“Our family moves a lot. But you probably don’t remember.” These opening lines from an older to a younger sibling launch a description of all the times their family has moved. First there was a tiny apartment in a big house, where Grandpa lived downstairs. Next there was an apartment on the top floor of a tall building, followed by a big apartment in a building with elevators. Then they moved into their current house and got to choose their own rooms. Now they’re moving to a new house, which Grandpa will share with them. For each of their homes, the older sibling describes some of the things they did there and what was nearby. They also outline what will happen during their current move before their belongings are loaded into a moving van (except for their suitcases and pets, which go in the car). They admit that sometimes they don’t want to move, but their parents have pointed out the positives (a backyard garden, walking instead of busing to school) and they’re looking forward to Grandpa’s snacks and sleeping in a bunk bed. Whether they stay in the new house for a long time or make another change soon, one thing is certain: “we are good at moving.” India ink and watercolor with digital collage illustrations offer rich details that extend the text, while the successive moves of this multiracial family offer reassurance to young readers facing the uncertainty of relocation.

Lisa Brown, creator of the hugely popular The Airport Book and The Hospital Book, breaks down the big prospect of moving to a new home in this engaging picture book primer.

Moving can be sad and scary--but it doesn't have to be. The kids in this book have done it many times before, as the older brother reminds his sister. They reflect on favorite memories from each of their past homes, and the boy talks her (and the reader) through all the steps to expect, from taping up boxes to riding in the car behind the moving truck.

Starring the same multiracial family from The Airport Book and The Hospital Book, and featuring plenty of "easter eggs" that will delight young readers, the book chronicles three distinct moves--from a small, overcrowded apartment in a rickety house to a proper urban apartment building to a house where there's room for grandpa.

With clear, concise text and detail-rich illustrations, The Moving Book is the perfect resource for any family preparing for a move and managing anxiety about the process. Fans of Lisa Brown's critically acclaimed past titles will instantly recognize their favorite tour guides to sort-of-scary new things.

A Horn Book Fanfare Title
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
One of Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books