Side-by-side pictures illustrate the same story line, showing similarities and differences between the lives of two boys, one in a western town and one in a rural African village. The words for both stories are the same and run through the middle of the page. The text is very simple, but the details in the pictures are delightful and could captivate kids and grown-ups. This is a great book for discussion since it helps kids develop observation skills and see another way of life.
Reading level: age 4-8 years
Nona, who was raised by her Ayah on her father’s tea estate in India, is sent back England to live with relatives at age eight. Given no choice in the matter, she feels very out of place in the new country. She dresses and talks differently, likes different things, and finds life in the city frighteningly fast-paced. Her older cousins are kind, but her younger cousin, jealous of the attention Nona was given, teases Nona and makes it harder for her to fit in. Then Great-Aunt Lucy sends two Japanese dolls from America, and as Nona works to make the two dolls from a foreign land feel comfortable, she finds herself making friends and adjusting to her new life, as well. The story is followed by detailed instructions for making a Japanese dollhouse, the project Nona and her cousins undertake in the book.
(NOTE: For those who want to read about further adventures of the girls and their Japanese dolls, Little Plum (1962) is a sequel. In this second book, however, Nona is well-adjusted to life in England and the focus is more on Nona’s cousin, Belinda, so it is not included on this website as a TCK book.)
Reading level: age 8-11 years
More a photo book than a picture book, this sweet story follows the life of 5 year old Eliza as she adapts to life in a remote Malaysian village. She boils ants out of her water, adventures through the jungle and pees in a squatty potty (don’t worry there aren’t pictures of specifically that). She discovers some things that she loves – like the candies at school – and others that frustrate her – like the way everyone touches her blonde hair.
Though this is an older book, I would recommend it to families with young children moving to remote areas to help prepare their kids for some of the rougher aspects of village life that are still applicable today. It can also get them excited for the unique joys of living somewhere unconventional. Kids already living far from paved roads could relate to Eliza’s story.
Reading level: age 4-8 years
This cheerful tale of a brother and sister talks about Katie and Jacob’s move to Japan and adventures in learning the location and culture. The sibling must adjust to Japan as their dad is gone on military duty but dive right into learning Japanese customs even though they miss their father.
This would be a great book for TCKs moving to Japan as it takes time to point out important customs (like the importance of being on time) and shows a very positive view of moving and Japan in general.
Reading level: age 8-11 years
In this TCK story, a brother and sister move with their parents to a US military base in South Korea. The beginning of the book describes Katie and Jacob’s adventures exploring the city and Korean culture and settling into a new routine in life. Then Katie starts to experience bullying at school and gets help from her family and teacher to make the situation right.
This would be a great book for any young TCKs who are experiencing bullying (or who parents/ guardians suspect of experiencing bullying). Though the book is long for a picture book, it would be appropriate for older kids to read alone.
Reading level: age 8-11 years
This beautifully illustrated book is inspired by the poem Brown Girl Dreaming and describes what it’s like for a child to be different from the other kids in her classroom. Whether it’s in looks, accent, what she eats or the kinds of stories she tells, it’s difficult to feel alone and apart. “The Day You Begin” encourages kids to tell their stories and look out for others who may be different as well, even if they aren’t the same kind of different as them.
Reading level: age 5-8 years
