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Guest Blogger • May 23, 2023 TopicsBook Clubs Book Fairs books graduation June parents teachers

7 Picture Books That Make Perfect Graduation Gifts

Originally published by On Our Minds on June 14, 2022
Versioned for Scholastic Canada


Graduation season is just around the corner! Whether you have a little one who is graduating from pre-school or kindergarten, or a bigger kid finishing middle school, high school or college, picture books are a timeless way to celebrate next steps.

Here’s our round-up of picture books that encourage graduates to revel in the present, dream about the future, and let their imaginations soar!

Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds

While the world tells us to sit still, to follow the rules, and to colour inside the lines, Happy Dreamer celebrates all those moments in between when the mind and spirit soar and we are free to become our own true dreamer maximus! This empowering picture book by Peter H. Reynolds will inspire the youngest graduates to stay true to who they are, to tap into their most creative inner selves, and to never ever forget to dream big!

Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds

Also by Peter H. Reynolds, the New York Times bestselling picture book Be You! is a joyful ode to the ways that every child is unique and special. There is only one Y-O-U! This is the perfect reminder for graduates to continue to be their awesome, unique selves, in the next year and beyond.

The Little Butterfly That Could by Ross Burach

Butterfly can’t wait to find the flowers—until he realizes that they’re 200 miles away! How will he ever make it? This hilarious companion to The Very Impatient Caterpillar celebrates persistence—if at first you don’t succeed, fly, fly again! It’s a delightful way to honour kids’ hard work over the past year.

All Because You Matter by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier

This New York Times bestselling picture book reminds children that they matter, that they always have mattered, and that they always will. Part love letter, part anthem, this is an empowering graduation gift that reminds kids of their agency and worth as they embark on next steps.

Curious You: On Your Way! by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and illustrated by H. A. Rey

Curious You: On Your Way! is a perfect send-off for children of all ages entering a new phase of their lives. The ideal gift book for a graduation, a promotion, or any occasion, Curious You: On Your Way! helps to celebrate all of the milestones of our lives.

Follow along with George in classic scenes from many of his original books as he provides words of congratulations and encouragement to anyone who has accomplished much but still has many things to see, to do, and to dream! This inspirational story reminds readers young and old who are moving up or moving on that they have a special someone cheering for them as far as their curiosity can take them!

The Littlest Graduate by Brandi Dougherty and illustrated by Denise Hughes

These kids accomplished so much — they are ready for big kid school!

With the help of his friends and teachers, Noah discovers he’s the right size to help out with the upcoming graduation party. A sweet and empowering story for little graduates everywhere.

Graduation Groove by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook and illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda

Got the graduation groove in my kindergarten feet.

I’m zipping up my gown to a first-grade beat.

Graduate from kindergarten in style, dancing all the way to first grade!

This book celebrates all of the things that make kindergarten great. From classmates to projects, teachers to pets, kindergarten is full of amazing experiences. Graduating from kindergarten and starting first grade is an important milestone in every kid’s life. Whether you’re excited or nervous, this book is perfect for your special day and will help you dance to first grade!