Moving homes can be tough for kids, but the best children’s books about moving can turn it into a meaningful adventure.
Moving homes ranks as one of childhood’s biggest adventures – and challenges. As families navigate this transition, books become powerful tools for understanding, comfort, and excitement about new beginnings. This guide features my best children’s books to read when moving homes that help children process moving while sparking their imagination about new possibilities ahead.
Best Children’s Books About Moving to Ease the Transition
Quick Selection Guide
| Age Groups | Best For | Look For |
| 2-4 years | Simple picture books | Bright illustrations, basic moving concepts |
| 4-6 years | Story-driven picture books | Emotional validation, moving adventures |
| 6-8 years | Early chapter books | Practical moving experiences, friendship stories |
Picture Books That Build Moving Confidence
📚 Reading Guide
Start introducing moving-themed books 3-4 weeks before your move. Children process change differently – some prefer direct stories about moving, while others connect better with metaphorical tales.
A New Home by Tania de Regil (2019)
★★★★½ Ages: 4-7 years Theme: Cross-cultural moves, shared experiences
This beautifully illustrated book follows two children – one in New York, one in Mexico City – as they prepare to move to each other’s cities. Their parallel journeys show how moving feelings are universal.
What makes it special:
- Addresses common moving worries with warmth
- Dual-language elements woven naturally throughout
- Stunning cityscapes that invite exploration
💡 Activity Idea
Create a “Tale of Two Cities” drawing – your current city on one page, imagined new city on another.
Home by Carson Ellis (2015)
★★★★★ Ages: 3-7 years Theme: Exploring different types of homes
An artistic exploration of what “home” means across cultures and imaginations. While not directly about moving, it opens conversations about different types of homes.
Standout features:
- Whimsical illustrations of diverse homes
- Sparks imagination about what makes a home
- Celebrates the concept of home in all forms
🎨 Creative Connection
Start a “Homes Around the World” sketchbook. Each day, draw a different type of home from the book. An extension activity might be drawing different services that help with moving such as hiring removalists and moving trucks.
Stories That Tackle Moving Emotions
Moving can bring a mix of emotions for children—excitement, fear, sadness, and curiosity. Stories that tackle these feelings head-on can help kids understand and process the big changes ahead. Whether through vibrant illustrations or heartfelt narratives, these books gently guide children to embrace their emotions and see the beauty in new beginnings.
The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña (2015)
★★★★★ Ages: 3-6 years Theme: Finding beauty in change
This Newbery Medal winner masterfully handles change, perspective, and finding beauty in new situations.
Why it works:
- Celebrates community and connection
- Rich, vibrant illustrations
- Powerful messages about perspective
🌟 Parent Insight
Use this story to discuss how every journey can be an adventure – even the journey to a new home as we fly across different states. But what about the journey that the furniture will be taking on the moving truck if they came to life or the family car and caravan when being transported by a vehicle transport company.
When You Are Brave by Pat Zietlow Miller (2019)
★★★★½ Ages: 4-8 years Theme: Building courage through change
A gentle exploration of courage during big life changes, with moving as one example.
Key strengths:
- Beautiful metaphors for bravery
- Practical coping strategies
- Empowering message
🦁 Courage Activity
Create a “Brave Moments” jar. Each time your child shows courage during the moving process, add a colorful note to the jar. If they help the house movers carry a box for example. That’s shows a bit of a brave moment.
Books for Special Moving Situations
Every move is unique, and special circumstances—like moving with pets or transitioning to a new culture—can bring additional challenges. Books tailored to these situations provide valuable insights and relatable perspectives, helping children navigate their specific experiences with understanding and confidence.
Big Ernie’s New Home by Teresa Martin
★★★★ Ages: 3-7 years Theme: Moving with pets
Following a cat’s moving journey helps children process their own feelings from a safe emotional distance.
What we love:
- Practical coping strategies
- Pet’s perspective makes feelings manageable
- Addresses common moving anxieties
🐱 Connection Tip
If you have pets, create a “Moving Day Adventure” story starring them.
Practical Reading Strategies
📦 Moving Day Book Box
Pack a special box of favorite books labeled “Open First” for your child’s new room. Include:
- A new book about their new city/state
- 2-3 moving-themed books
- Their everyday favorites
Age-Based Reading Tips
For Ages 3-5:
- Focus on picture-heavy books
- Read same book multiple times if requested
- Act out moving scenarios with stuffed animals
For Ages 6-8:
- Mix practical and metaphorical stories
- Start a moving journal
- Create their own moving story
For Ages 8+:
- Include books about making new friends
- Focus on school transition stories
- Encourage writing about the experience
🎯 Final Parent Note
Keep familiar books in rotation alongside moving stories. The comfort of beloved books helps balance the uncertainty of change.
Making Stories Part of Your Moving Journey
Create a daily routine:
- Morning: Read an adventure story
- Packing time: Share a moving-themed book
- Bedtime: Choose a comfort book
Quick Activity Guide
- Create a Moving Story Box:
- Journal
- Colored pencils
- Camera for documenting
- New book about destination
- Story-Inspired Activities:
- Draw your old and new home
- Write letters to old house/friends
- Create a photo book of memories
- Design your dream room
- Reading-Related Moving Tasks:
- Label boxes with book stickers
- Create a reading nook in the new home
- Plan a library visit in the new town
🌈 Remember
Stories aren’t just about processing change – they’re about imagining possibilities. Let books become bridges between your old and new homes.
Books are a powerful way to help children process the emotions of moving while sparking excitement for new beginnings. Whether it’s a story about bravery, adventure, or the meaning of home, these children’s books about moving offer comfort, connection, and hope. Let these stories transform your family’s journey into a meaningful adventure.
If you have a suggestion of a book I can add to this list, connect with me or check out my other book reviews.
Book lover, coffee addict, mom of dragons (aka rambunctious kids). I share book recs, mom life survival tips, and the occasional existential crisis.
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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