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Quick answer: The best children’s books about moving to a new house help kids say goodbye, feel less worried and look forward to the new place. Top picks include Big Ernie’s New Home, The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day, A House for Hermit Crab, The Leaving Morning, Ira Says Goodbye and Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move.
Moving is one of the most stressful things a family can go through, and children feel it even when they can’t explain why. Their bedroom, their friends, their school and their routines are all about to change, and none of it was their choice. Toddlers may get clingy or act out. Older kids may feel angry, sad or scared of not fitting in. A good picture book or chapter book gives them a safe way to talk about all of that. The books below cover every stage: the packing, the goodbyes, the moving truck, and the strange first nights in a new room.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Ernie’s New Home | Teresa Martin | 3–7 | Practical preparation |
| The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day | Stan and Jan Berenstain | 3–7 | Familiar characters |
| We Are Moving | Mercer Mayer | 3–6 | Humor |
| Goodbye House | Frank Asch | 2–5 | Saying goodbye |
| Moving House | Anne Civardi | 3–6 | What happens on moving day |
| A House for Hermit Crab | Eric Carle | 3–6 | Change as growth |
| The Leaving Morning | Angela Johnson | 4–8 | Bittersweet feelings |
| Ira Says Goodbye | Bernard Waber | 4–8 | A best friend moving |
| Alexander, Who’s Not Going to Move | Judith Viorst | 4–8 | Anger and resistance |
| Lenny and Lucy | Philip C. Stead | 4–8 | Fear of the new place |
| Moving Molly | Shirley Hughes | 3–7 | Making new friends |
| My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move | Lori Attanasio Woodring | 5–10 | Workbook activities |
| The Moving Book: A Kids’ Survival Guide | Gabriel Davis | 6–11 | Hands-on planning |
| The Name Jar | Yangsook Choi | 5–9 | Moving to a new country |
| Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon | Paula Danziger | 7–10 | Early chapter book readers |
1. Big Ernie’s New Home by Teresa Martin
Big Ernie the elephant is moving across the country, and he isn’t happy about it. The story walks through packing, saying goodbye and settling in, and the back pages include tips for parents from a child psychologist. It’s one of the most practical moving books for preschoolers.
2. The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day by Stan and Jan Berenstain
The Bear family leaves their cave in the mountains for the famous tree house down a sunny dirt road. Brother Bear worries about leaving friends behind, then discovers the new neighborhood has a lot to offer. Kids who already love the series find comfort in the familiar faces. Browse our printable Berenstain Bears list for more.
3. We Are Moving by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter is sure he will hate the new house, until he finds a great new bedroom and a friendly kid next door. The gentle humor keeps the mood light, which helps when a child is dreading the move.
4. Goodbye House by Frank Asch
Before leaving, Little Bear walks through his empty home and says goodbye to each room. This short, quiet book gives toddlers a simple ritual they can copy on their own last day, which makes the change feel less sudden.
5. Moving House by Anne Civardi
Part of the Usborne First Experiences series, this book shows the Bell family packing boxes, loading the van and unpacking in their new home. The clear, detailed pictures answer the many practical questions young children have about what will actually happen.
6. A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
Hermit Crab outgrows his shell and must find a new one. He’s nervous at first, but he fills his new home with friends and decorations. It’s a lovely way to explain that moving is part of growing, not a punishment.
7. The Leaving Morning by Angela Johnson
A boy and his sister leave lip prints on the window of their city apartment on the day they move. Told in soft, poetic language, this book honors the sadness of leaving while showing the family’s love traveling with them.
8. Ira Says Goodbye by Bernard Waber
In this sequel to Ira Sleeps Over, Ira’s best friend Reggie is moving away, and Reggie seems far too excited about it. The story is perfect for children who are the ones being left behind, a side of moving that books often forget.
9. Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move by Judith Viorst
Alexander refuses to move 1,000 miles away and plans to live with neighbors, or in a tree house, instead. His stubborn, funny protests validate a child’s anger, and the ending shows him slowly accepting the change.
10. Lenny and Lucy by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead
Peter and his dog move to a house next to a dark, scary forest. To feel safe, Peter builds two pillow guardians, Lenny and Lucy, to watch over the bridge. The soft illustrations and quiet tone make it a beautiful bedtime read during an unsettled time.
11. Moving Molly by Shirley Hughes
Molly moves from a busy city to a house in the country and feels lonely at first. Exploring an overgrown garden next door leads her to new friends. It’s a gentle reminder that new places take a little time.
12. My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move by Lori Attanasio Woodring
This interactive workbook lets kids draw their old room, list favorite memories, write to friends and plan their new space. It turns worry into action, which is especially helpful for kids ages 5 to 10 who like to feel in control.
13. The Moving Book: A Kids’ Survival Guide by Gabriel Davis
Packed with checklists, address pages and practical tips, this guide helps school-age kids handle packing, goodbyes and the first day at a new school. It speaks to children directly, so they feel like part of the planning.
14. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Unhei has just moved from Korea to the United States and worries classmates won’t be able to say her name. When the class fills a jar with name suggestions, she learns to be proud of who she is. It’s ideal for families moving to a new country or culture.
15. Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon by Paula Danziger
Third grader Amber Brown’s best friend Justin is moving away, and the two stop speaking because it hurts too much. This short chapter book captures the messy feelings of a moving friendship with humor and honesty, and it’s great for ages 7 to 10.
How to Help Your Child Through a Move
- Tell them early. Kids cope better with a few weeks to prepare than with a sudden surprise.
- Let them help. Packing their own box of special things gives a sense of control.
- Say goodbye on purpose. Walk through the old house, take photos and visit favorite places one last time.
- Set up their room first. Familiar bedding and toys make the first night easier.
- Keep routines steady. Same bedtime, same stories, same breakfast, even in a new kitchen.
- Expect some regression. Clinginess, tantrums or sleep trouble are normal for a few weeks.
Facing another big change at home? See our lists of children’s books about a new baby sibling and children’s books about divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good book to read to a child before moving?
Big Ernie’s New Home and Moving House by Anne Civardi are excellent before the move because they explain each step. For toddlers, Goodbye House by Frank Asch is short and comforting.
How do I explain moving to a 3 year old?
Use simple words, keep the focus on what stays the same (family, toys, pets) and read a picture book together several times. Showing photos of the new house also helps.
What book helps a child whose best friend is moving away?
Ira Says Goodbye by Bernard Waber and Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon by Paula Danziger both focus on the child who is left behind.