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B&N Reads Blog

Inspiring Stories for Little Graduates

This time of year brings a slew of graduations, moving up ceremonies and end-of-school celebrations for every age. But it can also be a time of uncertainty and change, which is why it’s important to share inspiring stories with little readers entering the big wide world. Spread some inspiration with these heartwarming picture books young readers will cherish.

What Do You Do with an Idea?

Kobi Yamada

2

Hardcover

$17.95

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Sometimes you have the most wonderful idea. And sometimes, you don’t know what to do with this idea. In this delightful story, Yamada inspires us to see where our ideas will take us.

Wherever You Go

Pat Zietlow Miller

5

Hardcover

$18.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

This heartwarming picture book teaches little ones that wherever they go, they are never alone. Follow along as an adventurous rabbit makes a journey through life and discovers the many wonders of the world.

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be

Joanna Gaines

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4.2

Hardcover

$19.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Joanna Gaines delivers an inspirational message of acceptance and celebrates uniqueness in this beloved book, paired with Julianna Swaney's harmonious illustrations. A perpetually relevant and necessary concept, teamwork and celebrating our differences can lead to a truly beautiful outcome.

When You Dream Big!

Peter H. Reynolds

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4.5

Hardcover

$16.99

$19.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Charlie doesn’t know what her future holds, and that’s the fun of it! This joyful story shows that not having all the answers is perfectly okay when your heart leads the way. Inspire little ones in your life to dream big.

 

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Dr. Seuss

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4.9

Hardcover

$14.24

$18.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

The classic story that has inspired generations of readers and graduates. Celebrate change and new beginnings with this story of perseverance and dedication. The most given gift at graduations of all kinds, and for good reason.

Will the Pigeon Graduate? (B&N Exclusive Edition)

Mo Willems

5

BN Exclusive

$16.99

$18.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Con-grad-ulations, Pigeon! He did it … or did he? Join our favorite winged friend in this hilarious journey where The Pigeon scrambles to get his degree — or get totally schooled.

 

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Insightful, sweet, funny, charming, the list of adjectives you could apply to any work by Oliver Jeffers is pretty extensive. Here, he distills life on earth into a single picture book, to dazzling effect, inviting readers to celebrate the world and all it offers.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Vashti Harrison

5

Hardcover

$16.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Featuring stories of the brave Black women throughout history who paved the way for others and broke boundaries in a time when women were overlooked.

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Inspirational down to its core, this is the story of an intrepid young girl intent on making a big difference and achieving the unthinkable.

Dear Girl: A Celebration of Wonderful, Smart, Beautiful You!

Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Paris Rosenthal

5

Hardcover

$19.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Dear Girl is a sweet and sentimental story to give to an extraordinary girl in your life. The letters and illustrations on each page will remind girls to love themselves and always stay true to themselves. This makes for an amazing birthday or graduation gift.

I Am Enough

Grace Byers

5

Hardcover

$19.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

A refreshing mantra of believing in yourself, I Am Enough instills in young readers the pertinent reminder that they are worthy of love, including from themselves.

We Are Growing!

Mo Willems

Hardcover

$9.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Growing up is hard, but it has to happen at some point! Join Walt, a blade of grass, as he learns the importance of growing up and reaching for the sky in this hilarious and heartwarming story to inspire kids to be the best they can be.

Rebel Girls Lead: 25 Tales of Powerful Women

Rebel Girls

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4.5

Paperback

$8.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Learn about the real women leaders who helped shape the world, written in a captivating fairy tale form. Inspire young girls with stories of bravery, activism and change through the eyes of these exceptional women.

Notes From Your Bookseller

With kid-friendly language and full-color illustrations, these funny and inspiring biographies follow some of the most iconic innovators in their early childhood.

On the Last Day of School

Maggie C. Rudd

Hardcover

$18.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

School may be over, but learning never ends! This exciting picture book celebrates school, community and the bittersweet feeling of an ending.

 

Explore more graduation books here.