As a parent, you want to make a move as comfortable as possible for your children. One tool that helps you in your efforts is children’s literature. In a previous blog, we listed some helpful children’s books about moving. In this blog, we’ll name even more titles about moving created for children. Choose a few books from the list below to help your child prepare for your upcoming move.
For Toddlers
1. I Want to Go Home by Tony Ross
The Little Princess from I Want My Potty makes more demands in this fun story. This time she insists that her family move back to their former castle despite the extra room available in the new castle. This hilarious story will help children realize t he perks of moving house.
2. Bunny Bungalow by Cynthia Rylant
A family of bunnies moves to a new bungalow and spruces it up to their liking in this short rhyming story. Toddler-aged readers will enjoy the whimsical illustrations. As you read, point out ways your child can personalize his or her new room just like the bunnies do with their bungalow.
For School-Age Kids
3. Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes
Chester and his friend Wilson are best friends, but when Lilly moves in down the street, the dynamic of their friendship changes. Teach children to be nice as the new kid or to other new kids with this book. It’s a must for fans of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse.
4. The Berenstain Bears Moving Day by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Your child’s favorite talking bears move into their well-known tree house from their former home, a cave. Your kids will notice the Bear family doing typical moving activities, such as packing belongings into boxes, and feel more prepared for your move.
5. Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move by Judith Viorst
The same Alexander who had a terrible, horrible day puts his foot down about moving in this picture book. Read through this book with your strong-willed child if he or she has negative thoughts and feelings about moving.
6. Big Dan’s Moving Van by Leslie McGuire; illustrated by Joe Mahtieu
Use this book to introduce your kids to how moving companies help with your family’s move. Readers follow Dan on a typical work day, from loading furniture into a moving truck to driving it to a new home. The story and the colorful illustrations familiarize children with moving professionals and reassure them that they’ll see their packed belongings again soon.
For Advanced Readers
7. Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon by Paula Danziger
Advanced elementary school readers will appreciate the candor and humor of the Amber Brown series as they approach your family’s move. In this first book in the series, Amber Brown does not move, but she deals with moving in two ways. First, her parents are separated, and her dad is moving to Paris. Second, her best friend and his family will be moving soon. Both situations cause Amber to confront the painful emotions caused by change and separation.
8. Superfudge by Judy Blume
The hilarious cast of characters from Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing returns in this novel for pre-teens. Peter feels unhappy when he learns his family will move out of Manhattan to the New Jersey suburbs for a year. In their new neighborhood, Peter makes friends, tries new activities, and learns to handle the change.
If you’re preparing for a move, share these books with your children. Use them to start discussions about the good and difficult things about moving so your kids feel ready when moving day arrives.
