We’re Moving House

PreS-Gr 2–When a young child hears that their family is “moving house,” they immediately envision a grand operation involving cranes, helicopters, and giant trucks to physically move the entire house to a new location. As the child narrator, who has tan skin and black hair, learns that “moving house” means that their family is leaving and not taking their house along, extravagant plans give way to worry, and excitement for the move wanes. However, Mom reassures the child that while they’re moving to a new home, they’ll be bringing all their belongings and, most importantly, will still have each other. With cheerfully toned illustrations in soft pastels, dominated by pinks, oranges, and teals, fantastical ideas are brought to life with a lighthearted touch. Outlandish scenarios that may elicit some giggles quickly turn to a more tender discussion of what it might look like to move. This inclusion of both silly and sincere not only highlights the confusion a change like this might cause, it also provides a window into the unending capacity of a child’s imagination.