Congratulations! 10 Children's Books for Celebrating the End of the School Year and Graduations
Updated: May 31
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Children's books are a great way to celebrate milestones such as the end of the school year or graduation. These diverse picture books empower children by sharing stories of hope and courage for the future.
From the author of Curls and Glow comes a joyfully poetic board book that delivers an ode to African American girls as naturally beautiful in our human garden.
those girls bloom
these do too
we bloom like flowers
how about you?
Introduce young readers to the idea of self-love in a simple, playful rhythm with this luminous story where each little girl is as unique and beautiful as a blossoming flower.
A little Black boy finds the courage to go after his dreams in this empowering and inspirational picture book by actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste (The Sandman) with actor Larry Fields.
With vivid, dimensional illustrations by Paul Davey, this encouraging and hopeful picture book celebrates the joy of being a little Black boy and their bright futures.
Fascinated by marine wildlife, a little Black boy dreams of one day swimming in the ocean alongside all the creatures that make it their home. It will take courage to move from the safety of the swimming pool to the vastness of the ocean, but as he begins his journey of discovery, he soon finds there's nothing he can't do. He realizes if he cares about the animals in the ocean, he must also care about their home and sets out to preserve the beaches he loves by picking up trash. This little boy is determined not only to reach his dream of becoming a marine biologist, but to make a difference in the world and to share his passion of environmental conservation with everyone.
Little Black Boy, Oh the things you will do.
Has anyone mentioned the world's open to you?
From Yamile Saied Méndez, acclaimed author of Where Are You From?, comes a stunning lyrical picture book that tells the story of one girl who is always asked a simple question: What will you be when you grow up?
What will you be when you grow up?
A young girl dreams about all the endless possibilities, sparking a sense of wonder, curiosity, and growth. With her abuela's loving guidance, she learns her potential is limitless.
Yamile Saied Méndez's powerful, lyrical text and Kip Alizadeh's colorful, stunning art are a radiant celebration of family, love, and community. A Spanish-language edition, Qué Serás?, is also available.
A freshly retold animal fable about heroism, hope, and community, from award-winning creators Leah Henderson and Magaly Morales
Across oceans, lands, and skies
In whispers, shouts, and in many different languages
the story of the little hummingbird of the Great Forest can always be heard
The story of the little hummingbird has been told around the world in many forms and across many cultures, believed to have originated among the Indigenous Quecha people of modern-day Ecuador. In this spin on the globally popular legend, when a disastrous forest fire threatens the Great Forest, the hummingbird must inspire all the animals to work together to save their homes.
Lyrically told by Leah Henderson and vividly illustrated by Magaly Morales, this tale of bravery against seemingly insurmountable odds and a community working together to overcome adversity is a reminder that no challenge is too great, and that even the smallest of us can make a world of difference.
Includes an author's note, as well as back matter on the origins of the folktale and facts about hummingbirds.
Jayden and a new friend bring nature to the city in this timeless story about a community garden
Amidst all the buildings, people, and traffic in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature everywhere: the squirrels scrounging, the cardinals calling, and the dandelions growing. But Mama doesn't believe there's nature in the city. So Jayden sets out to help Mama see what he sees. With the help of his friend Mr. Curtis, Jayden plants the seeds of a community garden and brings together his neighbors--and Mama--to show them the magic of nature in the middle of the city.
Timeless and vibrant, this story highlights the beauty of intergenerational relationships and the power of imagination and perseverance in bringing the vision of a community garden to life. Jayden's love of nature will inspire readers to see their environment and surroundings as bursting with opportunities for growth and connection. At the back of the book, readers will find activities to make items found in the book, such as the milk jug bird feeder.
From New York Times bestselling Joanna Ho, author of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners and Eyes that Speak to the Stars, comes a heartfelt picture book about the depths of a mother's love.
One Day is a mother's ode to her baby boy--she shares her hopes and dreams for her son as she envisions him exploring the world.