. ...e-graduation-gift.htm

29.
College Graduation Gift Ideas Shop > Gifts > College Graduation Gift Ideas Are you looking for College Graduation Gift Ideas? We have searched the internet for the best College Graduation Gift ...
http://www.gifts.thebest- ...uation-Gift-Ideas.htm

30. Welcome to Collages.net
Photographers Simplify your workflow and dramatically increase the exposure for your studio Photo ...
http://www.collages.net/

31. Order a standard black bachelor's cap and gown with tassel for your College ...
... study. If you know this to be the case at your College / University, youíve come to the right place ... ... Shirt Size: XS S M L XL XXL XXXL Year of Graduation: 2006 2004 2005 Quantity: Send Me ...
http://www.graduateaffair .../bachelors_degree.asp

32. Unique college graduation gift
Unique college graduation gift Home unique gift unique gift idea unique mother day gift unique baby gift unique gift basket unique wedding gift unique birthday gift unique father day gift unique ...
http://peopleover50.com/i ...e-graduation-gift.htm

33. Unique Graduation Gifts, College Graduation Gifts
... An impressive high school or college graduation gift for him or her, each quality graduation gift idea has been beautifully sculpted by hand from natural stone. Marble bookends make unique graduation ...
http://www.khanimports.com/graduationgift.html

34. Rockford Matters - View Issue - Rockford College Graduation
About Us | How To | Privacy Policy Home | Contact Us | Site Search Rockford College Graduation Do you think Chris Hedges' speech to the Rockford College Class of 2003 was appropriate for a ...
http://www.rockfordmatter ...7BB-88E8-E38216A2587D

35. college graduation gifts - all occasion gift basket
college graduation gifts Whatever the occasion, we have a gift for it. Birthdays, Graduations, Promotions or just to say I love you, we have the perfect gift arrangement to send to that special ...
http://www.all-occasion-g ...-graduation-gifts.htm

36. The Cardinal Inquirer - Report: College Graduation Rates Fall On Racial Lines
... edu A Publication of the Stanford Graduate Program in Journalism Home > Authors > Report: College Graduation Rates Fall On Racial Lines Report: College Graduation Rates Fall On Racial Lines By ...
http://inquirer.stanford. .../vdlt/Graduation.html

37. 2004 college gift graduation
... 269.00 2004 College Gift Graduation College Graduation Gift Ideas and Suggestions Gift ideas for college graduation gifts for graduating students. ... Contact Us | Help ©. 2004 SightQuest. All Rights ...
http://www.kittycatloverg ...-gift-graduation.html

38. WhyMojo.com - Academic, Career & College Life Tips - Sports, Entertainme...
... com: Advice on - Academics - Career - College life With hundreds of case studies on success in sports, entertainment, military and business. Start reading A Mojo Supreme Company Copyright 2005 Mojo ...
http://www.whymojo.com/

39. College Graduation Survival Kit
College Graduation Survival Kit Tests Shop Search College graduation survival kit. intraoperative and early postoperative complications rarely are seen in the ed, but some patients develop these ...
http://tests.expandppc.co ...ion_survival_kit.html

40. Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC)
View Cart| Site Map| FAQs| Contact Us| Home Advanced Publications: New Publications Search ...
http://www.ppic.org/main/home.asp

41. Unique College Graduation Gifts at Uniqueholidaygift.Com
Unique College Graduation Gifts at Uniqueholidaygift.Com Site Map unique college graduation gifts unique corporate gift unique corporate gifts unique engagement gifts unique fathers day gifts unique ...
http://www.uniqueholidayg ...geGraduationGifts.php

42. Graduation - College Graduation Announcement Sample
... Ncaa Graduation Rates High School Graduation Speeches Popular Graduation Songs Ogt - Ohio Graduation Test College Graduation Party Ideas 2005 Graduation Gifts Army Basic Training Graduation Creative ...
http://www.graduationguid ...onannouncementsample/

43. College graduation gifts from presentomatic
home >> college graduation gifts Gift ideas for her for him for baby for kids for teens for home Browse products Books/Movies/Music/ Flowers Fragrances Fruit/Gift Baskets Jewelry & Watches ...
http://www.presentomatic. ...graduation-gifts.html

44. USATODAY.com - Deployed soldiers watch children's graduations online
... online of her graduation Friday night in Clarksville ...
http://www.usatoday.com/t ...aduation-online_x.htm

45. College graduation gift ideas
college graduation gift ideas Enter Here For college graduation gift ideas now Very hot ! college graduation gift ideas iowa court cases ford windstar transmission codeine sulfate beaver utah high ...
http://college-graduation-gift-ideas.gypc.info/

46. The best college graduation gifts
Click here to enter The best college graduation gifts Are you looking for the ideal college graduation gift for that college grad in your life. The look no further we offer a wide selections of ...
http://www.shoppersplace. ..._graduation_gift.html

47. Herzing Corporate Home
Offering accredited Bachelor, Associate and Diploma programs across six campuses nationwide ...
http://www.herzing.edu/

48. Medical or health college graduation speeches
... JS, Minnesota Medical or health college graduation speeches Here is a Guaranteed way to solve your MEDICAL OR HEALTH COLLEGE GRADUATION SPEECH writing problem in 60 seconds. Order now and a pack of ...
http://www.speech-writers.com/medicalcollege.htm

49. NPR: Search
Skip Navigation Programs and Schedules All Programs A-Z All Schedules MOST VISITED PROGRAMS All ...
http://www.npr.org/search.php?redirectFromOld=true

50. college graduation gift new!
Sites college graduation gift college graduation gift: cllege graduation gift - colege graduation gift - colege graduation gift - collge graduation gift - collee graduation gift - colleg graduation ...
http://college-graduation-gift.pageroom.com/

51. College Graduation Presents,Grad Gifts,Good Graduation Presents,Graduationgifts
College Graduation Presents Unique informative gifts that are all about them. Eventagrams are ... ... College Graduation Presents are one of the fine things we offer at Eventagram.com. We also offer ...
http://www.eventagram.com ...aduation_presents.htm

52.
Search Category: Special Occasions > Graduation Gifts > Personalized Graduation Gifts COLLEGE GRADUATION GIFT IDEAS From CYBERGIFTCENTER.COM Personalized Anniversary Pyramid $29.99 Personalized ...
http://www.cybergiftcente ...deas/1165-SY-362.html

53. MBA - College Graduation Mba Picture
Sponsored Ads College Graduation Mba Picture Article Listing a Car For Sale in the Classifieds 11/26/05 by: Michael J Medeiros Opposed to trading-in, selling a vehicle can provide a significant ...
http://www.mbaonlines.com ...tion-mba-picture.html