8 Picture Books To Comfort And Encourage Kids Who Are Moving
The last time I moved, I was 38 weeks pregnant, had a 2.5 year old and 4.5 year old. It was awful. Let’s be honest… moving is hard, and for kids, it can feel even more complicated. Between disrupted routines, anticipation of what’s ahead, and grief over losing what’s familiar, kids may face a lot of conflicting emotions during this time.
If you’re looking to support students who are going through the moving transition, these 8 books are the perfect tools. They will help kids process the move, make sense of mixed feelings, and embrace new beginnings.
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Before I Leave by Jessixa Bagley
Recommended Grades: Pre-K to 2
Hedgehog is moving, but is sad about leaving anteater. Hedgehog is honest about how he feels, but soon learns that he’s still connected to anteater, even at his new house.
Goodbye, old house by Margaret wild
Recommended Grades: K-2
In this book, the main character reflects on all of the things he’ll miss about his old house, and embraces the things he’ll get to experience at his new house. This is a great reminder to honor both the loss and excitement that comes with moving.
A New Home by Tania de Regil
Recommended Grades: K to 2
This story follows two boys - one moving from New York City to Mexico City, and one moving from Mexico City to New York City. As they share the things they’ll miss about their cities, the reader sees that each boy has very similar feelings - even if their experiences are different. The book shows that different cities may not be that different after all.
The blue house by phoebe wahl
Recommended Grades: K to 3
Leo loved the blue house he shared with his dad. It wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs and it was full of joy. One day, Leo and his dad find out that the landlord sold their home and that it would be torn down. Leo and his dad were both sad, but in time, they were able to make their new house theirs too. This book is great for helping kids through situations where the family didn’t choose to move.
Yard sale by eve bunting
Recommended Grades: K to 3
Callie’s family is moving to a smaller house, so they are selling a lot of their things in a yard sale. As Callie watches people buy her things, she feels sad about the change and the new house. Eventually, through the help of her parents and friend, Callie begins to look forward to the new house. This book is helpful because it addresses moving to a smaller home, and the experiences that come with that. It also showcases the value of processing your feelings with people in your life.
Evelyn del rey is moving away by meg medina
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
The main character spends one last day playing with her neighbor Evelyn before Evelyn moves away. As they say their goodbyes, the main character talks to her mami about the grief and sadness she’s experiencing. This book helps kids see that it’s okay to feel sad about friends moving away, and to remember that they are not alone in their experiences.
marie’s big adieu by tamara rittershaus
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
When Marie finds out her family is moving, she doesn’t want to go to the city and leave her best friend Lorelei. Once she’s in the city, she meets another friend named Rosalie. She likes Rosalie but feels like she can’t have two best friends. When Marie talks to Lorelei, Lorelei encourages her to embrace this new friendship and reminds her that they can still be friends too. This is a great story for kids learning to navigate old and new friendships.
my two blankets by irena kobald
Recommended Grades: 2 to 4
Cartwheel moved to a new country after war broke out in her own. In this new country, everything felt strange - even her. Then, a girl at the park smiled at her and they played together. She loved playing with her new friend, but was sad that the language barrier kept her from sharing how she felt. Thankfully, the girl kept showing up and teaching Cartwheel new words. Through the girl’s friendship and Cartwheel’s new words, Cartwheel began to feel more and more comfortable.
Moving is a hard transition. I hope that these 8 books will help you support kids as they navigate saying their goodbyes, reflecting on their memories, and embracing what’s to come.
