One Thing Never Changes begins with a list of suggestions for parents moving with children. Most of these apply to moves overseas, though some will need to be modified.
The story follows Jenna who is moving because her daddy got a job in a different city. Relieved at first because she can bring her toys and bed, she then realizes that she can’t bring her best friend and her feelings change. Jenna’s parents assure her that she can write to her friend and call her sometimes. Her Sunday School teacher reminds Jenna that, although moving will mean many changes, one thing never changes: Jesus will always love her, always be with her, and always hear her prayers. This is an “I Can Understand Book” – a series of small booklet-style books written to help children face difficult situations (e.g. the death of a loved one, a parent’s illness, etc.).
Reading level: age 5-8 years.
Callie’s family is having a yard sale before moving to a small apartment, but it’s hard for her to see people carrying away her things. Callie’s family is moving for money reasons, but this sensitive story could help young TCKs-to-be who have to part with many possessions before moving abroad. Parting with possessions can be harder for children than for adults. It is surprisingly sad at a couple points (I was tearing up for Callie and with my own memories) but has a very sweet ending.
Reading level: age 3-7 years.
“This is where I live. I don’t know Toronto. I know here.”
A little girl preparing to move to the city from a remote part of Canada recalls all the things she loves about her home: animals in the forest, her friends and the trailers she lives in. When she wonders “Have people in Toronto seen what I’ve seen?” her teacher helps her find a way to carry along & share her memories of everything she loves “here.” A wonderfully poignant book for any age with vibrant illustrations, it pairs well with the second book in the series From There to Here.
This story could help inspire children to process their own feelings about moving and what they love about their current home, and parents will appreciate the poetic writing style.
Reading level: age 4- 7 years.
Lets Move Together isn’t a story and it isn’t exactly a workbook, either. It’s a “how to” for children, walking them through the process of moving. Written for the expat community, it refers to differences that are unique to moving abroad, like learning a new language. The book is divided into three sections: feelings, thoughts and actions.
Feelings: addresses being happy, sad or angry about moving and how to express each one in a healthy way.
Thoughts: focuses on what questions to ask about where the family is moving, what to expect from a new home and school, etc
Actions: researching where the family is moving to, building a memory box, giving away toys that cannot be brought along, saying goodbye well, and making new friends
Reading level: age 4 and up.
This whimsical picture book follows the unlikely friendship between a little seed and a little fox. Both have fears and anxiety and seek comfort in each other, as the farmer looks over them and cares for them. When the farmer pulls the little seed off his cozy shelf and there are big, scary, dark and damp changes in his living situation, the seed and the fox have to trust that the farmer has a good plan for them.
Though not specifically written for TCKs or for moving, It Will be Okay can help kids learn to trusting God through changes like moving and overcoming fear and anxiety, knowing that God is always watching over them. It also emphasizes the importance of friendship.
Reading level: age 4 to 8 years.
