Moving to a new home brings so many mixed emotions for a child. They might feel excited, but also nervous. They could feel a little angry and maybe even stubborn. We’ve selected the perfect books for handling all the different emotions and help kids going through a move to a new house or even just a big life change!
1.) Arto’s Big Move by Monica Arnaldo
Arto is very unhappy when he learns his family will be moving away from his home in the North to spend a year in the South. In fact, he is so upset he spends the first part of his time in his new home being stubborn about adapting to his new surroundings and continues to wear warm mittens and a hat, his coat and sweater even when it’s hot outside. When Arlo meets a new friend, Ana, it softens him to the idea of adapting to his new home and helps him come to the conclusion that although change is hard, it isn’t always bad! This makes a great book for a child going through a move or just a big life change!
2.) Henry and Mudge and Annie’s Good Move by Cynthia Rylant
Henry’s cousin Annie is moving right next door to Henry! Henry could not be more thrilled, but aside from the excitement of being closer to her cousin, Annie is feeling anxious about the big change. After all, it will be hard to go to a new school, leave her friends, and what about all her stuff!? Luckily her cousin Henry helps her with the big feelings moving is bringing. A great book with familiar characters for the child with lots of worries and “what if’s” about a new move.
3.) The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day by Stan & Jan Berenstain
The Berenstain Bears are moving! Join these familiar characters as they pack up their things, say goodbye to neighbors and move to their new home. This is a great, lighthearted book that focuses on the excitement and fun of moving while also preparing little ones for what moving day might look like. And who doesn’t love the colorful pictures in a Berenstain Bear book!?
4.) Goodbye, Old House by Margaret Wild
We aren’t sure which is more captivating in this book, the unique illustrations or the soft rhyme about saying “goodbye” to an old home and embracing the changes to come. A book grown-ups and children alike will love and benefit from in a new move! This is a must for this topic!
5.) Moving Molly by Shirley Hughes
This is such a great, classic book with beautiful illustrations about a family’s move from the city to the country. Molly notices all the changes that come with her family’s move for herself, her siblings and her parents but offers a reassuring perspective that your child will be sure to take with them. This is the perfect, simple moving story for any child.
6.) Alexander, Who’s Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to Move by Judith Viorst
A relatable book bringing a little humor to what can be a tough change for kids. Alexander is absolutely not going through with his family’s move or any of the hard parts that come with it like leaving his friends and babysitter, walking away from neighbors that give amazing candy out on Halloween, or saying goodbye to the awesome dog down the street. He’s just not doing it! Your child might be feeling some of the same ways, but this book will lighten the mood and spark great conversation about what they might be feeling inside.
Looking for the best resource for getting good books in your child’s hands every month? You will love Beloved Books, my monthly love letter to readers ages 0-12, with age appropriate book lists and fun extension activities delivered to your inbox every month! Learn more here!
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Written by Becca Thiemann and Kathleen Koester
