Joyfully Thriving

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A Biblical Version of Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Published May 28, 2013 Updated March 24, 2019 115 Comments

When I was a senior in high school, I received a hardcover copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. It’s a classic, and one that I think many graduates receive. However, in all the years of reading this book, I haven’t read any quite like mine. Why, you ask? It’s simple. My copy of the book has Bible verses that correspond to the story handwritten on every page to create a Biblical version of Oh, the Places You’ll Go.

A Biblical Version of Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss. Use this free printable to create a priceless gift or order a book already custom made. What a great idea!

My gift was from Steve and Anita Mueller. Years ago, they were members at our church in San Antonio. I remember going over to their house during late church, so we could play while my Pastor Dad preached and my organist Mom played for another service. Eventually, the Muellers moved away but we kept in touch enough that Mom and Dad wanted me to send them a graduation announcement. When I received this book from them, I was touched to see Anita’s beautiful calligraphy on every page of this story – from the inside cover to the very end.

This post contains affiliate links. You can read more in my disclosure policy. If you are interested in buying a custom made book – with the Bible verses already written in it – more information is available here.

The Bible verses correspond perfectly to the text. On every page, incorporated into the pictures, I discovered Bible verses such as this.

For the Lord takes delight in his people. A Bible verse tucked in the hills of Oh the Places You'll Go.

Or hidden between waiting people like this.

Wait for the Lord. Another Bible verse in Oh the Places You'll Go. Joyfully Thriving

What amazed me about this gift is the thought and the time that was put into this gift. Oh, the Places You’ll Go is a great book for graduates, but the addition of matching Bible verses makes this a perfect book for Christian graduates.

I have read this book to my students at the end of the year. I, myself, have created this gift for graduates because I cannot think of a more touching graduation gift. In fact, I just made this book for some of my first Kindergarten students who graduate from eighth grade this week.

When I have shared this book with others, they always express amazement at the idea. I don’t know where Anita got this idea, but I know that I have yet to see it anywhere else. For that reason, I am sharing this Biblical version of Oh, the Places You’ll Go with you today. I changed and adapted some of the verses from what were originally in my book, but each Bible verse compliments the story perfectly. Most of the Bible verses are in English Standard Version (ESV) with one or two in New International Version (NIV) when the wording fits better. You could certainly use a different version, if you prefer.

I typed a list of all the verses, as well as the beginning words for each page. There is generally one Bible verse for each open set of two pages. Does that make sense? You can write the verse on either of the pages. Look at the top of picture of “Thy Word…” to see what I mean. I think it looks nicest when the books are incorporated to the pictures, as I showed in some of the above images.

I recommend you use an acid-free pen like this one, much like you would use for scrapbooking. These acid-free pens are the ones I use, and they are quite reasonably priced too. This ensures your Bible verses will not fade on the pages. Anita created my book in a simple calligraphy. All the above pictures are of books that I have created. As you can see, I just use a simple (and neat) manuscript handwriting.

Feel free to print and use this pdf file of all the Bible verses (link in sign up box below) to create your own special Biblical version of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! If you use different Bible verses, I’d love to hear which ones you use! I pray that this gift will be a blessing to many – just as it was to me.

You can also purchase an updated pdf file of all the Bible verses – with pictures – to show you exactly where I write each verse on the page. If you want the extra guidance of exactly where and how to write the verses, this download is for you. You can purchase this file for $4 on this page.

If you wish to order a custom made book with the verses already written in the book, you can view the price and ordering options on this page. 

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  3. katie {at} cardigan way says

    July 4, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    I love this {I am late to the party!}. I had a teacher in my public high school who read this to us at the end of the year...and talked to us about the inevitability of facing the ultimate choice of choosing Christ. This book always makes me think of her, her example, and her boldness (!) and I adore the additions of scripture in your copy. What an amazing gift!
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      July 5, 2013 at 12:53 pm

      It was a precious gift. I still read it to my students, too, because there are lessons to be found - in the book, and the Bible verses only serve to enrich this poignant story.
      Reply

  4. Ron says

    June 5, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    Enjoyed reading your Oh, the Places You'll Go! story! I did this for a friend long ago and have posted the verses and pages I used on my site. Sure wish I had those calligraphy skills!
    Reply

  5. Carol says

    September 23, 2014 at 7:19 pm

    Thank you so much for posting these verses. We are using this theme and the verses are a perfect addition for it! God bless!!!
    Reply

  6. Sue Grissett says

    March 4, 2015 at 11:02 am

    Absolutely so happy you shared these versus with me! I am leading a small group of young graduates at our church and this will be perfect for them! Thank you for graciously sharing!!! God Bless You!
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      March 4, 2015 at 2:08 pm

      I'm so glad, Sue! I know that it was a priceless gift for me as a high school graduate, and I cherish that gift years later! I pray that it touches the lives and hearts of your graduates. Many blessings to you as well!
      Reply

  7. Joy says

    April 16, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    What kind of pen did you use to write the verses? I love this and I am going to do it for my daughter who is graduating from high school in June. Thanks.
    Reply

    • Kristen Whirrett says

      April 16, 2015 at 8:29 pm

      Hi, Joy! Excellent question. The book that I was given was written in a simple calligraphy. When I give this book, I use an acid-free black pen from my scrapbook supplies. You can buy any thickness of pen at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. I prefer the acid free because I know it will withstand the test of time. I hope your daughter enjoys the book!
      Reply

  9. Jen says

    May 7, 2015 at 11:21 pm

    Hello, fellow Lutheran! :) I had already bought this book for my daughter, graduating this month, but the verses makes it perfect. I've been wracking my brain to find a good "spiritual gift" to share with her at this big step in her life, and I just love this idea! Time to start writing...
    Reply

    • Kristen Whirrett says

      May 8, 2015 at 6:27 am

      Hi, Jen! It's always nice to meet a fellow Lutheran! :-) I'm so glad you can use the Bible verses to enrich this unique book. I pray that it will impact her just much as it has me. Happy writing!
      Reply

  11. Alisa Gardner says

    May 31, 2015 at 11:42 pm

    I LOVE the addition of the Bible verses! I will definitely be adding them to the personal notes I am getting my children's teachers to write each year. My oldest of four kids just finished kindergarten so I have many years to go until graduations but these books will be an amazing gift. Thanks so much for the added inspiration!
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      May 31, 2015 at 11:55 pm

      You're indeed welcome, Alisa! My little one is only 14 months old but I don't think it's ever too soon to plan ahead to graduation! :-) I pray that the verses will be a blessing to your children. And thanks for taking the time to let me know that you plan to use these Bible verses!
      Reply

  12. Constance says

    June 23, 2015 at 11:47 pm

    I'm daughter starts college this fall, she chose for her truck part theme, " Oh, the places she'll go" Thank you for creating such a wonderful work of art.
    Reply

  13. Constance says

    June 23, 2015 at 11:56 pm

    My meant to say: My daughter is starting college this fall and have chosen to have a truck party, she chose a the theme " Oh the places she'll go" It's funny because as a child her first books were Dr. Seuss they came as a collection of eight books at the time. So thank you for expanding Dr. Seuss book to college kids who are in Love with the words of God.
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      June 24, 2015 at 2:04 pm

      You are certainly welcome, Constance! I'm glad this book touched you and your daughter. I love combining God's Word with children's literature! Blessings t o your daughter as she begins college!
      Reply

  14. Alyson Cotter says

    July 4, 2015 at 1:58 am

    Hi Kristen! I absolutely love what you have done here with this book! My pastor was reading this book during our Church service last week and I knew right away that this would be a perfect graduation gift for my small group. I am a YoungLife leader at Eastside High School in Greenville, South Carolina and I have been trying to come up with a meaningful graduation gift for my girls. Is there any way you offer a discount for ordering them in bulk? Thank you so much! Alyson
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      October 26, 2015 at 2:30 pm

      Thanks, Nikki! It would make fabulous Christmas gifts. Enjoy! I have a couple more books in the works, which I will certainly share as they are completed.
      Reply

  16. Sharon Jackson says

    February 25, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    This is such a God find! I teach at a Christian school and was planning on reading this book to my classes on March 2, Dr. Seuss' birthday! Now with your help I can incorporate Biblical Integration into my story! God bless you for posting this. I had also planned on giving this book to one of our graduates and now can plant His Word throughout the book! Thanks again!
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      February 26, 2016 at 8:44 am

      I'm so glad, Sharon! I taught in a Christian school for many years as well, and it is such a blessing to be able to share God's Word in this way. I pray this book touches many lives and hearts!
      Reply

  17. Salome McKee says

    March 8, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    What a wonderful and beautiful idea. I have been looking for a book to give my son and he is going off to college to become a youth pastor, so this is wonderful. Thanks so much.
    Reply

  18. Valeri Kitchen says

    May 6, 2016 at 9:07 am

    Love this idea for a few graduates this year!! I like to give books for every occasion I can, and this one is so fitting for hs graduation. Is the free download still available with verses used only ? I can't get the link to open.
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      May 6, 2016 at 9:13 am

      Thanks, Valeri, and yes, the free download is still available. It worked for me. Maybe try the link on this page & let me know if you can't get that one. Www.joyfullythriving.com/about/custom-books/oh-the-places-youll-go/
      Reply

  20. Erica says

    August 16, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    I bought this book ahead of time for HS graduation took me 4 days to put in the scriptures because I am busy. Anyhow afterwards I read the book to my husband & he decided to use it as a part of our family worship before giving it as a gift to our kids for graduation. Thank you for the cool idea. We used The New World translation for our verses. I can send you a link for a free download of this bible version and a few others. Thanks again???? Iam going to try your one for baby showers next
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      August 16, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      I'm so glad you were able to use these verses! In any translation, it works! I love using Bible Gateway to translate verses quickly. And I love your idea about using it as part of your family worship before giving it to the kids. I hope you enjoy "Guess How Much I Love You" too. You are certainly welcome, Erica!
      Reply

  23. Samantha Chaney says

    January 13, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    How much would it cost for 2 copies of Oh the places you'Lloyd go? My address is Samantha Chaney 240 Ave. F Hawley, TX 79525
    Reply

  24. Shonda says

    March 7, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this great idea! Our oldest daughter is graduating from high school this year and I plan to use these verses in her Dr. Suess book. As a teacher, I have seen another version: getting the book when your child first starts school and having their teachers sign, with words of encouragement, each year until graduation! I didn't learn this until my kids were in Jr High, but I have gotten each of them books and have gotten in touch with most of their past teachers. So, now, I'm excited to be adding Biblical knowledge to each page as well!
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      March 8, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      You are certainly welcome, Shonda! As a former teacher myself, I signed several books for my students. I love this idea but you're right. Adding the Bible verses makes it priceless! What a wonderful gift you will give your children!
      Reply

  25. Sylvia says

    April 30, 2017 at 12:18 am

    Would love to send copies of this to my twin grandchildren! What is the cost for (2) copies already personalized?
    Reply

  27. Jennifer says

    May 21, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    Steve and Anita Mueller also gave me this book when I graduated. I went to Trinity-Spring, TX. Funny that I have given this to every graduate that we come across and I've told her so. My husband is a youth pastor so we get a lot. Stuff just gets around. How awesome
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      May 22, 2017 at 9:15 pm

      Oh, Jennifer! I absolutely LOVE this! Anita has impacted so many with her gift. It's my go to graduation gift, too. Thanks for sharing about the gift we have in common!
      Reply

  29. Noreen says

    June 2, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this! What a wonderful gift to give to my graduating daughter and her friends!!
    Reply

  30. Tanya says

    August 27, 2017 at 12:45 am

    You are a blessing! I have purchased a book for each of our 3 boys to get signed by every teacher from K-12.. I will definitely add these verses to the books! Thank you! God bless you!
    Reply

  32. Corinne says

    November 4, 2017 at 7:56 am

    Hi Kristen! I LOVE what you have described here and am going to use it as a confirmation gift for my adult daughter! You inspired me to look at Mr Men books - perfect for people like Little Miss Sunshine! etc THANK YOU! Will write you once completed too. I am in UK and have registered for your emails. I am a grandmother reaching out to the young children in my local church. We had no Sunday School when I joined and am trusting God for unique ways to encourage and share His love with the community. You are part of that inspiration now! God bless you. Corinne x x
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      November 11, 2017 at 2:14 pm

      Oh, Corinne, I'm so happy that you can use these Bible verses to create some books of your own! Many blessings to you as you share God's love with those in your church and community!
      Reply

  33. Rhonda says

    January 9, 2018 at 10:30 am

    Hi, I would love to order two books. Will each book be personalized through out the entire book? I look forward to speaking with you. Thank you I advance. Rhonda
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      January 9, 2018 at 1:08 pm

      Hi, Rhonda, I just sent you an email! I'd be happy to create 2 custom books for you, and yes, there are different Bible verses written on every page of the book.
      Reply

  36. Susan McCullough says

    February 21, 2018 at 10:57 am

    I did this for a friend who graduated from seminary back in the early 90's, after reading the book to several classes of 5th graders all week long and realizing some of the advice Dr. Seuss gave his readers was very biblical and some not quite so much. All the while the verses kept popping in my head all week long. After that I did it for a couple of kids in the youth group that I assisted with. All of this was in Orlando, Fl. Imagine my surprise to find this pinned on Pinterest some 25 years later. Of course, my verse for the first page you show is "A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24
    Reply

  37. Jennifer A Banton says

    March 15, 2018 at 1:27 am

    I have been trying to download the printable version of the Bible verses to write in for the book " Oh the places you will go" - it says that the link in "below" but I have looked everywhere and cannot find the link to download the verses. Thank you for your help
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      March 15, 2018 at 2:15 am

      Hi, Jennifer. There is a box at the bottom of the page where you enter your email, and the Bible verses will come to your email. I hope that helps!
      Reply

  38. Lori says

    April 25, 2018 at 11:28 am

    I just printed off the verses for the book. I will be doing this for my daughter's college graduation. I am so glad that I ran across this when trying to help my daughter pick a Bible verse for her cap and figure out how to decorate it. Thank you for sharing and some of the same verses are some that I have suggested to her.
    Reply

  39. Carol says

    April 29, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    This is fantastic! I teach in a Lutheran school and am asked to sign this book for several of my students each year. I, of course, want to send them off with a Christian message. Thank you so much!
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      May 5, 2018 at 3:07 pm

      Hi, Daronda. Paypal is currently the only way I can accept payments, but you do not need a Paypal account to purchase a book. You can use Paypal as a guest and pay with your credit card! If you are still interested and want to order a book, just drop me an email at [email protected] and I'll send you a Paypal bill!
      Reply

  47. Kristal says

    September 19, 2018 at 9:58 pm

    Was just casually strolling and ran across this. I am in love with this idea! My daughter just started pre-K a couple weeks ago consider it the perfect time to start. How much is the your custom book?
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      September 20, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      Hi, Kristal! Thanks. And PreK is a great time to start this tradition! A custom hardcover version of the book is $35, plus shipping. Let me know if you are interested in ordering or have any further questions. And thanks for strolling by! :-)
      Reply

  48. Merrilee says

    January 5, 2019 at 10:13 am

    oh I am so excited to have found this! I am doing a devotional for a baby shower at our church for a young couple and will be using this to talk about the adventure of parenting. this is a fun way to show how keeping Jesus in the mix will help through all the ups and downs....thank you for sharing !
    Reply

  52. Josie says

    April 30, 2019 at 8:09 pm

    This sounds wonderful. I know my granddaughter will love it. Can’t wait to get started. She may not get for graduation but will get it before leaving for college.
    Reply

    • Kristen says

      May 5, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      Thank you, Meghan! It really is a priceless gift, and I'm so glad you can use this idea too! I love creating these books for graduates in my life!
      Reply

  59. April Hughes says

    May 18, 2019 at 2:28 pm

    Hi there! Love keeping up with you on Facebook! You have a beautiful family and look very happy! April
    Reply

  62. Sandy says

    May 23, 2019 at 3:05 pm

    Praise God for the wonderful talent that He has given you. I inserted my email address on your site to receive the free Bible verses but I did not receive them. I was looking for a Christian version of Dr. Seuss book, Oh the places you will go, when I found your post. I can’t hardly wait to give it to 2 sisters who are graduating. May the good Lord continue to bless and keep you always in His care.
    Reply

  64. Donna says

    May 26, 2019 at 3:40 pm

    One of my favorite books! I read this to graduating high school seniors. I also give copies as gifts to celebrate special accomplishments. I even had each graduate stand and recite a sentence at a senior celebration ceremony. Thanks so much for sharing this! The first book I will write in is my own copy. Sooo special!
    Reply

  67. Denise says

    May 30, 2019 at 3:35 pm

    Can not wait to do this for my grandson who graduates next week.. A great way to personalize this wonderful book.. Thank you for the inspiration..
    Reply

  69. Brenda says

    June 30, 2019 at 10:29 am

    Awesome idea. This book was read by one of the 6th grade teacher sat my children’s 6th grade graduation
    Reply

  72. Linda Olson says

    August 7, 2019 at 1:52 pm

    This makes a wonderful gift! I love how the verses go right with that page of the book. I made one for my daughter's college graduation and now I am making one for my son's. Thank you so much for making this and offering it to us for free. God bless!
    Reply

  74. Gennie Joy Smith says

    November 11, 2019 at 6:45 am

    Thanks so much for this! I bought the guide from you two years ago for my eldest son, but all did not go well so I didn't do it, it just wasn't appropriate. But My second son has just graduated from High School and finishes his last exam on Wednesday. I've kept your email and link ever since and am so grateful the link still worked! It's perfect for him! Thank you so much! :) Gennie
    Reply

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