Through illustrations, the book shows a day in a life of a girl who takes the actions of others and grows something beautiful. The story delivers a simple but powerful message that sometimes great things can sprout from the most unlikely circumstances.

"Though this is a tale about bullying, Parda (The Gentleman Bat) resists the urge to moralize. Instead, he creates a character who responds to aggression with quiet resourcefulness, and without involving grownups or attempting vengeance. His watercolor and monoprint spreads recall Satoshi Kitamura; they’re built on warm, expressive black lines, making even the girl’s dreary school, with its cracked tiles and metal doors, worth a closer look."  —Publisher's Weekly

"A subtle reminder that education is a gift no amount of bullying can spoil."  —Kirkus Reviews

"Graduation Day clearly demonstrates Parda's genuine flair for visual storytelling, making Graduation Day highly recommended for family, elementary school and community library picture book collections."  —Midwest Book Review

"While the messages of bullying, change and peace are clear, the thought-provoking artwork makes this a book to be savored and discussed by readers of all ages."  —BookPage

"This is a resonating story without words that is not a preachy bullying message of 'do not bully; it’s wrong.' This is about a victim who, despite it all, is able to create hope and beauty where there must have been a lot of heartache."  —Angela Ferraris, Reading 32 Pages

Piotr Parda has illustrated more than thirty books. His artwork includes drawing, painting, sculpture, and moving images. He is the illustrator of The Gentleman Bat. He lives in Somerville, Massachusetts.