Graduation is such an important step, empowering all of our lives, that I have another review full of outstanding books for the new graduate. All of the books are picture books but cross over the age gambit to be inclusive for all ages.

Iron Hans: A Grimms' Fairy Tale, retold by Stephen Mitchell, and illustrated by Matt Tavares, is a lesser-known story from the famous German brothers about extremes — pride and humility, wealth and poverty. A young prince experiences all of these characteristics, ending with an abundance of knowledge about how one should live a life!

The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley, by Colin Thompson and Amy Lissiat, is an incredibly short summation of what we should desire in life. The entire picture book compares a rather laidback rat — Riley — to people. We learn what he likes to eat, whom he loves and what he likes to do during the day. Each activity is compared to people and how we desire way too much to make us happy. And what is Riley's motto? — “You just have to be happy with a lot less.”

Little by Little, written by Amber Stewart, and illustrated by Layn Marlow, is all about encouragement and taking challenges a little bit at a time. Otto, an otter, is frightened of swimming, but with the help from his big sister, he overcomes his fear and soon learns to enjoy what he was so fearful of!

And here's another book about accomplishing a task bit by bit. Little One Step, written and illustrated by Simon James, is about three sibling ducklings. When they lose their mama, the older brothers encourage the youngest, who's about to give up, to take it a step at a time to find their parent. This board book is simple yet strong in the message it gives!

The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone, by Timothy Basil Ering, teaches how small specks of treasures can be put into the earth and magic happens. A young boy discovers this treasure and with imagination and effort, something begins to grow out of the ground.

The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Andersen, and retold by Stephen Mitchell, is the perfect classic to celebrate this special event. The beauty that eventually grows from a straggly and strange-looking duck celebrates life as we grow and change as we mature. The glorious paintings, by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, go wonderfully with the story.

The Lonely Moose, written and illustrated by John Segal, celebrates the importance and value of friendship. Moose is very lonely until he meets and saves a tiny bird. They become unlikely friends that help each other in times of need. But this little bird has a surprise at the end for Moose to reward him for his unselfish actions on behalf of his little friend.

And while we're on the subject of friendship, Just like Heaven, by Patrick McDonnell , is based on the comic strip, “Mutts.” Mooch is caught in a deep fog and believes he must be in heaven. But when he sees his friends and the trees and home, he realizes this is what is most important in life.

Here's the ultimate lesson that we sometimes learn too late in life. “It's better to give than receive.” Those Shoes, by Maribeth Boelts, and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones, is all about sacrificing desires and giving up what a young boy wants most — really cool athletic shoes. He gives them to another boy who has a need greater than his. I can't think of anyone who won't be touched by this selfless story! And it is my favorite of the bunch!

Unique Monique, by Maria Rousaki, and illustrated by Polina Papanikolaou, is all about striving to be different in a school where students wear uniforms. Even though it's important to conform and abide the rules, everyone likes to be recognized for his unique self, and Monique does just that!

Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali, by Charles R. Smith, and illustrated by Bryan Collier, is a beautiful anthology full of praise and the hardships of one of the most famous boxers to have ever lived.

From the Olympic gold medal in 1960, to his personal battle with Parkinson's syndrome, this poetic rap-style text reflects the spoken rhythm that Cassius Clay [his former name] brilliantly used as he prepared for his victorious fights. The words seem to evoke the energy of the man and add vitality to each page. But it's the glorious full-page paintings that bring this oversized book to life. The life of this famous man will surely inspire all who read it.