When Rudyard Kipling wrote the poem "If--" in 1909, he was addressing his 12-year-old son, John, who would die in battle a few short years later during World War I.

When Rudyard Kipling wrote the poem "If--" in 1909, he was addressing his 12-year-old son, John, who would die in battle a few short years later during World War I.

The famous author's words, encouraging a code of living based on good morals, soon inspired a nation, and in recent years, the poem has been voted one of Great Britain's favorites. Italian illustrator Giovanni Manna melds the innocence of childhood with the motivational sentiments expressed by Kipling's words in this tender watercolor portrayal of fatherly advice that's sure to become a cherished gift for graduations and other rites-of-passage moments.