Celebrate graduation with Random House Children’s Books
Inspiring stories and wise words!
Becoming (Adapted for young readers)
by Michelle Obama
On sale 3/2/21 | Delacorte Press
Former First Lady Michelle Obama tells her story in the young readers’ adaption of her bestselling book, Becoming. She shares her views on how all young people can help themselves as well as others, no matter their status in life. She asks readers to realize that no one is perfect, and that the process of becoming is what matters, as finding yourself is ever evolving. In telling her story with boldness, she asks young readers: Who are you, and what do you want to become?
Ready for Launch: An Astronaut’s Lessons for Success on Earth
by Scott Kelly
On sale 4/12/22 | Crown Books for Young Readers
In this insightful and funny read, Scott Kelly shares how a distracted student with poor grades became a record-breaking astronaut and commander of the International Space Station. People think that astronauts are always perfect. “Failure’s not an option,” right? But as Scott shares in his deeply intimate book, he believes that it’s our mistakes and challenges that have the potential to lead to greatness. Not everyone’s road to achievement is a straight line. Most of us need to navigate a bumpier road full of obstacles to get where we want to be.
Do Your Best Every Day to Do Your Best Every Day
by John Cena; illustrated by Susanna Harrison
On sale 4/6/21 | Random House Books for Young Readers
Hope + Effort = Making the impossible possible. In this colorfully illustrated book of encouragement, best selling author and entertainer John Cena urges young readers to be who they are, act to make the world a better place, and never stop striving. Motivating and inspiring, this uplifting book is adapted from his popular Twitter feed.
Rumple Buttercup: A story of bananas, belonging, and being yourself (Heirloom Edition)
by Matthew Gray Gubler
On sale 11/9/21 | Random House Books for Young Readers
Rumple Buttercup has five crooked teeth, three strands of hair, green skin, and his left foot is slightly bigger than his right. He is weird. Join him and Candy Corn Carl (his imaginary friend made of trash) as they learn the joy of individuality as well as the magic of belonging. This keepsake edition is the perfect gift for kids (and grown-up kids), and features all new cover art, a ribbon bookmark, plus a special note from Matthew and Rumple.
Love the Fur You’re In
On sale 4/23/19 | Random House Books for Young Readers
Brought to you by Sesame Street and illustrated with fifty years of art from Sesame Street children’s books, this is a wise and funny guide to life that’s just right for fans of all ages, especially those who grew up with Sesame Street! Written with great heart and great humor, this hardcover book contains advice for being true to one’s self and living life with a Sesame Street perspective—finding that sunny day! Inside you’ll find treasures like: “Get out in the rain and dance!” “Don’t hide your light under a trashcan lid.” “Be someone’s Super Grover!”— and much, much more.
Seuss-isms!
by Dr. Seuss
On sale 1/2/18 | Random House Books for Young Readers
Featuring classic art and cherished quotes from thirty-six of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved works, including Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who!, The Lorax, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, this book full of valuable advice is a must-have for every age. Whether someone is just starting out in life, or they are already up and running, this humorous and inspiring compilation is the perfect companion to have by their side!
New Beginnings
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
by Emily Winfield Martin
On sale 8/25/15 | Random House Books for Young Readers
From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin celebrates all personalities and their potential. With a beautiful gatefold, gorgeous and moving illustrations, and a rhyming text, this is a book that parents will love reading over and over to their kids—both young and old. A great gift for any occasion, and a stand-out for birthdays and graduations with its loving and inspiring message: Then I’ll look at you, And you’ll look at me, And I’ll love you, Whoever you’ve grown up to be.
The End Is Just the Beginning
by Mike Bender; illustrated by Diana Mayo
On sale 4/20/21 | Crown Books for Young Readers
Starting a book at the end may seem confusing. But the end of one thing is just the beginning of something new in this innovative and heartfelt book from #1 New York Times bestselling author Mike Bender. Accompanied by beautiful and inspiring illustrations by Diana Mayo, this story is ideal for helping kids understand how to meet life’s challenges with optimism and hope. A wonderful gift for all ages.
NEW! Why Not You?
by Ciara and Russell Wilson, with Janay Brown-Wood; illustrated by Jessica Gibson
On sale 3/1/22 | Random House Books for Young Readers
From Grammy-winning pop star Ciara and Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson comes a picture book to inspire young readers to see the value in themselves, be brave, and go after their biggest dreams!
Why not you? Amazing you! You’re a winner! You’re so strong! You are perfect and important—you and all your gifts belong!
This Is a Gift for You
by Emily Winfield Martin
On sale 11/30/21 | Random House Books for Young Readers
A stunning companion to the best-selling and beloved The Wonderful Things You Will Be, this picture book celebrates how we say “I love you” with gifts as heartfelt as a daisy, as magical as a dream, and as comforting as a place to belong. It is a poetic tribute to the simple joys of life and nature, and a reminder that the greatest gift we have is time spent together.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
by Dr. Seuss
On sale 1/22/90 | Random House Books for Young Readers
With his trademark use of humorous verse and illustrations, Dr. Seuss address the ups and downs life presents while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within us all. Wonderfully wise, it is a graduation speech that will inspire readers of all ages. Perfect for anyone making a change in their life, it is a gift that people will return to over and over throughout their lives.
Who Will You Be?
by Andrea Pippins
On sale 4/7/20 | Schwartz and Wade
Will her little one be curious like Grandpa and adventurous like Auntie Amina? Compassionate like Amy and joyful like cousin Curlena? Moving from family members to the wider community, a mama muses about which attributes her child will possess. A perfect gift for a baby shower, birthday, or graduation, Who Will You Be? features gorgeous artwork and gentle words that celebrate childhood and is anode to the power of our village—and a reminder that every child is uniquely wonderful.
NEW! Most Perfect You
by Jazmyn Simon; illustrated by Tamisha Anthony
On sale 5/3/22 | Random House Books for Young Readers
After comparing herself to other little girls, Irie confides in her mama that she feels something is wrong with her— she’s not perfect as she is. And so Irie’s mama tells the magical story of how Irie was intentionally and wonderfully made. In fact, Irie is made up of all her mother’s favorite things: sparkling eyes, a bright smile, and a kind heart. Actor and activist Jazmyn Simon’s tender picture book emphasizes the unique beauty and strength of all children, encouraging them to love their most perfect selves.
Junie B. Jones is a Graduation Girl
by Barbara Park; illustrated by Denise Brunkus
On sale 5/8/01 | Random House Books for Young Readers
It’s kindergarten graduation! In the seventeenth Junie B. Jones book, all the children in Room Nine are excited when they get their bright white graduation gowns. Mrs. says to keep them in their boxes until the big day. But Junie B. Jones just can’t help herself. Then—uh-oh!—an accident happens! Can Junie B. find a way to fix things? Or will graduation be a spotty dotty disaster?
Thank You, Teachers!
NEW! I Love My Teacher!
by Frances Gilbert; illustrated by Eren Unten
On sale 4/5/22 | Random House Books for Young Readers
Teachers are simply the best! The star of I Love Pink! and I Love My Tutu! absolutely loves her teacher! There’s so much to learn, and her teacher makes it fun. So fun that our little pink lover enjoys pretending to be a teacher when she gets home. Emergent readers will relate to this story while bolstering their reading skills in this heartwarming celebration of teachers.
NEW! Dr. Seuss’s Oh, What I’ve Learned: Thanks to My TEACHERS!
by Dr. Seuss
On sale 4/19/22 | Random House Books for Young Readers
Illustrated throughout with art from classic Dr. Seuss books, this mini hardcover gift book celebrates all the things we learn from our teachers, from traditional subjects like reading, math, history, science, art, music, and physical fitness to character traits like sharing, helping others, working in teams, and finding our own way. An ideal end-of-year gift, it’s the perfect thank-you for teachers of all grades—from kindergarten through graduate school!
A Letter to My Teacher
by Deborah Hopkinson; illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
On sale 4/17/17 | Schwartz and Wade
Dear Teacher, whenever I had something to tell you, I tugged on your shirt and whispered in your ear. This time I’m writing a letter. So begins this humorous but touching picture book about a girl who prefers running and jumping to listening and learning—and the teacher who gently inspires her. From stomping through creeks on a field trip to pretending to choke when called upon to read aloud, this book’s young heroine would be a challenge to any teacher. But this teacher isn’t any teacher. By listening carefully and knowing just the right thing to say, she quickly learns that the girl’s unruly behavior is due to her struggles with reading. And at the very end, we learn what this former student is now: a teacher herself.
