Just because moving is a large part of life doesn't mean that kids know how to navigate all of the feelings and emotions associated with it. Luckily, there are fabulous kids' books about anything having to do with moving. This can include subjects such as divorce, making new friends, or even perspectives from the family pet.
Here, you will find every book you need to address the anxiety or stress from moving with your child or students.
1. New House, Same Underwear by Brenda Li
This book will quickly become a favorite! First of all, the title is absolutely adorable and made me want to read it as an adult. This book lets children know that no matter what, family will always remain the same no matter where you are.
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2. The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day by Stan and Jan Berenstain
The Berenstain bear family is one that is near and dear to my heart because I grew up reading these books. This classic children's story has lasted decades and allows children to feel more comfortable knowing that everyone has to say goodbye sometimes.
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3. Nothing Stays the Same...but that's okay... by Sara Olsher
This simple story about how nothing stays the same is just what the literary world needs. Children often have a hard time grasping that life is ever-changing. But allowing them an early lesson about how change is OK will better equip them for those difficult concepts when they arise in real life.
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4. Goodbye, Old House by Margaret Wild and Ann James
Goodbye, Old House is the perfect book to read to your child as you begin a new adventure in a new house. This beautiful story explores the overwhelming emotions of having to say goodbye to everything loved in an old home. This young child says goodbye to the tree played upon in the home lived in.
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5. My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move by Lori Attanasio Woodring Ph.D.
I love the title because it perfectly illustrates all the mixed emotions that come with moving. Lovely illustrations and a great storyline allow children to relate to this little boy who is both excited and scared about moving.
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6. Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina and Sonya Sanchez
This heartwarming story about two little girls that are best friends having to say goodbye is one that your class will deem as one of their favorite books.
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7. The Great Big Move by Brooke O' Neill
This sweet story is about finding the silver lining in moving to a new place. Sure, there are lots of jitters when going somewhere new. However, that doesn't mean you can't make the best of it.
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8. We are Moving by Mercer Mayer
This sweet story by Mercer Mayer will spark discussion between parents and children about moving. If you want to introduce the fact that you'll be moving to a new place, I suggest reading this book with your small child.
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9. Home is a Window by Stephanie Ledyard and Chris Sasaki
Anxiety often comes from the feeling of control, being lost, and moving from one place to another. These challenging feelings are addressed in the story as this little girl moves from one home to another. The concept of home is anywhere you make it gives children a way to cope with frequent moves or just one big one.
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10. We're Moving! by Adam and Charlotte Guillain
Explore the lives of many different families and feelings as they all move to different places. Anxiety, fear, excitement, joy, and many other emotions are addressed in this story.
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11. My Best Friend Moved Away by Wendy Cuskey
Best friends moving away is always tough no matter what stage of life you are in. Even I, in my thirties, cried a little when my best friend moved a few states away. But this is an excellent story to explain to children that goodbye is not goodbye forever.
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12. A New Home for Eden and Ethan by Debbi Gueron
I love this book because it not only tackles the concept of moving but also the concept of expanding families. Sometimes as families become bigger with the birth of new siblings, a bigger space is required. This is a lot of change, and I am so glad that this book addresses those things.
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13. New Home Coloring Book for KidsNew Home Coloring Book for Kids
Sometimes you don't need a storybook because coloring in and of itself helps to relieve stress. This is the perfect moving-themed picture book for your children to color.
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14. Big Ernie's New Home by Teresa Martin
This evocative book explores children's negative feelings during the moving process. Specifically, the young child in the story explores their feelings of sadness during the moving process. This book allows children to recognize that it is OK to have these feelings and that, ultimately everything will be all right.
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15. Moving to the Neighborhood by Alexandra Cassel
I personally purchased this book for my young child when we recently moved. Daniel Tiger is a family favorite, and she truly enjoyed relating with this special character.
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16. I Heard that You're Moving! by Nicole M. Gray
This is a must-add to your book list. I Heard that You're Moving! also explores the concept of saying goodbye to your friends.
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17. Say Goodbye...Say Hello by Cori Doerrfeld
The story is the perfect addition to your book collection for a younger grade classroom or even at home. I feel the story is great if you were just moving from one grade to the next and saying goodbye to friends or moving from one town to the next.
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18. Dinosaurs Divorce by Marc Brown
Because divorce is so prevalent in our society, moves that are based on these family changes need to be addressed. The story about how dinosaurs divorce is a lighthearted way of explaining that these things happen all the time, and it is perfectly OK to be upset.
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19. I Have Two Homes by Marian De Smet
I love this tender book about a child who has two homes because of divorce. Often, children experience anger because they do not ask for what they are being told to live with. This story expresses that many children have two homes and is alright.
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20. The Essential Moving Guided Journal
While this isn't a storybook, this is a wonderful book for preteens to allow an opportunity to vent through journaling.
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21. My New Home Adventures Journal Notebook
This creative book allows smaller children to express their feelings through journaling and art.
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22. Boomer's Big Day by Mary Whyte
In the story, a puppy dog name Boomer explains how his day is not normal like all the others; because it is a moving day! The entire house is busy moving and loading things into the truck, so this little puppy dog feels anxious. I love this book because children can relate through the eyes of something else.
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23. Molly Jo Daisy, "Being the New Kid" by Mary Louise Morris
Sometimes moving to a new place involves being the new kid again. No one likes to be the new kid in school. However, this sweet book addresses what it's like to be the new kid in school and how hard it is until someone is kind and makes friends.
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24. When you are Brave by Pat Miller
The literary world needed the story of a brave young girl saying goodbye to friends and exploring a new place. This young lady, despite having lots of feelings and emotions, explores her new space and makes new friends. This act alone is courageous and should be displayed as such.
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25. How to Spot a Best Friend by Bea Birdsong
It doesn't matter if you have been through a dozen moves or just one; creating a new circle of friends can be difficult. This sweet book addresses how to make new friends when you are in a new place. The story's little girl explains everything that shows someone could be a new best friend. Finding a new friend could be seen through something as simple as sharing a new crayon. This is a great story to read for any children struggling with that first day of school jitters.
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26. Marie's Big Adieu by Tamara Rittershaus
Last but not least, I introduce the little girl named Marie, who, like all the other children in these stories, is experiencing anxiety about moving to a new place. The story explores the range of fears Little Marie experiences and how to overcome them.
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