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. CNN.com - Teen speaks at graduation, despite death threats - Jun 9, 2006
... Pennsylvania (AP) -- A high school senior targeted by death threats ... CNN.com - Teen speaks at graduation ...
http://www.cnn.com/2006/U ...raduation.threats.ap/

2. pictures.bassclefff.com - Kyle's High School Graduation
... Top rated My Favorites Search Home > Events > Kyle's High School Graduation Kyle's High School Graduation TITLE + - FILE NAME + - DATE + - 12 files on 1 page(s) Powered by Coppermine Photo Gallery
http://pictures.basscleff ...umbnails.php?album=29

3. Vargasville - Cody's Communion and Nathan's High School Graduation
Home Photo Gallery About Us Events Blog Contact Us Cody's Communion and Nathan's High School Graduation Graduation Click a picture to see a larger view. © copyright 2003 Tom Vargas Jr. |Aboutvargas ...
http://www.aboutvargas.co ...Graduation/index.html

4. Chicago Public Radio - Chicago Matters: Our Next Generation
... Photo: Dorothy Flanagan (then Dorothy Walsdorf) in her 1947 high school graduation photo. Report Why Me? originally aired 4.6.04 Julia McEvoy, Chicago Public Radio Correspondent Early puberty ...
http://www.chicagopublicr ...gen/cm04_schedule.asp

5. High School Graduation Gift Idea - Gifts Central & Great Gifts Ideas
... downtime.......(Continue Reading) More High School Graduation Gift Idea Articles and Info dining ... ... gift baskets valentines day and gifts to unique photo gifts gift baskets in new york the travelers ...
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6. Jostens, Inc. - School Class Rings and Yearbooks
... Gowns, Diplomas Sports Photo Renaissance Shop Quick ... Class rings, graduation products, yearbooks ... and more. Select your School Type: Preschool K-12 ... College & Post-High School Sign In Whether ...
http://www.jostens.com/

7. Grad parties: Bash or bust?
... More photography Students at Blaine High School’s graduation party, held Monday at the ... Church snapped a ...
http://www.startribune.co ...80018-a480049-t3.html

8. danieldrezner.com :: Daniel W. Drezner :: Another John Edwards moment
... There's a lengthy bio of him in one section (including his high school graduation photo). On the front page, the paper reports Edwards may have the "Big Mo" in Iowa: Since stepping into her first ...
http://www.danieldrezner.com/archives/001014.html

9. Veterans
... The photograph on the left is Robert Bruce Luton's high school graduation photo. The photograph on the right is of medics attending to an injured soldier in Italy. Sgt. Luton is pictured in the lower ...
http://www.tenthmountain.org/veteranspictures.htm

10. High School Graduation of James Victor Leeber
High School Graduation of James Victor Leeber (Left to right: Ann Lautato <Mamie's sister>, Kathleen Leeber Gianfrisco, James Leeber, Ann Tadler <Mamie's friend>, Elizabeth "Liz" Leeber ...
http://www.leeber.net/gen ...duation_of_james_.htm

11. Christian Photo Albums - High School Graduation Ceremony 2 - Powered by Phot...
Home Home | Search | Register | Login Home > Main > Friends and Family High School Graduation Ceremony 2 Click on image to view larger image << < > >> Poster: mandy(see this ...
http://albums.crossmap.com/showphoto.php/photo/89

12. Designer Picture Frames. Display your favorite photographs in style with the...
... One wallet-sized space for every year of their school career surrounds the proud high school graduation photo at its center. 12 1/8" x 1 1/4" x 16" high. $17.95 32243 Capture those precious childhood ...
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13. Senior portrait photographer for high school graduation pictures in Denver.
... etc. Testimonials Resource Guide Contact Us High School Seniors Photo Gallery Back Awesome Images Photography 18606 E. Vassar Dr., Aurora, CO 80013 Phone: 303-2004302 Fax: 303-200-4433 Email: info ...
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14. 20% of California Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam | Digitalfog News
... of California Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam Posted ... Äî have failed the states graduation exam, potentially ... url Categories Politics, Photo Essays, Education, Original ...
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15. Grads Graduation University Supplies Graduation
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16. Brian Wassom's Online Photo Album:Chris & I's High School Graduation Car
... Personal Info: My Mini-Bio Favorite Things Photo Album Bookmarks My Faith: My Christian Faith ... ... Website Family Friends Chris's & My High School Graduation Car ...was the coolest of all cars ...
http://www.wassom.com/pictures/gradcar.htm

17. DrumsOnTheWeb.com - Win free stuff! - Your favorite music for drummers and p...
... 6. 1972: Steve's high school graduation photo ** 7. At Berklee, Steve was playing with cats such as... Jeff Berlin, Mike Stern, Bill Frisell, and Neil Stubenhaus. My drummer pals included Vinnie ...
http://www.drumsontheweb. ...ve_Smith_contest.html

18. Drew's High School Graduation - 2004
Drew's High School Graduation - 2004 Ceremony Ceremony Ceremony Drew and Nick Drew and Alan Drew and ... ... Drew and Friends Lucien Kevin Liz Return to Our Photo Albums or Special Interest Pages Listing ...
http://www.nelli.net/cgi- ...cgi/album19_ceremony1

19. High School Graduation Diplomas
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20. Nicole's graduation picture
Nicole C. Itano June 1, 1996. Graduation from Fairview High School, Boulder, Colorado. Back to Itano family home page Last modified: August 19,1997. Send comments to webmaster@itano.net
http://www.itano.net/nicole/nicgrad.htm

21. FROM THE FILES OF THE TIME RANGERS-PAGE 1
... They show Brian Olney as a bright kid in a high school graduation photo, wearing a tuxedo at a brother's wedding, in a Police Academy uniform, in a body bag being carried off a West Side pier a few ...
http://www.scifi.com/scif ...ive/bowes/bowes1.html

22.
... Box $29.95 Wooden Graduation Keepsake Photo Album $24.95 2006 Graduation Mug $12.95 Graduation Afghan - 2006 $49.95 Tassel Graduation Frame $24.95 Graduate Tri-Fold Frame $24.95 Sale Price $19.95 ...
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23. Personalized University, College and High School Graduation Gifts
... you care for the man or woman graduating from high school, college or university. You can personalize ... ... variety of Personalized Leather Graduation Gifts include photo albums, checkbook covers, business ...
http://www.wealthwood.com/graduation_gifts.htm

24. Pilot Light 2000 List of Bio Pages available & Bio page submission Instructions
... When someone clicks on your name from the class list, your high school graduation photo and your bio information will be displayed on the same page together. For guests who do not have a senior class ...
http://www.pilotlight2000.com/biopages.htm

25. Online Graduation Accessories
High school Graduation Accessories and Announcements : Kindergartens : College/School Caps and Gowns : Academic Regalias : Diploma Covers : Diploma Certificates Found 60 matches for Jostens Found 67 ...
http://www.graduationsource.com/

26. high school graduation invitations
... INVITATIONS. ANNOUNCEMENTS WITH PHOTO. Graduation Invitations and Graduation Announcement Cards, High Graduation invitations and announcement cards for high school, college or doctoral graduations ...
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27. Graduation Area Site Map
... Study, Alabama Exam Graduation High School Vocabulary, Georgia High School Graduation, High School Graduation Photo, Alabama High School Graduation Requirement, High School Project Graduation, Pages ...
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28. cbs4boston.com - Obscene Gesture Gets Senior Banned From Graduation
... the Manchester-Essex Regional High School prom. He was suspended for ... Gesture Gets Senior Banned From Graduation ...
http://cbs4boston.com/top ..._story_154161856.html

29. Web Meisters > > Meister Photo Gallery > > Major Events > >...
... Views: 1307 Votes: 372 Comments: 0 Meister Photo Gallery > > Major Events > > Josh High School Graduation Last uploads :: Last comments :: Most ...
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30. deconstructing Ken. Moving to California
... 5th grade My cousin, Earl Allen Amy My high school graduation photo My first published Illustration. Covina High School newsletter clockwise from left, Edith Heath, Amy Graning, Elvie Kiertzner, Anna ...
http://www.artist-artwork.com/pages/DK2.html

31. Personalized Graduation Gifts : Personalized College & High School Graduatio...
... 24.95 Wooden Graduation Keepsake Photo Album $24.95 Diploma Frame $19.95 Personalized Graduation Teddy Bear $29.95 Graduation Keepsake Scroll $24.95 Graduation Wine Bottle $59.95 Six Foot Long Banner ...
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32. high school graduation party planning
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33. FastFind.Me.Uk - high school graduation gift - Search Results
... 1. High School Memories 100-pocket (non-refillable) 4x6 photo brag book covered in a graduation ... ... 13. High School Memories 100-pocket (non-refillable) 4x6 photo brag book covered in a graduation ...
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34. USAREUR Visual Images Archives
... Army photo by Sgt. Gordon Hyde, 128th MPAD) Event: Heidelberg American High School graduation ... ... Heidelberg American High School graduation for the class of 1997. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jim ...
http://www.hqusareur.army ...s/1997/June/Jun97.htm

35. Unique Personalized Gifts For Special Occasions - Gift Graduation High Perso...
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36. Wilsonhome Photo Gallery - Julie's High School Graduation
... Photo of Claremore Oklahoma Class of 2005 15 views Julie's High School graduation, May 26, 2005 Julie and Mom 14 views Julie's High School graduation, May 26, 2005 Julie and Charlie 27 views Julie's ...
http://www.wilsonhome.net ...umbnails.php?album=10

37. 2005 Paynesville Area High School Graduation
A Photo Gallery of PAHS Graduation May 29, 2005 #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19 #20 Color reprints can be ordered from the Paynesville Press $7 for 4x6; $9 for 5x7 ...
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38. Unique high school graduation gift
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39. High School Graduation Party : Party Stuff
... the elite St. Albans School; during summer ... banquet or conference. Photo restoration for ... by Mike Scalf provides high quality pictures for ... commercial and ... graduation supplies ...
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40. High School Graduation 2002 :: SamPowers.net
... NET Blog Photos Videos High School Graduation 2002 Photo 13 of 14 | Back To Album Previous Photo | Next Photo Me and Tony Comments No Comments Post A Comment Name: Email: Website: Remember Me: Yes No ...
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41. Seraphic Secret: Remembering Ariel Archives
... The year before Ariel died, his best friends from his high school, Yeshiva Gedolah of Los Angeles, came over to our house. They brought soda and pizza and they all sat in our Succah and sang, told ...
http://www.seraphicpress. ...ering_ariel/index.php

42. Andis Kaulins high school graduation picture 1964
... graduation list Lincoln High School, Lincoln, Nebraska, 1964 Graduation Class and Faculty 97th ... ... Isandis.com | Dainas.com | LexiLine.de | | AK Photo Blog | Ancient Egypt Blog CHEOPS | Ancient ...
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43. wedding-guest-favor.com | Graduation Invitation | College Graduation Invitat...
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44. Jahmar's High School Graduation
Jahmar's High School Graduation Click on any photo to see a larger version Ceremonies held at the Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach Page 2 Page 3 Lagunacinema Home Radified Home
http://www.lagunacinema.c ...ate/HTML_01/index.htm

45. Damien High School - Graduation Photos
... Babbitt Library Laconian In the News Literary Journal Photo Galleries Sports Student Progress Teacher Resources Tijuana Mission Club Graduation Photos Hypertext Babbitt Latest Events Sun, Mar 26th ...
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46. Unique Graduation Gifts Graduation Tributes Graduation Video College Graduat...
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47. Graduation i : High School Graduation Speeches
... business, opinion, entertainment,classifieds and photo gallery. Also subscription and advertising ... ... Senior High School - Home of the Dragons Grades 11 and 12. Carroll ISD. Graduation Speeches ...
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48. Mike's Personal Page
... Here's a photo of me during the National Scout Jamboree in 1977 when I was reporting on the Old Kentucky Home Council's four troops: My high school graduation photo. The tie is an Exploring tie and I ...
http://users.aol.com/kyblkeagle/

49. New York Plastic Surgeon - Mirabella Magazine Article - Plastic Surgery Risks
... Review the before-and-after shots of your doctor's work, and bring realistic pictures (not your high-school graduation photo) to your consultation so that your doctor understands what your beauty ...
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50. Graduation Open House Invitations: High School & College Graduation Open House
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51. News, 12 October 1998, at the Museum of Menstruation and Women's Health
... I saw some photos, including a reddening but good Polaroid of my mother and father, and my high school graduation photo, and some letters and notes. I read a letter from my mother to her mother. The ...
http://www.mum.org/olnews87.htm

52. Songs for Grade School/Junior High Graduation
... Apr 03, 06 | 4:16 pm school's out by alice cooper ... especially Jr. High since it has to do ... t appropriate for graduation. I'll bet you're ... design | illustration | photo | thoughts blog ...
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53. ePier -36321 SCHOOL DAYS PHOTO FRAME
... frame. One wallet-sized space for every year of their school career surrounds the proud high school graduation photo at its center. 12 1/8" x 1 1/4" x 16" high. Please remit payment within 10 days of ...
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54. High School Graduation - Topic Powered by Groupee Community
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55. Station1gifts.com: Holiday Gift Ideas, Birthday Gifts, Valentine's Day Gifts...
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