The House That Floated

K-Gr 3–Perched on the edge of a seaside cliff is a house which, despite its precarious balance, protects a treasured family inside. As the family grows, so too does the family’s efforts to preserve the natural habitats found in the land and sea nearby. When a substantial storm dramatically alters the landscape around the house, however, the family must decide how their lives will change as a result. And through it all, the house weathers the challenges alongside the family, continuing to offer loving protection from the unexpected events taking place around them all. This nostalgic, wordless picture book recounts a riveting story through the use of imagery alone. Much like a graphic novel, several of the pages are subdivided into smaller frames to focus on specific moments within the story, crafting a narrative flow that is complete with tension and denouement. Soft hues and textures form the foundation of each image, giving the visuals a diffuse appearance that suggests a dreamlike, whimsical quality. Though climate change and environmental protection are primary themes in the story, so is the resilience of one particular family. Readers will be inspired to create their own narrative based on the images in this book, inviting conversation and reflection especially surrounding the book’s more emotional moments.