PCS move resources for military children and teens
Return to Books for the Military Community & Supporters - LINK
Return to Military PCS Resources for Adults - LINK
Scroll down to learn more about:
Relocation resources for military children and teens
Relocation books for military children
Relocation resources for military children & teens
Coloring pages
Beth Allen of Troops in Touch (TM) has created free coloring pages for military children that deal with moving. Available for download here on Operation We Are Here.
Military OneSource
Military Youth on the Move
Check out the videos, articles and more geared to military kids and teens.
Rezilient Life
A Christian ministry of the American Bible Society and Club Beyond with resources for military teens (including resources for transition)
Let's face it; life as a military teen isn't easy.There's always change and uncertainty, and we long for something more solid to grab hold of. Rezilient Life is your place to get a grip on some of those big questions; like friendship, family, belonging and transitions. It's a solid place, and it's specifically for you.
RezLife offers a ton of cool stuff like maps, quizzes, music and videos. Check them out! Need a pick-me-up? Want a challenge? Sign up for a text journey and we'll send you a message each day.
With a variety of meaningful topics to choose from, each personalized journey contains stories, media, Bible passages, and questions to guide you — making God's Word relevant and personal to you. Whether it's reading verses and words, listening to audio passages, or watching a video, you can explore the eternal truths of the Bible in the way that best fits your life and helps you navigate with ReZilience.
Start your personal journey today and see where God's Word takes you.
Sesame Street for Military Kids
Military moving tips
Military families often have to move, and learning how to make this transition can sometimes be difficult. The experience for kids moving, in particular, may lead to feelings of sadness. There also might be anxiety around how to make friends in a new school. By expressing a positive attitude about military moves and asking your child to participate in the process, you can help her feel more at ease about the changes that may come with military relocation.
Sesame Street for Military Kids
The Big Moving Adventure app
Make moving fun! Your young child (ages 2-5) can create his own Muppet friend to help him or her through the moving process.
Books about moving for military children
Benita Koeman of Operation We Are Here is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you purchase a product that is linked to Amazon, I earn a small commission which in turn helps me to continue with my mission of providing resources to the military community and military supporters. Learn more...
Copyright 2008 - 2022 Benita Koeman, Operation We Are Here. All rights reserved.
Operation We Are Here is a HUB of RESOURCES for the military community and military supporters.
Military support is not a concept to embrace; military support is sacrificial action. Visit our military support TOOLKIT.
A New Home for Allie
Author: Carrie Daws, Copyright @ 2018
Allie loves her home in Kenya. But her dad works for the Animal Jungle Patrol, and he just got orders to move their family to Somalia. She has many questions, and the journey will be long. Will the new place be like what she knows? Will she find friends in her new home? And will she ever see her best friend again? What awaits her in A New Home for Allie?
Army Brats
Author: Daphne Benedis-Grab, Copyright @ 2017
The Bailey kids' mom has just been assigned to Fort Patrick, and it'll be the family's first time living on an army base! Tom, Charlotte, and Rosie get to make new friends, explore the neighborhood, and cool off in the huge pool. Unfortunately, they also have to deal with the base bully, who seems determined to make Tom's life completely miserable by telling everyone he's a wimp.
When the Baileys discover a mystery on base--an abandoned building long rumored to be haunted--they know that this is the way to show the world how brave Tom truly is. But when they go to investigate, they find there's more to the house than some old rumors. What is that weird equipment? And who is that suspicious man sneaking around inside?
It's up to Charlotte, Tom, and Rosie to figure out the base's secrets-and prove to everyone that no bully can keep the Bailey kids down.
Daphne Benedis-Grab's Army Brats is an exciting romp that celebrates friendship, bravery, and being true to yourself.
But Mom, I Don't Want to Move!
Easing the impact of moving on your children
Author: Susan Miller, Copyright @ 2004
When a child hears the words "We're moving!" it can trigger a range of reactions from excitement and anticipation to anxiety and anger. But Mom, I Don't Want To Move! gives parents the guidance they need to get their children through this major change. Susan Miller, author of After the Boxes Are Unpacked, provides specific ideas, based on the ages of children and the reason for relocating, that will make the adjustment to a new house, school, and community as smooth as possible.
Flexible Wings
Author: Veda Stamps, Copyright @ 2015
Ages 8-12
Veda Stamps' Flexible Wings is a fictional exploration of the lives of military children. This book, written for preteens, delves into themes of sports, community support, and volunteerism as a way to help children and their families through difficult times.
In Flexible Wings, Summer Stevenson is an eleven-year-old biracial girl who dreams of having a permanent home and swimming in the Olympics one day, just like her idol Olympian Lia Neal. But those things seem out of reach as her parents "the heroes" continually move the family from house to house like boxed-up toys.
After their last move, she thought her life would never change, but now the moving truck is idling in front of her house again, this time taking the family to Valencia, a small town in southern California known for its bike trails, roller coasters, and great schools. But things aren't so great for Summer. She worries constantly that her fighter-pilot mom could be redeployed at any moment, and she struggles to make new friends, finding herself in humiliating circumstances with her neighbors.
Summer sees a glimmer of hope when her parents sign her up for competitive swimming, but she turns out to be the worst swimmer on the team! Inspired by nature and drawing support from friendships both old and new, including those with Grandma "Bachaan," her coaches, and other kids on the swim team, Summer seeks the courage she'll need to tackle life's challenges.
Home Is Where Our Hero Is
Author: Bridgett Plat, Copyright @ 2016
A book about military PCS moves by the author of Daddy's Deployed. There is a non-personalized version or you can choose from personalized options.
Home is Where the Air Force Sends You
Authors: Rebekah Sanderlin and Melissa Davis, Copyright @ 2014
Grades Kindergarten - 5
Twin brothers Roberto and Luis Torres can barely contain their excitement as their Air Force family learns that they will be moving to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Readers join Roberto, Luis, their parents and their baby brother as they learn the history of their new home and explore some of the fun things to do when they get there. This book, like the others in the Home Is Where series, is designed to help children of military families become excited about moving to new places. Parents, teachers, counselors and others can use the book as a tool to help children visualize exactly where they are going, relieving some of the anxiety associated with relocation. Children already living on or near Eglin Air Force Base will also enjoy reading about places they have been and discovering new things to do and places to explore near their home.
Home is Where the Army Sends You
Authors: Rebekah Sanderlin and Melissa Davis, Copyright @ 2014
Grades Kindergarten - 5
Sgt. Applebottom, Mrs. Applebottom, Kristy, and Steven are an Army family. It is a very special day when the children learn that they will soon move to North Carolina. Join Kristy and Steven as they find out what Fort Bragg, North Carolina is all about! This book was designed to help children of military families become excited about moving to new places. Parents, teachers, counselors, and others can use it as a tool to help children visualize exactly where they are going, thereby relieving some of the anxiety associated with relocation. Children already living on or near Fort Bragg will find this book exciting as they read about places they have been and discover new destinations to explore.
Home is Where The Marine Corps Sends You
Authors: Rebekah Sanderlin and Melissa Davis, Copyright @ 2014
Grades Kindergarten - 5
Sgt. Oakwood, Mrs. Oakwood, Mandy, and Eric are a family in the Marine Corps. It is a very special day when the children learn that they will soon move to North Carolina. Join Mandy and Eric as they find out what Camp Lejeune, North Carolina is all about! This book was designed to help children of military families become excited about moving to new places. Parents, teachers, counselors, and others can use it as a tool to help children visualize exactly where they are going, thereby relieving some of the anxiety associated with relocation. Children already living on or near Camp Lejeune will find this book exciting as they read about places they have been and discover new destinations to explore.
Home is Where the Navy Sends You
Authors: Rebekah Sanderlin and Melissa Davis, Copyright @ 2015
Grades Kindergarten - 5
Join young Amaya Roberts as she learns about her mother’s newest military orders to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Follow along with the Roberts family as they discover all of the wonderful things to see and do in their beautiful new home of Pensacola, Florida and its surrounding areas! Growing up as a military child is a unique experience that comes with excitement and adventure but includes questions, new feelings and emotions. Transitioning to a new duty station goes much deeper than just a career move, it is saying goodbye to old friends and meeting new people, it is deciding what to pack in boxes and creating a new home and it is closing the door on one journey and opening the door on a whole new one!
I'm a Dandelion
A PCS story for military children
Author: Brooke Mahaffey, Copyright @ 2021
Inspired by real-life experiences, this book for military-connected children is an excellent resource to help prepare children for a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move. In this heartwarming story, the author validates the natural feelings and emotions that children often experience when it comes time to PCS. Most importantly, the story characters discover the benefits of moving and the excitement of being a military child.
Psssst!...did you know that military children are also part of a special club? The Dandelion Club!
I'm From Everywhere
Author: Bird Collier, Copyright @ 2019
Growing up in a military family is not always easy, but it can be full of adventure. In this first of a three book series, I'm From Everywhere provides a glimpse into the way growing up in a military family can feel. It also reveals just how amazing growing up military can be. Be sure to follow our hero Jamal on his next big adventure!
I Move a Lot and That's Okay
Author: Shermaine Perry-Knights, Copyright @ 2020
Looking for an engaging book to teach kids about rapid change and explain the military lifestyle? This is it! I Move A Lot and That’s Okay teaches kids how to emotionally cope with relocation. Designed to build resilience and confidence in children, this picture book follows a bright-eyed girl in a military family as she shows the reader that she can embrace a new environment, language, and a different culture. Leaving their home and settling in another is tough on all kids. This is what military families go through when moving to a new station, far away from home in another city, state, or country. This adventure is filled with sadness, loss, acceptance, and hope. By the end of the story, young readers will be chanting the theme of the book: "I move a lot and that’s okay!” While this book features a military child, its message of resilience and hope are universal ones that help all children to overcome obstacles more easily.
I Move a Lot and That's Okay: Axel's Story
Author: Shermaine Perry-Knights, Copyright @ 2021
Ages 6-10
I Move A Lot and That's Okay captures the ups and downs of what it's like to move as a military-connected kid.
Full of fun and vibrant illustrations, the messages highlight all the things that military-connected children experience complete with family activities and ideas to make moves easier during PCS season. Inside you will find a diverse military family of different races and gender.
Moving with kids means a lot of social, emotional, and physical change. This book validates their experiences, feelings, and thoughts. Understanding more about their world helps children learn to handle feelings of loss associated with moving to a new home.
This book will encourage important conversations about:
- Making new friends
- Anxiety
- Big feelings
- New environments
- Problem-solving
- Positive mental health
- Accepting each other's differences
It's PCS Season
Riley's journey to discover pcs season
Author: Zandra Moten, Copyright @ 2021
Have you ever wanted to travel the world? Many military families are afforded this opportunity when a family member serving in the armed forces begins a tour of duty. A tour of duty is a period of time when an active-duty service member serves at a particular location. Families could be assigned to locations from six months to three years. Many people in the military community call the most popular time for location reassignments PCS (Permanent Change of Station) Season. As you can imagine, a sudden or planned relocation can be hard for children to understand and adapt. The PCS Season book series gives a glimpse into the lives of military families and most importantly, the military-connected children. In this first book of the series, meet Riley. Her story is based on real events. Join her on the journey as she discovers what PCS Season is all about and learn how her family helped to her understand the meaning of PCS Season.
It's PCS Season, Again
Ryan dances with the possibilities of change
Author: Zandra Moten, Copyright @ 2022
Have you ever wanted to travel the world? Many military families are afforded this opportunity when a family member serving in the armed forces begins a tour of duty. A tour of duty is a period of time when an active-duty service member serves at a particular location. Families could be assigned to locations from six months to three years.
Many people in the military community call the most popular time for location reassignments PCS (Permanent Change of Station) Season. As you can imagine, a sudden or planned relocation can be hard for children to understand and adapt. The PCS Season book series gives a glimpse into the lives of military families and most importantly, the military-connected children.
In this second book of the series, meet Ryan. Her story is based on real events. Join Ryan on her dance with the possibility of change as she chasse through her journey and tackles obstacles that come with change and moving around the world with her military family.
It's Time to Say Goodbye
Authors: Ryan and Kim Pease, Copyright @ 2022
In this delightfully written, rhythmic children’s book, a young boy whose father is in the military tells the story of their upcoming move and the feelings and memories associated with the act of having to relocate once again. The back contains a wonderful activity portion where children may record their memories and learn to cope with the emotional rollercoaster that is inherent in any PCS. This is a perfect keepsake for each child in your family to recount their experiences as a military family.
Military families face many hardships in support of their selfless service to the United States of America. This book is an homage to the children in the armed forces community who face the recurring challenge of having to say goodbye as a result of their parents’ military service. On average, military families move every 2-3 years, impacting children in many aspects of life, to include: schools, friends, routines, support networks, medical resources and much more. The aim of this book is to offer children of military families hope and optimism as they prepare to PCS as well as offer some methods of coping with the often-challenging transition.
Kids! We Have PCS Orders!
Author: James Thomas, Copyright @ 2018
Ages 3-7
Multi-cultural military kid’s picture book. Kids! We Have PCS Orders! is fifth in the Deployment Series of books by author James R. Thomas. This story was written specifically for military families with kids preparing to go through a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move. Illustrated in color, the picture book tells the story of a how a military family prepares the kids mentally for the move. The author, through his own experiences, has written a story he hopes will make your PCS a little easier. The story helps facilitate discussion with your child before or after you receive the PCS orders. The author intentionally did not reveal too much detail in the storyline in order to leave room for the readers to ask questions and generate discussions. Even in the title, the unique service-related acronym PCS was used to allow readers to discover through the story what PCS means. The characters are multi-cultural, dual military parents, with the mother dressed in a naval uniform and the father in military camouflage.
Lion's Pride on the Move
Author: Grace Anne Remey, Copyright @ 2013
This charming story is all about the process of moving written from a 9 year old's perspective. Grace Anne takes you on another journey with Lion's Pride sharing her feelings and struggles along the way. She shares feelings of excitement, sadness and fear while showing readers ideas to make the transition of moving fun! A great book to help children understand what it is like to move. Lion's Pride On The Move also includes helpful tips from Momma Lion giving practical ideas for parents.
Little Daisy's Worst Best Day (We Serve Too!)
Author: Kathleen Edick and Paula Johnson, Copyright @ 2012
Ages 3 and up
Opening: “We’re at Grandma and Grandpa’s house today. Mommy’s home packing; We’re moving away. This is the Worst Day I’ve ever had. I don’t want to move? It’s making me sad.” (out of print)
Lucy & the Little Blue Car
Author: Eugenia Guilmartin, Copyright @ 2012
Lucy is a German shepherd about to begin a cross-country move in a new car with a new mom, beginning a new life. Will she like her new home? Will she make new friends? Will her mom ever let her drive? As Lucy travels from state to state she discovers the one thing that is larger than the big world outside the window of the little blue car. Lucy & the Little Blue Car is a story about moving for mobile families and military kids. Lucy's travels can assist discussions between parents, grandparents, guardians and kids about how to handle change through moves and temporary parental absences. The theme of comfort and continuity reinforces the message that every new place can be "home."
Maya Moves to a New Country
Author: Pearl Gifty Alimo, Copyright @ 2023
From the award-winning author of Growing Your Family: Learn How to Flourish and Thrive as a Military Family, comes a children's book that has a moving story, stunning illustrations and a powerful message for military children about change, hope and courage.
Maya lives with her parents in the US where she has lots of friends and enjoys playing with them. One day, Maya's Dad who serves in the US Navy shares some big news. The family is moving to a new country.
Maya is confused, happy, sad, a little bit scared and really unsure of many things. She must brace herself for the unknown- new places, new faces, new food and even a new language!
Maya learns that in the military, whether you are young or old, we must sometimes leave the life we know for the unknown. And make it work. With support, Maya learns to flourish and thrive in her new country. She writes in journal and resolves to share her story with other military children.
Maya Moves to a New Country is a story of hope, friendship and adventure that aims to instill courage and positive attitude in children and really anyone when you have to embrace change.
Military Brats
The worst best move ever
Authors: Yuki and Carlos Smiley, Copyright @ 2016
This is the story of a little girl who is growing up in a military family and every time she adjusts to a move the family has to move again and she has to adjust again.
Military Kids Speak
My life as a military child
Author: Julie Rahm, Copyright @ 2011
Ages 9-12
Celebrating the role military families play in the success of America as well as their individual accomplishments, Military Kids Speak by former naval physicist and author Julie Rahm is a fascinating and inspired account of what it takes to be a military kid. It's a team effort with a common goal; the mission is to describe what it means to be a part of a military family, what it takes to persevere when it comes to deployments, and living abroad. It's also a candid account of the military lifestyle, and how special it is to be a child of a hero.
In two parts and seventeen chapters with titles like "Military Kids Speak about Deployments," "Military Kids Speak about Living Abroad," and "Military Kids Speak about Making Friends," this engaging, conversational book begins with over two dozen essays written by today's military kids. These young authors, aged ten to sixteen, discuss the rollercoaster ride of military life, it's perks and privileges, as well as its hardships and heartaches, while the second half comprises twelve in-depth interviews with famous former military kids like Justice Leah Ward Sears, Newt Gingrich, Shaquille O'Neal, and Mark Hamill.
Being a military kid is special; a childhood spent with the military is an adventure. This first volume of Military Kids Speak is a narrative of what American kids of servicemen and servicewomen sacrifice for their country day in and day out all over the world?and what they have to say about it.
Moving Again Mom (Uncle Sam's Kids)
Author: Angela Sportelli-Rehak, Copyright @ 2004
Ages 4-8
The family is moving across the country to live on a new base. Lil'M is worried that she will miss her best friend, and worried that it will be hard to make new friends when she arrives at her new home. Help children to understand and develop an appreciation for cultural diversity and foster a positive outlook toward the adventures of relocation.
Moving: Teddy's Journey
Author: Zara Johnston, Copyright @ 2021
Ages 3-9
Join Teddy in this heart-warming rhyming story, which supports children when they move house and school.
When Teddy has to move, he feels all sorts of emotions. Not wanting to leave his friends and being scared of the unknown. Will Teddy have a change of heart, once he sees the new possibilities that change can bring? An uplifting and inspiring picture book showing the value of friendships and the power of positivity.
My Life as I Move (journal)
Health Net Federal Services' children’s initiative launched to provide additional resources to help children successfully navigate the unique challenges of military families face. You may dowload the journals, save, print or link to the journals as often as you like at no cost.
My Life As I Move is a journal for military children who experience the unique challenge of moving often as part of a military family. The journal is designed to help children honor and remember the places they've lived, the memories they've made and the special people in their lives they've met along the way. The journal is intended to help children realize these special places, memories and people will always be a part of them, no matter where they live.
PCS Penny
Author: Joanna Gosser, Copyright @ 2022
Ages infant - 12
When Penny’s family receives PCS orders, they must move across the country. Leaving behind her friends and family won’t be easy, but Penny looks forward to this new adventure with curiosity and excitement!
Read this story with your child to strengthen your bond and instill a lifelong love of reading. PCS Penny will open the door for important—and often difficult—conversations with your child about your upcoming PCS (permanent change of station).
Military life offers unique challenges and this book aims to help families through what can be a stressful situation. Your child will love that their life is represented in a sweet story and you’ll love the possibility for discussion and normalization of a life that can sometimes feel hectic and isolating.
Piper Reed Forever Friend
Author: Kimberly Willis Holt , Copyright @ 2012
Ages 8 and up
Piper is excited to move to a new state and catch up with old friends. But the move doesn’t go as smoothly as she expected: Piper has trouble feeling accepted in her new surroundings. But then she meets Arizona Smiley. Arizona is an avid stamp collector and bowls in a league. Piper is intrigued by Arizona’s originality and before long, she wins Arizona’s affections, and the two become great friends. This move turns out to be the best one yet, and Piper is eager to spread her trademark “Get Off the Bus” catchphrase once again.
Remember When
My life as a military child
Author: Tana Hair, Copyright @ 2011
Ages 5-10
This book is designed for military children so they can keep a living record of their childhood. It provides a keepsake for the special moments in their life as they make their journey. Children can document their schools, homes, friendships and anything else that they want and treasure.
Moving to support their parents can be difficult, especially every 3 years. They have to start a new school, new friends, new house and basically a whole new life. The intent of this book is to make that process a little easier, knowing that they have something to look back on and something to start new again. When they are all grown and look back on a unique childhood, taking that trip down memory lane. They will always be able to Remember When.
The ABCs of PCSing
A coloring book
Author: Joanna Gosser, Copyright @ 2022
Over 50, 8.5"X11" coloring pages.
26 letters of the alphabet in PCS theme.
One-sided coloring pages to prevent bleed-through.
Includes Memory Savers on the back of each page to document the name and date.
The Adventures of a Few Good Littles
Author: Dr. Loretta Velez, Copyright @ 2022
Korbin and Grace are the children "The Littles" of two Marine Corps officers. This book describes their first military move from the United States to Japan. It is written through the eyes of Korbin. It gives those who have not experienced the military life a short glimpse into what is seen and felt when your entire world is designed around change. It shows the importance of a strong support system and that even with many miles, an ocean, and many hours between them, the distance does not affect the close connection between this young military family and their extended family members.
The Adventures of a Military Brat
The big move
Author: Johanna Gomez, Copyright @ 2019
Ages 3-8
The Adventures of a Military Brat: The Big Move is the second book of the children's book series The Adventures of a Military Brat. Ride along with a courageous young girl as she faces the challenges of a military family move. Learn how she says goodbye to friends, cherishes favorite memories, and prepares for her new home, all while delivering a touching message of hope and optimism. The Big Move shows how a military family uses positive coping techniques to prepare for an upcoming move.
The Adventures of a Military Brat book series is specifically designed to meet the needs of children growing up in military families. Each book will identify unique experiences and challenges a military lifestyle brings; such as reuniting with deployed parents, moving, and making new friends. The characters of this series emphasize positive messages and take readers on a journey that is familiar to every military child.
The Military Child Chronicles
Mission: My First PCS
Author: Athens E. Pellegrino, Copyright @ 2021
Ages 2-14
Mission: My First PCS, is the first story in the series, The Military Child Chronicles. The series was written to serve as a tool for military families. On a daily basis, military family life can change drastically. A young boy, Atticus, learns that his family will be relocating over the summer also known as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The story beautifully illustrates the challenges and complex feelings children may experience. Mission: My First PCS also offers tips and activities to help military families during their PCS. The series and book were created in order to serve as resources for our brave military families.
The Military Child Chronicles
Mission: My Overseas PCS
Author: Athens E. Pellegrino, Copyright @ 2023
Ages 2-14
Mission: My Overseas PCS is the third story in The Military Child Chronicles. A young boy, Atticus, learns that his family will be relocating across the world to Okinawa, Japan. He is faced with a plethora of emotions, uncertainty, and curiosity. His little sister, Callista, is also having a difficult time processing her first move. This story beautifully demonstrates the feelings and obstacles involved with an overseas Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and family comradery.
The Secret Life of a Military Kid: Destination Unknown
Author: Terrica Joseph, Copyright @ 2017
Jeremy is a military kid who has just received shocking news. He's moving! Although it was inevitable, it came as a surprise. The new area is foreign to him. He's sure he won't fit in and wonders if he should try to make friends at all. From the road trip to his new home, community and school: Jeremy encounters situations that will make you think and make you laugh. Will Jeremy accept his new community or will he keep his distance. Only time will tell!
We're Moving Today! A Moving Story
Author: James Thomas, Copyright @ 2014
We're Moving Today! A Moving Story. Another beautifully illustrated picture book written by author James R. Thomas. Come join the adventure with a family that is moving to a new house and see how they work together through their journey. The author uses rhymes to make the story fun and humorous to help the reader understand the moving process. When my family gets into the car, I have to hold my pet fish, Max, in a jar. I’m hoping the road trip won’t be too far. Away we go, as we travel down the road, with a full carload. There may be some bumps along the way, but nothing my family can’t handle this day.
Why Do We Have to Move? A Book for Military Kids
Author: Tara Scott, Copyright @ 2022
A children’s book for young military kids, to help understand moving. Written by an Army brat that keeps the subject of moving positive and encouraging.
_______________________________________________________
Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move
Author: Judith Viorst, Copyright @ 1998
Ages 5-8
Alexander is not going to leave his best friend Paul. Or Rachel, the best babysitter in the world. Or the Baldwins, who have a terrific dog named Swoozie. Or Mr. and Mrs. Oberdorfer, who always give great treats on Halloween. Who cares if his father has a new job a thousand miles away? Alexander is not -- Do you hear him? He Means it! -- going to move.
Alexander's back, facing another of childhood's trials and tribulations with Judith Viorst's trademark humor and keen sense of what's important to kids.
A New House
Author: Jill Wenzel, Copyright @ 2011
Ages 5-10
Activity book for 4-10 year-olds featuring puzzles, games and activities that address the process of and emotions surrounding buying and moving to a new home.
Augustine
Author: Melanie Watt, Copyright @ 2006
Ages 3-7
Moving all the way from the South Pole to the North Pole isn't easy for the young penguin Augustine. Uprooted from her home, she misses her friends, her grandma and grandpa and her old bedroom. There are all kinds of unfamiliar faces at the North Pole, and everything looks strange and different. When it's time to go to her new school, Augustine gets cold feet. But with the help of a few colored pencils and some inspiration from Picasso, this shy, artistic young penguin discovers a way to break the ice with her classmates and feel at home on the other end of the world. Augustine's penguinized versions of van Gogh, Munch, Picasso and others are a delightful way to introduce children to art. A clever, charming story told from a penguin's eye view, Augustine illustrates that art is all around us -- and it is a language everyone understands.
Before I Leave
Author: Jessixa Bagley, Copyright @ 2016
Ages 5-7
How do you say goodbye to your best friend?
When a little hedgehog's family tells her they're moving far away, she and her anteater best friend decide to play one last time, like nothing is changing. And though it's hard, they discover that while some things have to change, the most important things find a way of working out.
Elena's Big Move
Author: Sarah Olivieri, Copyright @ 2009
Ages 4-8
Elena loves her home in Puerto Rico, but she just found out she will be moving to a strange, new place she's never seen before: Indiana.She's worried that nothing will be the same again, so she takes pictures of her friends and favorite places and creates an album to remember them by. When she finally moves, she finds that Indiana is very different than her old home, but she soon discovers that new places can be just as interesting as old ones. With the help of her new friends, Elena starts another album to record memories from the many new places she will soon discover.
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away
Author: Meg Medina, Copyright @ 2020
From Newbery Medalist and New York Times best-selling author Meg Medina comes the bittersweet story of two girls who will always be each other’s número uno, even though one is moving away.
A big truck with its mouth wide open is parked at the curb, ready to gobble up Evelyn’s mirror with the stickers around the edge . . . and the sofa that we bounce on to get to the moon.
Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina’s beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez’s colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls’ urban neighborhood.
Good Night Books Series
The Good Night Books Series of board books has been designed and developed since 2005 to celebrate special places and themes in a way that young children, ages 0-5, can easily relate to and enjoy with their families. All the books are written and illustrated with a simplicity that captures the “essence” of each subject and place.
Every book is printed in bright colors on high-quality board to endure the attention of young children. All have six-inch by six-inch pages, making for large 12 x 6 open page spreads.
Each title takes its readers through the passage of a day (“good morning,” “good afternoon,” “good evening,” and “good night”). And most titles, if set in a place with seasonality, also include the seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). Children are further introduced to the practice of using polite salutations and greetings, all while being lulled to a good night’s sleep.
I'm Not Moving Mama!
Author: Nancy White Carlstrom, Copyright @ 1999
Ages 3 and up
"I'm Not Moving, Mama!" is Little Mouse's constant refrain, as Mama packs up his favorite things in preparation for the family's move. But for each thing about his old home Little Mouse can't bear to leave behind, Mama tells him of something they'll share in their new home -- until Little Mouse realizes that what's most important is being together, even if it is in someplace new.
Let's Move Together
Author: Carol M. Schubeck, Copyright @ 2000
"Tom The Turtle" walks children through the stages of moving. Forty six beautiful color illustrations using animals, insects, and reptiles invite moving as a positive adventure. In sensitive words, Tom walks children through feelings, thoughts, and action stages. The child participates in simple exercises that make the concepts come alive to the young reader. Tom captures the world of children for spontaneous interaction with the illustrations designed to enhance each move.
Berenstain Bears Moving Day
Authors: Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain, Copyright @ 1981
Ages 3-7
Come see where it all began in this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Join Mama, Papa, and Brother as they pack up, say heartfelt goodbyes to friends, and move from the mountains and into their beloved tree house down the sunny dirt road. This beloved story is the perfect way to help prepare a child for their first move. Includes over 50 bonus stickers!
The Adventurer's Club
A picture book about moving
Author: Julianne Duncan Price, Copyright @ 2021
Ages 4-8
Moving can be stressful for parents and children alike, but with a couple of Adventurers to help, it can be exciting too! Written for 4-8 year olds, The Adventurers Club follows two veteran Adventurers and their pet turtle as they turn packing boxes into pirate ships, empty rooms into art canvases, strangers into friends, and a new house into a home. Engaging illustrations draw children into the adventure, and professional Tips For Moving give parents ideas for turning their move into a fun journey for the whole family.
The House That Wanted a Family
Author: Susan Spence Daniel, Copyright @ 2012
Ages 4-8
The House that Wanted a Family is a unique and charming story told from the perspective of a house. The house is for sale and sits empty, waiting for a family. It’s a book you’ll want to read again and again…to a child or yourself. The house will be waiting.
The Moving Book
A kids' survival guide (spiral-bound)
Author: Gabriel Davis, Copyright @ 2008
If you have to move, make it an adventure with the help of our book. This invaluable tool is filled with advice and activities to help you prepare for a move and suggestions
for making your new location feel like home. Use this book as a scrapbook of your moving experience. Inside you'll find 8 colorful change-of-address postcards to mail to your friends, a special Family and Friends Address Book, scrapbook pages for photos and memories, games to play while on the road, ideas for mapping out your new bedroom and neighborhood, and tips on how to pack, how to find out about your new town, and how to make friends. There are also parent tips and a list of moving-related books.
The Year My Parents Ruined My Life
Author: Martha Freeman, Copyright @ 1997
Ages 10 and up
Twelve-year-old Kate has her entire world turned upside-down when she has to move from California to snowy Pennsylvania, where she tries to adjust to a new climate, a new school, and new friends.
We're Moving
Author: Heather Maisner, Copyright @ 2004
Ages 4 and up
This charming new picture book series of heartwarming stories and illustrations will help prepare young children for new situations. The First-Time Stories series stars six-year-old Amy and her little brother, Ben, who—like all preschool children—have mixed feelings about first-time experiences. These gentle, warmly illustrated stories present a positive message about change and growing up. A must-have addition to every young family's library.
Amy and her little brother, Ben, are moving! Their new house has a big yard to play in, but Amy misses her best friend and the flowers she and Dad planted at their old house.
Why Do We Have to Move?
A book for military kids
Author: Tara Scott, Copyright @ 2022
A children’s book for young military kids, to help understand moving. Written by a Army brat that keeps the subject of moving positive and encouraging.
photo credit: CarbonNYC
Resources for supporters of military and veteran families
- Practical insights in caring for
Military and veteran family resources
- Christian encouragement
- Deployment support for
- Downloads and printables
Operation We Are Here
Follow us on
resources
Be sure to check out these ADDITIONAL resources:
Military children's books about
Deployment support for
