Our children have been gifted with incredible teachers at every level of education. From infant daycare, to Montessori preschool, to public elementary school, we have found wise, talented teachers happy to partner with us in educating our kids. Each has shaped their lives in ways that are already visible, but whose full impact we might not know for years. Grateful, grateful, grateful.
Naturally, I wanted to find a way to keep these teachers close over the years, and that’s how we found our way to the graduation book tradition. You’re probably already familiar with it – parents choose a picture book and ask their children’s teachers to write a note in it each year, kind of like a yearbook. As a words gal, I love the idea of capturing memories and hopes for the future from these dear ones. June’s book now has several years of notes penned inside, and Shep’s has been broken in by his beloved preschool director. They’re both already on the short list of items I’d save in a fire.
While this tradition isn’t a new idea, it’s become a beloved one in our family, and so I thought I’d share a bit about it today!
How to organize a teacher picture book signing tradition
Though this tradition requires a bit of sustained effort over many years (your child’s entire K-12 education!), it’s really an easy lift: once you’ve chosen a book (see below!), you simply have to produce it at the right time each year for the teacher to sign – and, perhaps more challenging, keep it safe all the months in between. (We keep ours in our children’s memory boxes.)
Here’s the email I send to our kids’ teachers in late May:
Hi [teacher name]!
I hope you’re enjoying these last few days with your students! I will be sending in a picture book soon that I’m hoping you (and [assistant’s name], if she’d like!) would be willing to sign for our girl! I’m sure you’re very familiar with the tradition, but the idea is that you’d both choose any page and write her an encouraging note (no need to return it the same day – anytime before the end of the year!). We’ll then pass the book on to her teachers next year and beyond. (We do plan to let her read it along the way instead of waiting until graduation!)
She has enjoyed being with you both so, so much this year, and I know it will mean the world! Thank you in advance!!
Emily
Once receiving confirmation, I tuck the book in her backpack inside a manilla envelope. We keep it close until the end of the school year, then let the kids read the notes at our end-of-school-year/beginning-of-summer celebration. (I know some parents keep the tradition a secret until senior year, but I think it’s meaningful to be buoyed by these special teacher’s words along the way!)
14 Great Graduation Book Ideas
When looking for a graduation picture book, the key is to combine a meaningful message with illustrations that leave enough white space for writing notes. This is surprisingly tricky to find! Here are the two books we’ve used for our older kids, and a few others that are worth a look:
— The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines | This is June’s book! I wouldn’t say it’s the absolute best story, but it’s sweet, the illustrations are lovely, and it has plenty of room for writing.
— What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada | Shep’s book! The black-and-white illustrations work wonderfully for adding colorfully-penned notes, and the message is timeless.
— Miss Rumphius | In terms of messaging, this would be my hands-down choice – but alas, I didn’t think it had enough room for notes. Worth considering, though!
— Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss | A classic! The sales of this one must be bananas in May.
— A World Wonder by Laura Wifler | Though I haven’t chosen a book yet for Annie, this is on my short list! We love this story of a girl with big dreams on a journey to discover what makes life truly meaningful.
— Journey by Aaron Becker | This is a visually-stunning wordless picture book – perfect for adding your own words of wisdom over the years!
— The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Martin | This seems to be a very popular option for graduation book gifts. I don’t care for her illustration style as much as some of these others, but this is a great pick with plenty of white space on the page.
— All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon | This simple, profound Caldecott Honor book follows a circle of family and friends over the course of a day. The breathy, windswept illustrations leave plenty of margin for notes!
— Because by Mo Williams | We have and love this picture book about the chain reaction one decision can make, which begins and ends (and begins?) with a life-changing musical performance. Check it out in person, though – the (beautiful!) illustrations take up a lot of the space on each page.
— The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson | The vibrant illustrations in this one are a marvel, but I don’t know that they leave quite enough room on the page for notes! Either way, the message is lovely and this is a book my kids enjoyed reading.
— Wherever You Go by Pat Zietlow Miller | This one seems a bit calculated to be an alternative to the almost-trite Oh the Places You’ll Go, but I think it succeeds! The verse is easy, the illustrations are whimsical and packed with detail, and it has plenty of “off you go into the world!” verve.
— The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein | Sob. This unforgettable story of love and empathy is a timeless pick. Shel’s spare, black-and-white illustrations leave plenty of room for colorful penned notes.
— Why Not?by Kobi Yamada | Honestly, this one seems designed to be used as a graduation book rather than as an actual picture book for preschoolers, so let’s give it its moment! :) The beautiful illustrations and encouraging text are an invitation to embrace big possibilities.
— The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth | “When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?” These questions are asked and answered in this picture book based on a fable by Leo Tolstoy. Simple and direct text paired with whimsical watercolors make for a satisfying package.
I’d love to hear: does your family do the graduation book tradition? If so, what books do you use? I’d love to hear!
After a very successful 2023 list (20/24, by far the closest I’ve come to completing one), I faltered a bit in 2024, finishing 16 of 24. Part of that was due to the library holds system – The Power of Moments just arrived, and I’ve been waiting weeks for Delicious! and The Measure to be delivered – but I suspect I also fell victim to a defect I noticed in 2022: placing books on the list that I wasn’t absolutely chomping at the bit to read.
That’s the bar I’m using this year (absolutely chomping at the bit to read), and I’m also making one other change: I’m putting some of the books I’m most eager to tear into in the last quarter. If I get to them sooner? That’s quite alright. I’m guessing I’ll just be grateful to have read them at all :)
(If you’re new, this is the very lowest-key of book clubs: I consider it a delightful exercise in thoughtfully planning my reading a year at a time (12 fiction, 12 non-fiction), and though I’m often at the whim of my library holds (ahem, see above), it’s helpful to always know where to turn when I’m ready for a new book!)
Without further ado…
January: The Unmaking of June Farrow| I love a well-done time travel escapade and this 2024 NYT bestseller, set in North Carolina and recommended by Janssen, has all the makings of a hit: “a woman risks everything to end her family’s centuries-old curse, solve her mother’s disappearance, and find love.” Well-Lived | This is Sally Clarkson’s newest book, undoubtedly filled with her wisdom on family, hospitality, discipleship, and cultivating joy – and this time, accented by her time living in Oxford with her daughter’s family.
February: Gilead | This Pulitzer Prize winner has come recommended from many different sources over the years, and not always ones that I’d guess would appreciate a book about a pastor in the 1950’s. Adorning the Dark | As I’ve struggled with a crisis of confidence in my writing this past year, this book has been recommended a few times – most recently by my boss. I’m looking forward to reading my first offering from Andrew Peterson.
March: The Wedding People | This one has been making the rounds of Articles Club to glowing reviews (Steph named it one of her top 8 books of 2024!). Although I can’t keep up with every buzzy novel, this one will scratch that itch – and I always love when a wedding is mixed up in a plot. The Writing Life | Another book on craft recommended by someone I trust! It has been years (decades?) since I read a book on writing – likely since college! – and I’m looking forward to dipping a toe back in.
April: A Prayer for Owen Meany | This was the favorite book of my high school best friend. At the time, I remember being intrigued by the vaguely religious and old-fashioned title, and surprised that he confessed it as his favorite — but never made time to read it in the midst of lab reports and term papers. Two decades later, I’m excited to read it and then discuss it with him at our reunion :) Never Enough | This book is mentioned so often in podcasts and articles I come across in my work with TCF. While I wouldn’t say toxic achievement culture has its hooks in our family, I think it’s important for me to understand it a bit more as I continue to preach against it.
May: Table for Two | Let’s add a short story collection to the list! And one by the author of one of my 2023 favorites, The Lincoln Highway, to boot. I’ve heard nothing but good things. Sea Biscuit | Just in time for the Kentucky Derby. I think this 2002 novel will hit the same note as one of my favorite non-fiction picks from 2024, The Boys in the Boat.
June: Run | “A crazy story with a plot that doesn’t stop and characters that are rich enough to make me care. I want to read it again right now,” says the Lazy Genius. I fear this one is going to keep me up too late at night. Confronting Christianity | I’ve read another of Rebecca McLaughlin’s book and always appreciate her perspective – especially when it comes to questions my kids might ask me one day.
July: Real Americans| The plot summary for this one practically has me salivating – I hope it lives up to its promise! Romney: A Reckoning | Another fitting read for the month of our country’s birth. McCay Coppins is a writer for The Atlantic and so I’ve seen bits and pieces of this excerpted there already.
August: Peace Like a River | It’s been over a decade since I read this extraordinary debut novel—a heroic quest, a tragedy, a love story, and a haunting meditation on the possibility of magic in the everyday world—but I’ve been thinking about it lately and am adding it here to ensure I dust it off our shelf. The Self-Driven Child | Another re-read! When I gushed about this one three years ago, I wrote that I expected to return to it as our children grew. The children have grown, so here we are. I also promised to write a book review for it – perhaps I can follow through this time!
September: American Wife | Curtis Sittenfeld’s novels can be a mixed bag for me – some land near the top of my favorites list, while others disappoint – but reader Katherine’s enthusiastic endorsement of this one landed it on this year’s list! The Day the World Came to Town | “When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport on September 11, the population of a small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. The citizens of Gander met the stranded passengers with an overwhelming display of friendship and goodwill, leading to friendships they expect will last a lifetime.” Seems only appropriate to read this in September.
October: Code Name Helene | As soon as I finished The Frozen River (one of my favorite fiction reads of 2024) this novel by the same author shot to the top of my TBR list, where it had been languishing for years. The Many Lives of Mama Love | I mean, the description is certainly compelling: suburban mom turned opioid addict turned jailhouse shot caller turned celebrated ghostwriter. While I don’t expect it to stand up to Bryan Stevensons’ Just Mercy, I hope it will similarly open my eyes to a different life experience than mine.
November: Little Women | A classic I’ve been meaning to read for years! Many of you have recommended reading it in a cozy winter month, so here we are. Happier Hour | With a tagline of “how to beat distraction, expand your time, and focus on what matters most,” this book seems like required reading for my work at Cultivate. I’m sure it will spark ideas for life at home, too.
December: Christmas with the Queen | A final pick I’ll read along with the Everyday Reading book club! Liturgy of the Ordinary | Though it predates it, this one feels like it will hit many of the same notes as Habits of the Household, a book I cherish and that still encourages me to find the sacred in the ordinary.
Honorable mentions I’m hoping to squeeze in, as well:Small Things Like These; Belgravia; The Paris Agent; The Historian; The Name of the Wind; The Glassmaker; and Nora Goes Off Script.
I’d love to hear: Have you read any of these books? Would you like to read any alongside me in 2025? Let’s chat!
My 2023 reading list, the fourth iteration of this experiment, was a smashing success.
I finished 20 of the 24, chose to DNF two others, and have purchased one of the remaining two to read as soon as it works its way to the top of my book stack. This made it (by far) the list I came closest to completing perfectly, and I think it was because I was ruthless in weeding out books I felt I was supposed to read, and instead made sure every book was one I couldn’t wait to read.
I’ve gone over and over my 2024 list – adding and subtracting titles for weeks – in order to assemble an equally-enticing plan for the year ahead. I think I’d done it, and would love to have you join me in reading anything below that strikes your fancy!
(If you’re new, this is the very lowest-key of book clubs: I consider it a delightful exercise in thoughtfully planning my reading a year at a time (12 fiction, 12 non-fiction), and though I’m often at the whim of my library holds, it’s helpful to always know where to turn when I’m ready for a new book!)
Without further ado…
Affiliate links are used in this post!
January: The Armor of Light | This newest installment of the beloved Kingsbridge series came up in my library holds at the end of the year, so it was an easy first pick for this list! If you love sweeping epics and memorable characters that you can luxuriate in (Armor of Light is 700+ pages), this series is for you. The Great Dechurching | John and I are leading a book study on this at church starting this month. It’s a thoughtful look at why we’ve seen the biggest historical shift in church attendance ever over the last 40 years – and what can be done to bring people back with love and care.
February: To Say Nothing of the Dog | I’ll be reading this along with the Everyday Reading book club. “Ned is a professional time traveler but he’s so overworked that his boss finally sends him to the Victorian era to hide out and get some much needed rest. Naturally, very little resting goes on and instead time travel goes wild.” How to Know a Person | I admire and am grateful for David Brooks and have read several of his books. This is his newest one, “a practical, heartfelt guide to the art of truly knowing another person in order to foster deeper connections at home, at work, and throughout our lives.”
March: Go As a River | When Stephanie tells me a book is her favorite from the year, it goes on my list. The Reason for God | I knew I wanted to put one of Tim Keller’s books on my list in light of his passing last year. This is arguably his most well-known, and one I haven’t yet read.
April: Flying Solo | I enjoyed Linda Holmes’ first novel – a charming and spunky love story set in my beloved Maine – when I read it a few years, and her second sounds similar. The Anxious Generation | We have pre-ordered three copies of this book – partly as a miscommunication between John and me, but mostly because we know it will be prescient and important and we’ll want to loan it out to anyone who will read it. If you appreciate all the work Jon Haidt does in the realms of adolescent mental health, political polarization, freedom of speech and inquiry, play-based childhoods and more, you’ll want to put this one on your list, too.
May: The Mystery Guest | This is a follow-up to The Maid, one of my favorite books from 2023! Die With Zero | This book, another one of Janssen’s picks, sounds tailor-made for me: “Die with Zero presents a … guide on how to get the most out of your money—and out of your life. It’s intended for those who place lifelong memorable experiences far ahead of simply making and accumulating money for one’s so-called ‘golden years.'”
June: Killers of a Certain Age| My friend Pressley recommended this to me based on my love for The Maid! Everything Sad Is Untrue | And this middle grade/YA book was one of my friend Bethany’s favorites from last year. It’s good to have reader friends :)
July: Tom Lake | Ann Patchett’s newest novel is set in Northern Michigan, which makes it the perfect pick for July, when we’ll be visiting family and our beloved cottage there. My friend group has given this one mixed reviews, but I loved The Dutch House and so am willing to give it a go! All Thirteen | A YA non-fiction account of the rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team from a few years ago, this another pick from the Everyday Reading book club. I may read it aloud to June and Shep!
August: Tress of the Emerald Sea | Brandon Sanderson is a fascinating and prolific figure in publishing, but I’ve never read any of his work. This book, which was written and published as part of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time, is described as a “rollicking, riveting tale―a standalone adventure perfect for fans of The Princess Bride.” Yes, please. The Boys in the Boat | This true story of nine Americans and their “epic quest for gold” at the 1936 Berlin Olympics will coincide perfectly with the 2024 Paris Olympics! And then I can watch the movie, which I hear is excellent.
September: Rebecca | We did a “favorite things” exchange for Christmas at work, and I received a copy of this novel. The giver said it was her all-time favorite classic, and on a team of writers, that’s high praise! When Breath Becomes Air | This book, which came out in 2016, has been on my radar since before it was published. Still, it never made it onto my bedside table, because I didn’t think I’d be able to get through it (The Year of Magical Thinking nearly did me in). It’s time. I’m sure I will cry buckets of tears but will also come out on the other side in awe anew of life and love.
October: Her Fearful Symmetry | Erin Napier says this oldish novel (2009) is one of her very favorites. It’s by the author of The Time Traveler’s Wife, which I loved, and set near a cemetery – the potential for slightly-spooky vibes seemed perfect for Halloween month. Empire of Pain | I debated whether to put Demon Copperhead on this list, which is a hefty and polarizing read in my circle of friends, but ultimately chose this adjacent non-fiction account of the Sackler family, who made and marketed the painkiller that was the catalyst for the opioid crisis. (I’m sorry, Kelly!)
November: Delicious! | I’ve read and loved all of food critic and magazine editor Ruth Reichl’s memoirs, and have heard this novel by her is equally as good! Raising Passionate Jesus Followers | This book is written by John Mark Comer’s parents. While there are a lot of books about raising children in the Christian faith, this is a unique opportunity to hear from the parents of someone who has impacted my faith.
December: Little Women | Readers were shocked when I admitted to never reading this classic; one of you chimed in that the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to read it. I’m going for it! (Never seen any of the movies, either!) The Power of Moments | A final pick with the Everyday Reading book club, though this one has been recommended by several other sources, too. It explores why “certain brief experiences can jolt us and elevate us and change us—and how we can learn to create such extraordinary moments in our life and work.”
Honorable mentions I’m hoping to squeeze in, as well:The Measure; Don’t Think, Dear; Belgravia; The Paris Agent; Confronting Christianity; There Are No Grown-Ups; Nora Goes Off Script, and Happier Hour.
I’d love to hear: Have you read any of these books? Would you like to read any alongside me in 2024? Let’s chat!
One of the best parts of the Christmas season? Pulling out the themed picture books, of course! Like so many things about the holidays, these beloved books are made even more special by the fact that their time in the bookshelf rotation is limited – and that we return to them year after year. I can remember the coziness of my whole family sitting around and flipping through Christmas books the day we brought the holiday boxes down from the attic each year, and I know my children feel the same way.
Today, I thought I’d share some of our favorite Christmas picture books, and a few winter-themed books, as well. A pro tip: go ahead and request Christmas books from your library now. Borrowing is an excellent way to fill out your collection and try new titles, but if your library is anything like ours, the holiday shelves will be bare by the time December rolls around.
Favorite Christmas picture books:
First, here are some of the Christmas picture books in our permanent collection – the ones we own and lovingly pull from the attic year after year! Most of these are favorites from my childhood.
— Christmas in the Manger| A simple board book for the littlest ones that introduces different characters (including animals!) in the Christmas story.
— Dasherby Matt Tavares | A quiet, gentle story of how reindeer came to pull Santa’s sleigh.
— How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss | This might be my children’s very favorite Christmas book. Dr. Seuss is unmatched!
— The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg | A truly delightful book with envelopes, letters, riddles, and games folded in. Good for slightly-older kids because of the delicate construction!
— The Legend of St. Nicholas | The origin story of St. Nicholas and a reminder of the true joy of giving at Christmas.
— Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry | One of my very favorites from childhood! It traces the journey of a Christmas tree from the original home to smaller and smaller animals with delightful rhyme.
— The Nutcracker, illustrated by Valeria Docampo | This story is based on the NYCB/Balanchine version, so it’s Marie, not Clara, but it’s a great introduction if you’re going to see the show! The illustrations are memorable and a bit surreal.
— The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg | A magical, dreamlike story (with illustrations to match) of the first gift of Christmas. This one chokes me up at the end, no matter how many times I read it.
— Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne | This is literally the lyrics to the beloved Christmas carol, which makes it interesting to read aloud, but I love having it in our collection for its beautiful, diverse, and unique illustrations.
I add one Christmas picture book to our permanent collection each year – this year, it’s this one! Here are some others we’ve already snagged from the library and tucked away until we get home from Florida.
— Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck | The sweetest story of a boy,his Dad and the true joy of giving. Love this one.
— The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson | Based on the true story of the people of Norway gifting a Christmas tree to the British people in thanks for their support during World War II. Julia Donaldson is a gem (The Gruffalo is a favorite in our house!) and this one is no different.
— The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert | Magical! A husband-and-wife team reimagined a classic Nordic tale with photos starring their daughter on her journey to the North Pole. This is a new one to us and I think my children are going to love it.
— Decorate the Tree! by Amanda Jane Jones | This is a brand-new book from someone who’s career I’ve watched for a long time. Our kids will love the interactive elements!
— Red & Green by Lois Ehlert | With cut-out pages and a story based on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, this one is fun for little readers.
— Red & Lulu by Matt Tavares | The sweetest story of two cardinals who get separated and find each other again in an unexpected place. Perfect for city lovers!
Our favorite winter picture books:
Finally, here are a few winter-themed picture books you might love.
— Brave Irene by William Steig | Another favorite from my childhood, with a plucky heroine, a bitter snowstorm, and a brave mission.
— The Mitten by Jan Brett | Full of classic Jan Brett magic, with borders that lead you through the story.
— Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner | We have the original, but this winter version looks just as good!
— Snow Horses by Patricia MacLachlan | A cozy, loving book about the last night of the year starring two horses. Beautiful collage illustrations!
— The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats | A classic! It’s apparently the number one most checked out book of all time in the New York Public Library, and I can see why.
Of course, I’d love to hear: did I miss any of your Christmas favorites? If you celebrate another winter holiday, I’d love to hear your favorites, too!
