Moving to a New Home
If you’re moving, or have recently moved to a new home, you and your family are experiencing a lot of changes. You’re unpacking boxes, finding just the right place for every item, and trying to help your kids feel comfortable. During this time, it’s perfectly normal for kids (and adults) to feel many different things at once. At times they may be happy, sad, excited, scared, unsure, confused or overwhelmed. In fact, they’re probably feeling a mix of all of those things.
The titles below can help you to prepare kids for a big move. They help to explain the process of moving, what it will be like, and what to expect. They also allow our readers to explore and understand their feelings. I hope they help you and your little ones as you settle into your new home.
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Florette - when Mae moves to her new home she has to leave her beloved garden at home. When she arrives in the city she struggles to adjust to the changes. She finds a way to make a new garden and many new friends in the process. The illustrations in this book are simply gorgeous!
Story Boat - follow this family as they travel to a new home far away. This beautiful and lyrical story details the long and challenging journey that many refugee families face. I love this book because it captures the many feelings associated with moving and immigration, from fear and anxiety, to wonder and excitement. It strikes just the right balance of the senses of loss and hope that many children experience.
The Girl With a Parrot on Her Head - When Isabel’s best friend moves away she decides that she doesn’t need friends. She’s alone, except for the parrot on her head, who helps her organize her toys into boxes. When she goes out looking for a new box, she finds a friend in the most unexpected place.
I’m Happy Sad Today - this book is perfect for explaining the endless combinations of feelings that we sometimes feel all at once. You and your little reader can explore all of the feelings that come up when starting school, going on a first sleepover or making a new friend. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fabulous words that she uses to describe her mixed up emotions, including “braverous,” “happcited” and “smad.”
Moving (Let’s Talk About It) - There are so many questions that come up when families move and this book has all of the answers. With informative photos and simple text, this book is great for introducing the concept of moving, helping kids navigate their feelings and teaching children how to stay connected to the friends or family that are far away.
The Perfect Pillow - Brody is trying to sleep in his new sand unfamiliar home. His pillow doesn’t seem right, so he goes in search of a new place to sleep. With his dragon buddy, Horst, by his side they find adventure and learn that the perfect pillow is waiting for him in his own bed.
When You Are Brave is a book that beautifully illustrates how dark the world can feel when our fears take over, and how finding the bravery that’s inside all of us can bring us back into the light. Follow this young girl as she navigates moving to a new home and all that goes along with it.
Birdsong - is an absolutely stunning book. When Katherena and her mother move to a new home she begins a new friendship with Agnes, an older woman next door. This beautiful story of intergenerational friendship will warm your heart.
The Fresh Princess - inspired by Will Smith and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air T.V. show, this book follows the Fresh Princess as she moves to a new home. As she explores her new neighborhood she meets other kids who are playing jump rope. At first she’s too nervous to join them, but with time, and a bit of encouragement from her big sister, she finds the courage to introduce herself and make new friends.
Katie Moves - this colorful board book is great for toddlers, 2’s and young 3’s. Katie is moving to a new house. Follow Katie as she learns what moving to a new home means, for example, that kids and parents will be moving together, that all of their toys and special things will be packed into boxes and going with them and that it’s ok to feel scared.
Two Rainbows - A simple and beautiful book about the differences between life on the farm and life in the city. Although the colors in each place are different, the message for our readers is that we are surrounded by beauty and color no matter where we are.
A New Home - Follow a little girl in Mexico City and a little boy in New York City as they prepare for moves to each other’s cities. They explore their feelings, wondering what they’re new homes, cities and neighborhoods will be like.
Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures - When Khalil moves to a new home he strikes up a friendship with Mr. Hagerty, his downstairs neighbor. Their friendship grows as Khalil and Mr. Hagerty spend time gardening and playing in their yard. I love the way Springstubb and Taherian weave a tail of supportive intergenerational friendship.
A New Kind of Wild - A beautiful and thoughtful story about finding a new home, a new friendship, and the endless possibilities of imagination.
Danbi Leads the School Parade - After moving from Korea, Danbi is excited to start at her new school in America. Her first day begins with mishaps and misunderstandings. Everything changes at lunchtime when her classmates are intrigued by the rainbow of foods and flavors inside her lunchbox. The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning!
Sometimes Love - I’m a sucker for any books about dogs and this one pulled me right in! Follow the journey of this sweet military family, through the ups and downs of their many transitions. Moving across the world to a new home, saying goodbye to friends, and learning how to make new ones can be hard, but the thread of love connects them to the people (and pets!) they keep in their hearts. With warm and truly gorgeous illustrations, this book is great for all families, but especially for those who serve our country.
Books About Being Brave
Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave is a sweet and hopeful book that will inspire your child to be brave and keep trying.
Brave As Can Be: A Book of Courage - a beautiful book about overcoming your fears, including being afraid of the dark, a storm and a neighbor’s dark.
The Day You Begin - an awesome book featuring many diverse characters. This book illustrates the challenges that children face when they feel like they’re too different from their peers. It encourages the reader to take a brave first step and share their stories. Available in Spanish.
Be Brave Little One - a sweet and simple book about having courage in the face of challenges. This book is perfect for any little reader who is going through a rough transition or phase.
Find many more related books in my post about big feelings and anxiety.
Anxiety
Books that explain what anxiety is and, tools that help children manage their feelings.
Big Feelings
Books that help children learn about their many feelings and, practical tools for managing them.
Quick Tips:
Preview the book before reading with your child. This will help you decide if the length and wording are appropriate for him/her. It'll also help prepare you for questions and topics that may come up as you read.
Choose a time when you can read the book slowly with your child, let her/him look at the pictures and take in the words.
Be prepared for questions. Stop reading and listen when questions and comments come up. These will give you insight into what your child is feeling and thinking.
Remember- you don't need to have all the answers. Just acknowledging your child's feelings goes a long way.
Here are some ideas for when you don't know what to say:
I'm glad you told me about that."
"So ______ makes you feel scared? I didn't know that, but I'm happy I know that now."
"I get nervous sometimes too."
"Here's what I do when I feel nervous."
"What do you think we could do to help you feel better? Do you have any ideas?
"I know you get nervous about ____ but you won't be alone, we'll do it together."
Be sure to share any concerns about your child with a trusted pediatrician, their teacher or caregiver. These professionals are a great resource and can offer advice or additional guidance.
