Best Children's Picture Books about Moving
Moving to a new house can be a big change for children, and it's important to help them navigate their feelings and uncertainties during this transition. There are several wonderful children's books that address the topic of moving, new friends, new school, and the associated emotions. Whether you are moving to a new country, new town, or just down the street for a new adventure, these books geared towards young readers will be perfect to help.
Best Children's Picture Books about Moving to a new house
Moving can indeed be a mix of excitement and sadness for both children and adults. Here's a bit more elaboration on those feelings that you will see come up in the themes of these children's books geared towards moving. Parents or counselors can talk to children about the conflicting emotions and open up dialogue for children to share.
Excitement:
New Beginnings: Moving often means starting fresh in a new place, which can be thrilling. Children might look forward to exploring a new neighborhood, making new friends, and discovering new places.
Adventure: The process of moving itself can feel like an adventure. Packing, saying goodbye to the old home, and setting up a new one can be an exciting journey.
Change: Sometimes, change can be a positive thing. Moving can bring about positive changes like a bigger room, a nicer backyard, or living closer to family.
Sadness:
Leaving Behind Familiarity: Moving means leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of their old home, friends, school, and neighborhood. This can be a source of sadness and nostalgia.
Saying Goodbye: Saying goodbye to friends, neighbors, and places they love can be emotional. It's natural for children to feel sad about leaving people and memories behind.
Uncertainty: The unknown aspects of the new home, school, and community can be intimidating. Children might worry about fitting in and making new friends.
It's essential for parents and caregivers to acknowledge and validate these mixed emotions. Encourage your child to talk about how they feel, and remind them that it's okay to feel excited and sad at the same time. Providing support, maintaining routines, and helping them stay connected with old friends while making new ones can help ease the transition and make it a more positive experience.
Reading children's books about topics like moving can be incredibly helpful for several reasons:
Emotional Understanding: Children's books often use relatable characters and situations to explore complex emotions. Reading about characters who are going through a similar experience can help children understand and process their own feelings about moving.
Empathy: Stories in children's books can promote empathy by allowing children to see the world from different perspectives. They can empathize with the characters in the book who are experiencing the same emotions, helping them feel less alone in their own feelings.
Normalization: Books can normalize the experience of moving. They show children that moving is a common life event, and it's okay to have mixed emotions about it. This normalization can reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety.
Discussion Starters: Reading a book together can open up a dialogue between parents or caregivers and children. It provides a natural opportunity to talk about the child's thoughts, concerns, and questions regarding the upcoming move.
Coping Strategies: Some children's books offer coping strategies and solutions for dealing with the challenges of moving. This can empower children with practical tools for managing their emotions and adapting to the change.
Visual Learning: Children are often visual learners, and illustrations in children's books can help convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that's easy for them to understand.
Comfort and Reassurance: Books can provide comfort and reassurance by showing that, even in the face of change, things can work out well in the end. Many children's books have positive and uplifting resolutions that can offer hope and optimism.
Literacy Development: Reading books also supports a child's literacy development. It enhances their vocabulary, comprehension, and cognitive skills while addressing emotional needs.
Children's books act as a valuable tool for both emotional and cognitive development. They offer a safe and supportive way for children to explore their feelings, understand new experiences, and develop coping strategies, making transitions like moving more manageable and less stressful. Parents and adults can validate the overwhelming emotions and share that even adults have those feelings about moving too.
Best Children's Picture Books about Moving to a new house
Here are some recommendations for a heartwarming story to discuss the different emotions that come with moving to a new neighborhood and new beginnings:
This humorous book follows Alexander, who is not pleased about moving and leaving his best friend and babysitter or the neighbors who give out great candy down the street. It's a great choice for addressing resistance and reluctance to move. This sweet book is great for children who are leaving due to a parent's new job.
2. A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
While not directly about moving, this classic great book metaphorically addresses the idea of change and adaptation as a hermit crab searches for a new shell. It can spark discussions about change and making new places feel like home in this simple story by favorite Eric Carle.
3. The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day by Stan and Jan Berenstain
This classic book follows the popular bear family as they move to a new treehouse. It helps children understand that moving can be an adventure, and it's normal to have mixed feelings. Join Mama, Papa, and Brother as they pack up, say heartfelt goodbyes to friends, and move from the mountains and into their beloved tree house down the sunny dirt road. Includes over 50 bonus stickers in this perfect book!
4. Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood and Illustrated by Jonathan Bean
Bad truck, bad guy; bad wave, bad bye . . .” A boy and his family are packing up their old home, and the morning feels scary and sad. But when he arrives at his new home, an evening of good byes awaits: bye to new friends, bye to glowing fireflies, bye to climbing trees. The New York Times bestselling author Deborah Underwood's spare text and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award winner Jonathan Bean's lush, layered illustrations perfectly capture the complex emotions of moving day. The child-centric transition from dreary morning to cheerful evening comforts younger children facing big changes of their own.
5. Big Ernie's New Home: A Story for Children Who Are Moving by Teresa Martin and Whitney Martin
This tender book focuses on the emotions and questions children might have when moving, and it offers practical advice for making the transition smoother during the hard time for young children during a move.
6. Boomer's Big Day by Constance W. McGeorge:
Boomer the dog moves to a new house, and the story explores his anxieties and ultimately his acceptance of the change.
7. Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away By Meg Medina
Medina velyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina’s beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez’s colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls’ urban neighborhood.
8. Goodbye, Old House by Margaret Wild
A joyful story about moving house and embracing change from a much-loved award-winning book team.
9. Home Is a Window by Stephanie Ledyard
A family learns what home really means, as they leave one beloved residence and make a new home in another. Home can be many things--a window, a doorway, a rug . . . or a hug. At home, everything always feels the same: comfortable and safe. But sometimes things change, and a home must be left behind.
Follow a family as they move out of their beloved, familiar house and learn that they can bring everything they love about their old home to the new one, because they still have each other. This heartfelt picture book is a must read for families adjusting to this change!
10. I Heard that You are Moving! by Nicole Gray
Moving away from friends can be tough, but with a picture book like this, kids can set aside the fear and anxiety and focus on the fun adventure ahead!
This book for kids about moving to a new house and starting over in a new city or town:
is filled with beautiful & positive illustrations that highlight diversity and inclusion
will inspire any child to be brave and not to worry.
Includes rhyming verses that encourage positivity about moving with a focus on making new friends, exploring a new city and starting a new school
provides fun reminders that friendships don’t end just because you move away.
If you know a child who is moving, this book will make the ideal going away gift.
11. Kiss Goodbye by Audrey Penn
Moving is hard on everyone, but especially children. Chester Racoon, whom readers have come to know and love through the New York Times bestseller The Kissing Hand, and its sequel, A Pocket Full of Kisses, is facing another dilemma common to the lives of many children; he and his family are moving. Young readers will love the way Chester says goodbye to his old home and learns that there are some exciting aspects to his new home.
12. Little Critter We are Moving by Mercer Mayer
When Mom and Dad tell Little Critter® they have exciting news, he thinks they mean they're getting a new dog—not moving to a new house! Will he be able to bring his sandbox? What if he has to go to a new school full of bullies? What if his new next-door neighbors are monsters!? Eventually, Little Critter learns moving is not so bad after all.
13. Maya Moves Away by Pat Miller
Moving can be difficult, and Maya is sad about moving away and leaving her friends and neighbors... until she makes a new friend at her new home! Learn about some of the exciting parts of moving, like making new friends.
Features: More than just an insightful story about the changes that come along with moving, this kids book also includes a vocabulary list as well as reading and teaching tips for additional interaction and engagement on the topic of moving.
14. Moving Away will be Okay! By Kellie Carte-Sears
When Massy learns she is moving, she finds herself consumed by emotions and filled with questions. But her lovable cat Blue, guides her through the process in a mindful, lighthearted, and playful way. Together, their adventurous journey takes them to a place of understanding and happiness during this change in their lives.
In Moving Away Will Be Okay!, children will relate to Massy and Blue, while adults will learn to lean on the emotional support by bringing a sense of security during changes and challenges that children experience.
15. Moving House by Anne Civardi
This book gently introduces young children to the idea of moving house. The classic illustrations by Stephen Cartwright are full of fun details to look at and talk about together, and the simple text explains each part of the moving process in a reassuring way.
16. Moving to the Neighborhood by Alexandra Cassel
Daniel Tiger is getting a new neighbor! Moving to a new neighborhood and starting at a new school can be scary, but with Daniel’s help, his new neighbor soon feels right at home. This sweet story is perfect for anyone who is moving to a new city, or for anyone who wants to be a good neighbor like Daniel!
19. My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary Big Move by Lori Attanasio Woodring Ph.D.
Moving is one of the most stressful life events for kids, but this award-winning book will help make it less hectic and more exciting. "My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move" guides kids from worry to wonder and fear to new friends. This one-of-a-kind workbook walks kids step by step through the entire moving process, including understanding change, strategies for managing emotions, ways to say goodbye, taking part in a new adventure, tips for making new friends, and more. The charming illustrations and engaging activities allow children to take control of their feelings and experiences and become active participants in their exciting new adventure.
20. New House, Same Underwear
Watch what happens when Brian's boxes of underwear and furniture all fell out of the moving truck!
Brian, a pig in jeans, does not want to move to a new neighborhood. He does not want to leave his home, change schools and lose his friends. But he later finds out that he can still maintain a connection with his old friends as he meets a new friend!
21. Paper Planes by Jim Helmore
Mia and Ben are the very best of friends. They live side by side at the edge of a great, wide lake. They love making paper planes together and dream of making one that will fly all the way across the lake. But then Ben has news.
Ben and his family will be moving far, far away. What will Mia do without Ben, now? And how can she stay best friends with Ben if he's not nearby? Mia isn't sure at first, but then she has a plan...
Jim Helmore's moving, lyrical story blends with Richard Jones' captivating art for a sensitive exploration of emotions surrounding friendship, connection, and loss. Ideal for social emotional learning collections and for children experiencing separation.
23. The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
Through the lens of a pet fish who has lost his companion, Todd Parr tells a moving and wholly accessible story about saying goodbye. Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it's okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them. An invaluable resource for life's toughest moments.
24. The Great Big Move by Meghan Marie Geary
This is a story about the resilient and brave Katie who has experienced two moves and is about to move again.First, Katie thinks about all of the things she will miss but then she realizes something.All the moves have actually been great adventures!Many treasures have been discovered along the way and Katie realizes that without moving she may have missed out on some really, REALLY exciting things! Like that cool castle park she plays at or all of the friends she has made!Katie starts to feel excited and ready for her next adventure and all the unknown treasures waiting to be found
25. The Night Before Moving Day by Natasha Wing
It's the night before a little girl and her family move away! They pack everything they own into boxes, have a garage sale to sell anything that they don't need, and have a farewell party with all of their neighbors. Join her and her family as they move to a new home in this beautiful book.
26. The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore
Readers will love this beautiful, reassuring story about shyness, new experiences, and making friends.
After moving to a new home, Caro wishes she had a friend, but she's too shy to meet the neighborhood kids. With a little imagination, however, Caro finds the Snow Lion. Together, they have all kinds of fun racing, climbing, and playing hide-and-seek.
But when the boy next door asks Caro to come play, Caro isn't so sure. Then, the Snow Lion has an idea to bring them together!
27. The Vandebeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are.
And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home.
28. We're Moving! by Adam and Charlotte Guillain
This fun rhyming picture book follows children from all over the world and explores how they feel about moving into their new homes. From happiness and excitement to fear and sadness, when moving away from a home we know, we can feel a lot of feelings!
Get a glimpse of a high-rise flat, a mountainside chalet, a river boat and more. As each family arrives at their new home safe and sound, the moving chain is complete - phew!
The bright illustrations and reassuring text make this the perfect picture book to share with young children, helping them to understand the complicated and sometimes difficult feelings that can come with with a big move.
29. When Edgar Met Cecil by Kevin Luthardt
Moving to a new home is hard―even when you’re a robot.
When Edgar’s family moves to a new town, everything seems strange and scary. The kids look different. They dress weird. They listen to bizarre music. They eat strange food. And the biggest, weirdest looking kid keeps staring at Edgar. What does he want? As Edgar soon learns, sometimes you have to rise above your fears to make a new friend. And sometimes that friend may be the last person―or alien―you’d expect.
30. Yard Sale by Eve Bunting
Almost everything Callie’s family owns is in their front yard — their furniture, their potted flowers, even Callie’s bike. They can’t stay in this house and are moving to a smaller apartment where most of their things won’t fit, so today they are having a yard sale. With sensitivity and grace, Eve Bunting and Lauren Castillo portray an event at once familiar and difficult, making clear that a home isn’t about what you have, but whom you hold close.
Remember to read these books with your child and encourage them to express their feelings and ask questions about the moving process and new things. Moving can be challenging, but with the right support and understanding, children can adjust and even find excitement in the process. These picture book options are great for a little girl or a little boy to identify with the main character through the sweet story and beautiful illustrations. Good luck with the move and best wishes on your next adventure as a family!
