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. graduation announcements
... freedom, friends, and fun. You have ... Herff Jones Graduation Announcements and Accessories ... ... Announcements and Accessories Graduation Announcements, College Graduation Announcements ...
http://www.fabric3d.com/g ...on-announcements.html

2. College of Business Office of Undergraduate Affairs - Requirements for Gradu...
... attire via the web, http:// www.herffjones.com/college/graduation/ through April 25. (Graduation announcements also may be ordered through the Herff-Jones Web site.) Students may also order academic ...
http://www.business.uiuc. ...urrent/Graduation.htm

3. Commencement, Student Services, Barry University, A Catholic University
... The personalized announcement must be pre-ordered through Herff-Jones. www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation Phone: 305-670-6012. Fax: 305-670-6962 Herff-Jones Store Address 7951 SW 40th ...
http://www.barry.edu/StudentServices/commencement/

4. classrings
... Us Rings & Jewelry Yearbook Graduation Cap, Gowns, Diplomas Sports ... http://www.jostens.com/rings/college/index.asp 20. class rings ... com/classrings/ 25. Herff Jones High School Class Rings ...
http://www.theringonmyfinger.com/

5. Peabody Institute - Student Affairs: Graduation Instructions
... announcements that you are graduating are available for purchase from Herff Jones via http://www.herffjones.com/college/graduation. Buying them is a matter of personal choice and is not required by ...
http://www.peabody.jhu.ed ...0e543daa87de5b887a883

6. College Graduation Song
... picture college athlete graduation rate college graduation etiquette cheap college graduation invitation herff jones college graduation college graduation annoucements college graduation ...
http://www.worshipmusic.i ...lege-graduation-song/

7. Leadership Stark County: Partners & Membership : Our Sponsors
... Mercy Medical Education Day Herff-Jones, Lake High School, Premier ... & Burroughs 18th Class Graduation Celebration Unizan Bank ... Report to the Community Malone College Graduate School Pinnacle ...
http://www.leadershipstar ...partners/sponsors.asp

8. AT Education - college class rings
... cover supplier? Herff Jones specializes in ... http://www.herff-jones.com/content.html College Class Rings - University Graduation Rings - Daniel's Jewelers ... Browse our selection of college ...
http://www.ateducation.com/collegeclassrings/

9. College of Engineering - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
... graduates MUST complete an order form for their caps and gowns online at http://www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation. The website for ordering regalia will be available from October 7 (Friday), 2005 ...
http://www.engr.uiuc.edu/students/commence.php

10. Commencement Information - Culver-Stockton College
... A representative from Herff-Jones will be on campus in to ... ceremony. You may order graduation pictures or a video in the ... Canton Motel 573-288-3323 The College Inn Bed and Breakfast 573-288 ...
http://www.culver.edu/academics/commencement/

11. Savannah College of Art and Design > Events and Exhibitions > Commence...
... for caps and gowns will be taken by Herff Jones at the college during the fall and winter quarters ... ... 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Orleans Hall, 201 Barnard St. Graduation Rehearsal Participants Meeting Friday, May ...
http://www.scad.edu/events/graduation/index.cfm

12. Pepperdine University - Graduate School of Education and Psychology - News a...
... To order graduation announcement visit www.herff-jones.com/college Master's Cap, Gown ... ... To order graduation announcement visit www.herff-jones.com/college Master's Cap, Gown ...
http://gsep.pepperdine.edu/newsevents/graduation/

13.
... Graduation (class) rings, go to College Division--Herff Jones web site. For more information on what to do on graduation day, visit www.usi.edu/commencement/ Graduation Etiquette and Traditions FAQ ...
http://www.usi.edu/book/graduation.asp

14. GoSearchFor.com Directory and Metasearch Engine : Reference : Education : Pr...
... rings, yearbooks, and other graduation items. http://www.herff-jones.com/ ª Robe Shop Worldwide ... ... products for ceremonies from kindergarten to college and adult. http://www.robeshop.com/ ª Saxon ...
http://www.gosearchfor.co ...d_Services/Graduation

15. Montclair State University - Commencement 2005
... nonrefundable. Masters degree candidates must order their regalia through Herff Jones at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation by March 1. Masterís robes are $57. They may pick up their order at the ...
http://www.montclair.edu/commencement/

16. Elizabethtown College
... 717-361-1207) Class rings by Herff Jones Regalia and Graduation announcements Home| Online Store ... ... Other Services | Hours & Location| Contact Copyright © 2002 Elizabethtown College All Rights Reserved
http://www2.etown.edu/store/services.htm

17. Internet FAQ Archives - graduuation cap
... created especially for your college or university, select your ... favor. Materials Needed: Herff Jones provides graduuation caps ... All about graduuation cap: graduation cpa - gradjation cap ...
http://graduuation-cap.gr ...choolworldonline.org/

18. University of North Dakota | Student & Outreach Services
... at any time. To view options for announcements and appreciation gifts, visit www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation Class Rings Class ring information is available at the UND Bookstore. Orders may ...
http://sos.und.edu/commencement/?pg=prepare

19. News from Texas Woman's University Institute of Health Sciences in Houston, TX
... order announcements and rings online, please refer to the following web site: www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation. Once there, you will need to select your school, and follow the screen of your ...
http://www.twu.edu/houston/news.htm

20. Looking something about graduation cap? We have everything. Just visit our site.
... Continue Mini Graduation Craft Graduation Craft Projects College Graduation and Gown Products - Herff Jones and For over thirty years, Rhyme University has created graduation products specifically ...
http://graduation-cap.repositorium.net/

21. University of Illinois Commencement - Student Instructions
... the Illini Union Bookstore , 809 South Wright Street, 333-2050, or at http://www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation . Announcements are also available through local bookstores and copy shops ...
http://www.admin.uiuc.edu ...encement/student.html

22. graduation cap and gown information
... by Collegiate Cap & Gown high school graduation,college,cap and gown,kindergarten,graduation preschool ... ... doctoral regalia,doctorate hood,graduation cap & gown,Herff-Jones,ministerial cape,kindergrad cap & ...
http://www.x-clothes.info ...ion-cap-and-gown.html

23. Final Touch Finishing School
... out personal, handwritten thank you notes for graduation gifts. E-mail is not appropriate. If you ... ... Inc., Saint Martin's College, Timberline High School, Jostens and Herff-Jones Mind your manners If ...
http://www.finaltouchscho ...article_olympian2.htm

24. Need graduation cap or something related? Enter now.
... Colleges and Universities in the United States and to countless individuals College Graduation and Gown Products - Herff Jones and Directions to make a mini graduation . Directions to make a graduation ...
http://graduation-cap.soholap.com/

25. A MUST SEE site about graduaion cap
... Herff Jones: CPA College graduaion and Gown Products - Herff Jones and All about graduaion cap: graduation cap - graduat(on cap - raduation cap - gradhation cap - graduatio ncap - graduatjon cap ...
http://graduaion-cap.grad ...choolworldonline.org/

26. Graduation Supplies
... Newberry Ring Tradition For Faculty Graduation Supplies Newberry College Graduation Announcements and Accessories by HERFF JONES Herff Jones provides our graduating Seniors with Announcements and ...
http://www.newberrycolleg ...ageAction=Custom&ID=4

27. Featured Employer on JobsInRI.com
... caps and gowns and graduation announcements to recognize ... intellectual horizons. Herff Jones is a leading producer of ... specializes in high school, college, and Championship rings. What ...
http://www.jobsinri.com/f .../featuredcompany.aspx

28. Gourt :: Reference :: Education :: Products and Services :: Graduation
... and ordering instructions. Herff Jones: The Herff Jones tradition is about rewarding academic and ... ... free! Scholastic Recognition: Supplier of college graduation school products, awards, and gifts ...
http://reference.gourt.co ...vices/Graduation.html

29. UC Davis Bookstore - Class Rings
... on your upcoming graduation! Your class ring is a way to capture the moments and memories of your college experience. Official UC Davis Class Rings can be purchased from Herff-Jones. You can order ...
http://bookstore.ucdavis. ...uation/classrings.cfm

30. College Diploma Frames
... Personalized framing service for graduation, wedding, corporate, anniversary and new baby showers. College Diploma Frames by Collegiate Frames and Herff Jones & College Diploma Frames & ...
http://www.flynnandgislas ...e-diploma-frames.html

31. Case Western Reserve University
... Jones at (412) 331-2562 or place your order online at http://www.herffjones.com/college/graduation. Herff Jones representatives will be on site to answer questions and take orders at the Grad ...
http://www.cwru.edu/commencement/grad.html

32. College Graduation Quote
http://www.quote5.com/college-graduation-quote/

33. NYU > Commencement
... Order on-line now at: > herffjones.com/college/graduation Rental Fees according to degree Doctoral ... ... can pick up their academic attire from Herff Jones, Inc. at the Jerome S. Coles Sports Center ...
http://www.nyu.edu/commencement/attire.html

34. Graduate Service Inc. | Login
... the exquisite craftsmanship of Herff Jones high school and college class rings. Our rings can be ... ... by state-of-the-art computer technology. Your graduation is a time to celebrate success - with a ...
http://www.graduateservic ...dex.php?referer=rings

35. DirectoryGlobe >> Reference >> Education >> Products and S...
... rings, yearbooks, and other graduation items. http://www.herff-jones.com/ Robe Shop Worldwide ... ... products for ceremonies from kindergarten to college and adult. http://www.robeshop.com/ Saxon ...
http://www.directoryglobe ..._Services/Graduation/

36. tagoror dmoz web directory : Reference : Education : Products_and_Services :...
http://www.tagoror.co.uk/ ...d_Services/Graduation

37. DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
... announcements and other graduation memorabilia. Herff Jones will be back on Thursday ... ... baccalaureate course of study at an Indiana College or University. (krillo@mccsc.edu) 15. December ...
http://www.north.mccsc.edu/da.htm

38. SOUTHWEST COLLEGE OF LAW
... www.uscollegesearch.org/ los_angeles_southwest_college.html - 27k - http://www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation/index.cfm?fuseaction=intro.chooseschool&CFID=1810613&C... To view graduation items ...
http://southwest3.collg.net/

39. University of Chicago Law School > Preparing for Graduation
... to order graduation announcements. You can also order online from Herff Jone at www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation or call (630) 653-7572. Guests with Special Needs The Law School will operate a ...
http://www.law.uchicago.e .../graduation-prep.html

40. Commencement
... Jones Rings at (562) 438-5315 or www/herff-jones.com/college DIPLOMA FRAMES Available at the Bronco ... ... average, an MBA graduate earns $75,000 upon graduation , 56% more than before entering the program ...
http://www.bus.csupomona.edu/commencement.asp

41. Graduating from the University of West Florida Online Campus
... web page for dates, times and the RSVP form. Order your cap & gown from www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. You can check the prices for caps & gowns ...
http://onlinecampus.uwf.edu/Graduating/

42. Most Popular FAQ for graduation capp
... Ring, Music, Baccalaureate and more. Herff Jones provides graduation capps, gowns, and ... ... ebay in order to To view graduation items created especially for your college or university, select ...
http://graduation-capp.gr ...choolworldonline.org/

43. Bookstore
... www.herff-jones.com/college/ringstore/ ArtCarved http://www.artcarved.com/ If I miss Graduation ... ... be ordered online at: http://www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation/ Iíve waited too late to order ...
http://www.auxiliary.uncc.edu/bookstore/Cap.htm

44. Newsletter Fall 2004 - Sales - Rhode Island Convention Center
... Convention Center (RICC) on July 17-20, 2004. Herff Jones, Inc. has a tradition for rewarding academic ... ... college class rings, high school/college diplomas, graduation announcements, yearbooks, caps & ...
http://www.riconvention.c ...us/NLFall04Sales.html

45. Class Ring :: Jewelry Store Lists
... High school and college rings, as well as graduation accessories. Buy Class Rings Offers custom designed class rings for high school or university graduations. Herff Jones, Inc. Providers of ...
http://www.jewelrystoreli ...m/ring_class_ring.htm

46. Graduation (on CharityFizz.org)
... class rings, yearbooks, and other graduation items. www.herff-jones.com Robe Shop Worldwide Graduate ... ... products for ceremonies from kindergarten to college and adult. www.robeshop.com Saxon Uniforms ...
http://www.charityfizz.or ..._Services/Graduation/

47. NEW@TCU - TCU Alumni Newsletter
... made by TCUís current robe supplier, Herff Jones Graduation Services, and will put the University ... ... AddRanís Profile Two events staged by AddRan College of Humanities and Social Sciences this fall ...
http://www.alumni.tcu.edu .../12152003/default.htm

48. Graduation
... Graduation Announcements You may order your announcements on-line at http://www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation/. Your degree, major, and time of ceremony are printed on the announcement.If you ...
http://www.missouristateb ...uation/graduation.htm

49. Herff Jones: CPA
To view graduation items created especially for ... Technical College Bob Jones University Bradley ... Young Harris College Everything You Need ... Graduate © Copyright, Herff Jones Company of ...
http://www1.herffjones.co .../graduation/index.cfm

50. Helpful Phone Numbers
... 443-2885 Golf Course(Pro Shop) 443-5125 Herff Jones 781-383-3283 (vendor that offers personalized graduation announcements. Also see College Store above) Public Affairs 443-5198 Registrar ...
http://www.middlebury.edu ...ful_phone_numbers.htm

51. Categorized directory for class rings
... Balfour College Celebrate your achievement with official graduation products Herff Jones College Division Minneapolis based Jostens, founded in 1897, is a leading provider of products, programs and ...
http://class-rings.infosportnews.com/

52. Ocoee High School
... lunch to collect orders for Graduation Announcements and other ... 9am. A representative from Herff-Jones will be on campus to ... 40 Developmental Assets AP College Board (Students) AP College ...
http://www.ocoeehighschool.ocps.net/senior.htm

53. Animal Sciences: News: NODAS 2004–2005: NODAS 2005-04-20
... 9. Order academic attire by April 25. This can be completed on-line at http://www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation or by visiting the Authors Corner in the Illini Union Bookstore (Refer to the ...
http://www.ansci.uiuc.edu ...cfm?CollectionID=7262

54. Graduation - Graduation
... Robe Army Graduation College Graduation Ring College Graduation Rate Graduation Gift Basket Ncaa ... ... Song Lyric Graduation Stole 2005 Graduation Herff Jones Graduation Printable Graduation ...
http://graduation.researchalot.com/

55. Google Directory - Reference > Education > Products and Services > ...
... Herff Jones- http://www.herff-jones.com/ Rewarding academic ... www.graduationfoto.com/ Graduation photo display products ... products for celebrating college graduation including diploma ...
http://directory.google.c ..._Services/Graduation/

56. college class rings
... on a wide variety of jewelry ... raising, gym and team sports and graduation. College Class Rings - Bargain Prices ... Herff Jones High School Fine Papers The Herff Jones tradition is about ...
http://www.education-univ ...lege-class-rings.html