Swansea Mother Desperate to Find Daughter’s ‘Irreplaceable’ Graduation Gift

Jessica Steinkamp had a great idea for a high school graduation present for her daughter, Rylee. It was the best kind of present, one that is over-the-top thoughtful.

Rylee is only 10 years old, but the preparation for her present started years ago. When she was in pre-school, Jessica bought a copy of Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"  Just before the end of the school year, she dropped off the book for Rylee's preschool teacher to sign and leave a personalized message.  In essence, it was a message to the future Rylee.

Steinkamp repeated the signings the next year with Rylee's first-grade teacher and every year since. This year, however, something happened to the book. Somehow it was misplaced at the Brown Elementary School in Swansea. The book was apparently left for Steinkamp in the school's front office and somehow got mixed up with a box of book donations.

Get our free mobile app

As staffers went through the donated books, they spotted the writing on the inside cover. No books with writing are allowed in the school's library, so the book was sorted out with a few other books that didn't make the cut. The books were dropped off at several little free libraries around Swansea (and perhaps Somerset).

Needless to say, Steinkamp is doing everything she can to locate the precious book.

"It's irreplaceable," Steinkamp said.  "I already bought another book, but I'll never be able to replace what was written inside."

Jessica is imploring anyone who might find the book to reach out to her on Facebook or email jbroderick85@gmail.com.