Hooray Graduates! 12 Picture Books for Moving On

The stand-by favorites: Yay, You! by Sandra Boynton This perfect gift giving edition features a front page with built-in blank spaces for To and From.  And who can resist Boynton's playful rhyme and hysterical pictures.  My favorite? The meditating cow saying "OOM."  (Moo backwards) Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss Maybe the most frequently gifted picture book to graduates, this Dr. Seuss favorite is now available in a new Party Edition, featuring a shiny, reflective dust jacket that makes me think of celebratory confetti. Helpful Guides: Instructions by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Charles Vess Gaiman's newest book sets readers on a fantastical quest which not only leads one through the ups and downs of  a fairy tale world, but gives "instructions" on how to navigate the 'real' world as well. Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jane Dyer Using cookie analogies and beautiful watercolors, Rosenthal and Dyer define many of life's important lessons.  "MODEST means you don't run around telling everyone you make the best cookies, even if you know it to be true."  A sweet reminder to always mind your manners. Eloise's Guide to Life by Kay Thompson , illustrated by Hilary Knight Eloise's humor and wild actions remind readers to stay young, regardless of your age. Open House for Butterflies and A Hole is to Dig by Ruth Krauss, illustrated by Maurice Sendak My absolute favorite books to give as gifts, these two books define those special moments and things in life that often get overlooked by busy adults.  "Mud is to jump in and slide in an yell doodleedoodleedoo" or "A good thing  to think about is what kind of face to make when you say please." The Arrival by Shaun Tan Sometimes trying something new or going to a new place can make you feel out of place, like an alien or outsider.  Sometimes it's hard to make sense of anything at all.  In his wordless masterpiece, Shaun Tan shows an immigrant's journey to a new life, complete with the scary fears and bizarre situations that accompany all new adventures. There by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick There are so many questions and directions to go in.  Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick reminds readers that the journey to "There" is important, but don't forget to appreciate where you are right Here and Now. Some Things Are Scary by Florence Parry Heide, illustrated by Jules Feiffer Some things are scary (especially growing up), but Florence Parry Heide and Jules Feiffer make sure you remember that scary things can be funny, too. Cherish Today by Kristina Evans, illustrated by Bryan Collier In rhyme reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's Oh, The Places You'll Go, Evans reminds readers that possibilities are endless for the future, but don't forget to appreciate and cherish today.  Caldecott Honor winning illustrator Bryan Collier makes this book stand out with his unique collage art technique. Walk On! by Marla Frazee Marla Frazee captures the the ups and downs of a baby learning to walk, complete with temper tantrums and feelings of pure joy.  With humorous illustrations and text, this book makes a great gift for anyone about to take on something new. Do you have a favorite picture book to give to graduates in your life?  Let us know in the comments below.