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 Fathers Day ideas on the web.
Click Here for Great Father's Day Gift Ideas!

1. College Graduation Announcements, College Graduation Invitations, University...
... OF WORDING IDEAS College/University Graduation Announcements ... Good Sites Site Map (Email) Graduation > Educational Financial ... because, by definition, it is a gift that your student doesn't have ...
http://www.graduationcard ...ional.php?maincatid=1

2. The Bau Family Online News July 4, 2001
... big event for the out of towners was the University graduation ceremony... over 20,000 attendees, held ... ... The Business School graduates gave a "class gift" of $850,000 to the University. This was the ...
http://bau.to/news/issue71.htm

3. Coaches Gifts - Gifts Central & Great Gifts Ideas
... gift certificates mothers day gift ideas for gifts for women police north carolina gift baskets university graduation gifts golf christmas gifts gift catalog 25th aniversary gifts romantic gifts ...
http://www.theraindrops.com/coaches-gifts.html

4. casinos in kentucky and indiana apartments in bloomington indiana
... I'd give casinos in kentucky and indiana as a gift to all of my friends and acquaintances. Let me ... ... evansville indiana casino - Indiana university graduation 2004 south bend indiana tribune ...
http://casinos-in-kentuck ...iana-real-estate.biz/

5. AIA - American International Assurance
... your child has sufficient financial support to age 21 when he/she completes the university study. Graduation Gift At the Maturity Date when your child reaches 22, all the accumulated and declared ...
http://www.aia.com.vn/en/products1_3.htm

6. Quinnipiac University | PA graduation ceremony sets students on course of su...
... Headlines Every Day! PA graduation ceremony sets students on ... History Center at the Duke University Medical Center, discussed ... Carolyn Kinney, who accepted a gift from students on behalf of ...
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x16401.xml

7. wedding invitation index 29
... custom wedding invitation colorfulunique elegant wedding invitationunique gift for wedding attendantunique giftsunique graduation party invitationunique greeting cardunique handmade wedding ...
http://www.pasztorpaper.com/29/index.html

8. University Co-op - Graduation
... Collectibles & Clocks Game Day Gift Cards Golf Graduation Jewelry ... Textbooks Faculty Students Graduation Correspondence Class Rings ... Brushes Winsor & Newton University Acrylic Brushes Oil Brushes ...
http://www.universitycoop ...ain.html&design=coop3

9. Graduation Info : Graduation
... School Graduation Gift High School Graduation Gift Ideas High School Graduation Gifts High School ... ... Graduation Songs For Graduations The Graduation Song University Graduate Programs West Point ...
http://graduationinfo.com/

10. Photo Candle Gift - Graduation Photo Candle Ideas, Gifts, Favors, Centerpieces
... Congratulations (University Graduation) Available in 3-1D2x3" for $14.95 & 6x3" for $19.95. 6x3" is shown. TO ORDER a Photo Candle with this layout: 1. Click on the Image or Enter Photo Candle Design ...
http://www.goodycandles.c ...p?source=cat&catid=27

11. Graduation Gifts, College Graduation Gifts, Graduation Gift, Graduation Invi...
... Album Customized graduation gifts, graduation invitations, graduation gift, high school graduation, college graduation, university graduation, gifts for graduation, customized gifts, engraved gifts ...
http://www.stuff4college.com/graduation/photo.htm

12. Card Exam Success, card exam success information
... com uk online gift shop - unusual ideas for university graduation, exam success and special diploma occasions ... special occasions presents - retirement gifts uk:graduation gifts - presents - exam ...
http://www.successischild ....com/cardexamsuccess/

13. PRESIDENT
... to give back to their communities upon graduation. University of Baltimore School of Law, led by Dean Gilbert Homes, just dedicated a $100,000 unrestricted gift to the endowment of an LRAP. LRAPs ...
http://www.ejm.lsc.gov/EJ ...message/president.htm

14. CampusProgress.org | Heather B. on the mic
... Location: Goleta, CA School (Year of Graduation): University of California-Santa Barbara (2006 ... ... scores, satire ´ Hide Full Profile Progressive gift giving By Heather_B - Nov 26th, 2005 at 4:55 pm ...
http://www.campusprogress ...munity/blog/Heather_B

15. http://www.sdsuniverse.info/email/081604.htm
... the College of Arts and Letters. $14.5 Million Gift Joins SDSU, QUALCOMM in Commitment to San Diego ... ... Alan Sweedler Speaks at Hungarian University Graduation Ceremony Janusz Supernak Has Built Many ...

16. ice skating columbus indiana jobshelpwantedevansvilleindiana
... I'd give ice skating columbus indiana as a gift to all of my friends and acquaintances. Let me ... ... Free indiana maps usa indiana university graduation 2004 - Hope lafayette indiana madison ...
http://ice-skating-columb ...iana.indiana-map.biz/

17. Graduation HQ - Graduation
... Gift High School Graduation Gift Ideas High School Graduation ... Suggest Category Graduation Graduation On-Line - Enrollment ... Mellon List of links for university graduation procedures ...
http://www.graduationhq.com/

18. FCHouse
... last week is the Fabianas Gift, so it is the one I want! Yes ... The long march to the Graduation has started! 3 Filed under ... to register myself to the University again! The course I have ...
http://www.fchouse.com/

19.
http://www.hillnews.com/t ...DavidHill/050405.html

20. University Area Site Map
... Ville, University Of Louisville Web Site, University Of Louisville Housing, University Of Louisville Picture, Gift Graduation Louisville University, University Of Louisville Hospitalcom, University Of ...
http://www.university-area.com/site-map_1-150.html

21. Graduation Gifts: University Landmarks Tapestry Afghan. One stop shopping fo...
... gift graduation gifts graduation party graduation party gift monogrammed afghan monogrammed blanket ... ... personalized throw blanket throw blanket University Landmarks Tapestry Afghan Graduation Gifts ...
http://www.graduationgiftsonline.com/DPZM1546.htm

22. Customer service seminars and training - Contact Stew Leonard's for differen...
... class picture and a Stew Leonard's University graduation certificate. Cost: $295.00 per person ... ... PRIVACY POLICY | CONTACT US SEND ME A FREE GIFT CATALOG | REGISTER FOR SPECIALS NORWALK ...
http://www.stew-leonards.com/html/cs_seminars.cfm

23. college graduation gift
... a-remembrance.com/graduation.htm Texas College Gift Baskets University of Texas gifts, Texas ... ... offered at the gift shop for Texas Universities. We offer University graduation gifts, of the ...
http://www.1st-online-mal ...-graduation-gift.html

24. Florida International University Alumni
... Education, Athletics, Make a gift, FIU Homepage What are your ... Web or the Kiosks on both University Park and North Campus ... of the Registrars, Attn: Graduation University Park, PC 138 ...
http://www.fiualumni.com/faq-2.htm

25. nashville indiana natural science statemapofindiana
... I'd give nashville indiana natural science as a gift to all of my friends and acquaintances. Let me ... ... health warsawindianaemployment - Indiana university graduation 2004 search for evansville indiana ...
http://nashville-indiana- ...ce.indiana-state.biz/

26. Anderson University Registrar: Graduation Rates
... > Quick Links ----------------- Make A Gift Online AU Bookstore AU Press AccessAU Adult ... ... STUDENT RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT (SRTK) Graduation Rates Anderson University complies with the Student Right ...
http://www.anderson.edu/registrar/srtk.html

27. Graduation and Commencement Information, University of Maryland
... Graduation Cap and Gown Info Graduation Photos Contribute to Class Gift Senior Events Senior Marshal ... ... accomplishments and contributions to the University of Maryland. Office of University Relations ...
http://www.commencement.u ...fo/seniormarshals.cfm

28. Unique Corporate Gift at Uniqueholidaygift.Com
... good. Related phrases are college graduation gifts for men, basket breakfast gift holiday, holiday gift for family, culinary graduation gifts, and auburn university graduation gifts. After browsing a ...
http://www.uniqueholidayg ...iqueCorporateGift.php

29. carpet lafayette indiana bloomington indiana independent
... indiana . I'd give carpet lafayette indiana as a gift to all of my friends and acquaintances. Let me ... ... Indiana state police andy rector indiana university graduation 2004 - Renter homes for sell ...
http://carpet-lafayette-indiana.indiana-state.biz/

30. University graduation gift
university graduation gift from meridia online university graduation gift MENU: Sarafem Phendimetrazine Cheap Meridia Business Gift Graduation Gift Buy Meridia Online Birthday Gift Meridia Bratz Doll ...
http://meridia-online.gre ...y-graduation-gift.htm

31. Grad Gifts - Top Gifts For Grads
... not reward your graduate with a gift that shows you appreciate his or her accomplishment and will contribute to his or her future success? Diploma, university graduation or certification, you know he ...
http://dadsandgrads.about ...ads/tp/gradgifts1.htm

32. Graduation Gifts SuperStore at Discount Prices, College - Nurse
... graduation gifts. What is the best graduation gift for a teenager out of high-school? What should ... ... gifts 2003 graduation gifts School Graduation Gifts university graduation gifts graduation gifts ...
http://www.graduation-ann ...raduation-gifts.shtml

33. Graduation Party Favors Party Supplies Graduation Gift Ideas Prom Night Gift...
... Make high school graduation parties, Prom Nights, College graduation parties, University graduation parties, or any graduation party more memorable with these elegant personalized graduation party ...
http://www.chococheer.com/graduationparty.htm

34. indinapolis indiana news indianapacersgolfbag
... indiana prosecutor - Indiana university graduation 2004 south bend indiana memorial hospital - Troy movie carmel indiana lintonindianaoutdoorleisure - Get well gift basket indianapolis indiana ...
http://indinapolis-indian ....indiana-casinos.biz/

35. Pepperdine University - Graziadio School of Business and Management - Graduation
... Resources Make a Gift Management Partners & Executive Associates University Alumni Services & ... ... Business Report Graziadio Business Connection Graduation Executive Education/Non-Degree Recruit ...
http://bschool.pepperdine ...ewsevents/graduation/

36. What is Life Really Like After Graduation? Vanessa Has the Answers... | Univ...
... the past, present and graduation slowly collapses in on ... and be entered to win a gift bag! As a member, you'll get ... OF SERVICE Copyright © 2005 University Chic, all rights reserved ...
http://www.universitychic.com/node/249

37. Cedarville University Graduation Information
... regalia will also recognize graduation honors, if you qualify. One ... cumulative GPA. Cedarville University About Us Academics ... Relations Financial Aid Gift Planning HeartSong Touring ...
http://www.cedarville.edu/resource/grad2001/

38. university graduation gift
university graduation gift - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Brak pliku slowa.txt Warning: file(../../new/ccc/525): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in ...
http://marc.krote.radom.p ...sity-graduation-gift/

39. graduation gift ideas, graduation gifts
... For the college or university graduate, why not consider a personalized graduation gift, such as a bathrobe, towel, photo album, pen set, pocket knife, or framed newspaper article. For the high ...
http://www.gift-shop-cafe ...graduation-gifts.html

40. United Press International - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper
... Employment Health Tourist Guide Holiday Gift Guide Insider Politics Blog Riffologist ...
http://www.washtimes.com/ ...0603-104326-1398r.htm

41. gift directory 3
... We provide high quality personalised best graduation gift, cheap graduation gift, unique graduation gift, graduation gift uk, university graduation gift Graduation Gifts - Welcome to our selection of ...
http://www.kl-gifts.com/gift/gift-3.html

42. Fasb medicare
... sharon pa school how to start a christian book store how much money 2b high school graduation gift devry university school calendar epson ex 800 printer driver 98 zion lutheran high school deerfield ...
http://fasb-medicare.dacus.kepno.pl/

43. Gifts - Graduation Gifts
... Gifts Wholesale Jewelry Wine Gift Wine Gift Basket Wrapped Gift Add Category Email Article: Supply-Side University: Graduation Gifts Email Polyconomics Article Supply-Side University ...
http://www.ftcgifts.com/graduationgifts/

44. Small Pieces of Time Australian Scrapbooking Supplies - Shopping Catalog
... >" /> Extra Embellishments >" /> Gift Certificates Idea Books >" /> K and ... ... to graduations. Graduation Hat - Cast Pewter Charm Perfect for not only university graduation ...
http://www.smallpiecesoft ...m.au/shopping/335.php

45. Generic viagra in usa
... of arkansas georgia southern university gift shop jerry stewart iowa state university purdue ... ... in indiana northern arizona university nau verification of graduation university of virginia ...
http://generic-viagra-in-usa.sagum.sejny.pl/

46. === Graduation Gifts university graduation gift ===
Graduation Gifts graduation gift university graduation gift graduation gift for boy girl graduation gift high school graduation gift medical school graduation gift canada gift graduation idea ...
http://www.shopping-1st.c ...y-graduation-gift.htm

47. Georgina Cranston Photography - Biography
... her lens, Georgina captures the moment with her gift for combining informality with inspiration and ... ... becoming a professional freelancer after university graduation five years ago, she has forged a strong ...
http://www.georginacranst .../index.aspx?pageid=27

48. Graduation Gift
... holiday, and more. Category: Gift Certificate Retailers www ... Graduation speech A graduation speech, in the U. S . , is ... by a student or alumnus of a university or university college to a ...
http://www.graduation-are ...raduation-gift_5.html

49. DISTANCE EDUCATION PONDICHERRY UNIVERSITY
... dog training electric fence dog training electric fence ; mastercard ; new york apartment drum set distance education pondicherry university ; gift graduation ... www.tzu-chi.bc.ca/palm--palm/ - 42k ...
http://pondicherry.educt.biz/index6.aspx

50. Search Results for "graduation" - Homeschool SuperSearch - Search Engine for...
... Fireworks General Decorations Gift Wrap Graduation Halloween ... www.bulkpartysupplies.com Graduation Information SCHEDULE OF ... 2002. California State University, Sacramento ... The results ...
http://www.homeschoolsupe ...i?keywords=graduation

51. graduation trip
... award, diploma plaque, etched certificate, college graduation, university graduation, high school graduation, marriage cer Category: Gift shops http://www.lifes-milestones.com/ Route 66 Description ...
http://www.ranoc.com/graduation_trip.htm

52. Hand-Made Mantle Clocks by John L. Queen
... Hand-crafted mantle clocks are a unique gift to celebrate a university graduation, wedding or anniversary. Each mantle clock comes with Westminster chimes. All mantle clocks have Bevelled Glass Doors ...
http://jlqclocks.brentwood.bc.ca/mantle.htm

53. Southeastern University Graduation Ceremony
... alumni in promoting the welfare of the University. After you graduate, it is critical to keep ... ... OVERSEAS TO GRADUATION ALUMNI QUESTIONNAIRE SEU'S CALENDAR SEU'S VIRTUAL GIFT SHOP ACADEMIC ...
http://www.seu.edu/gen/ann/graduation.htm

54. El Remanso Lodge Gift Certificates
... Consider a gift to: Send your LOVE to somebody that is here Say thank you to someone Honeymoon for newly weds Anniversaries Family Gathering Reunion University Graduation Reward loyalty Recognition ...
http://www.elremanso.com/gift-certificate.html

55. Graduation Party
... Gifts, Wiggles, Vegas, Mitzvah, Decorations, Gift, Strippers, Slumber Related Terms: Slumber ... ... Graduation" -- As to Graduation Party Academic procession during the University ofCanterbury ...
http://www.altvetmed.com/ ...graduation-party.html

56. College & University Watches - Logo Watches Graduation Gift
... Us õõ European Logo Watches õ Schools Looking for a College Graduation Gift... ...Choose Logo Watches for your College & University Team Alloy Case in Shiny Gold Color (Silver) Gold Plated ...
http://www.fotowatch.com/ ...niversity-watches.htm