It's the season. Everywhere you go, there are lawn signs and posters and balloons announcing the latest little bird that is ready to fly out of the nest. The stress of school behind them, the wide open doors of college and/or the world in front of them, how fun! Bittersweet moment for the parents, for sure, but there is joy in what they've accomplished and what they have become and that is worth taking the time to celebrate! Congratulations to all the graduates and parents out there! And in case, you need that perfect book for the graduate in your life, below are some of our favorites. Find a longer list of recommendations and other books on our bookshop page.
1. Oh The Places You Will Go - Dr. Seuss
This was one of my favorites to read to my children when they were young and is such a wonderful message of encouragement and anticipation that I cant help put it at the top of a graduation gift list!
Dr. Seuss's wonderfully wise Oh, the Places You'll Go! is the perfect gift to celebrate all of our special milestones--from graduations to birthdays and beyond!
From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life's ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and whimsical illustrations.
The inspiring and timeless message encourages readers to find the success that lies within, no
matter what challenges they face. A perennial favorite and a perfect gift for anyone starting a new phase in their life!
2. Originals - Adam Grant
What better time to promote originality in thought and action then when starting a new phase in life ?
In Originals Adam Grant addresses the challenge of improving the world, but now from the perspective of becoming original: choosing to champion novel ideas and values that go against the grain, battle conformity, and buck outdated traditions. How can we originate new ideas, policies, and practices without risking it all?
Using surprising studies and stories spanning business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt; how parents and teachers can nurture originality in children; and how leaders can build cultures that welcome dissent.
3. The Art of Taking It Easy - Dr. Brian King
Because stress and anxiety seem to be at an all time high among the young, and because starting a new life away from home, is by definition anxiety inducing, this book is a must-have on every shelf. With humor and understanding, this book gets across all the things we wish we could articulate to our kids - or wish they would be willing to hear from us - as we send them off to a brave new world.
From a psychologist and stand-up comedian comes a practical, yet laugh-out-loud guide to embracing humor to reduce stress and live a happier, fuller life.
In this brilliant guide he presents hands-on techniques for managing stress by rewiring our brains to approach potentially difficult situations through a lens of positivity. To do so, Dr. King explores what stress is, where it comes from, and what it does to our bodies and brains. He delves deep into how to address everyday stress--as well as anxiety, insecurities, repression, and negativity--and gives insight into resulting ailments such as anxiety disorders, depression, hypertension, obesity, substance abuse disorders, and more. Dr. King's techniques are chemical and cost free, and embrace humor, resilience, relaxation, optimism, gratitude, and acceptance. Instead of a dry medical approach to dealing with stress, this unique volume is filled with life-changing tips and instructions presented with humor and a wealth of memorable, smile-inducing anecdotes.