Today a friends posted on her Facebook - So I thought I would share with you a few recent favorite books my children have enjoyed reading or being read to:
Wally McDoogle Series – by Bill Meyers
The Elijah Project Series – by Bill Myers
The Chronicles of Narnia Series – by C.S. Lewis
The Adventures in Odyssey Series – by Paul McCusker
The Kidsboro Series – by Marshal Younger
Their toys, furniture and clothes are missing. They’ve said goodbye to everything that’s familiar to them, including best friends, parks, school and the familiar surroundings of their neighborhood. Depending on the age of the child, this could all be a very frightening and stressful period.
One of the simplest, and probably easiest way to prepare and facilitate the transition for your child is to connect their moving day experiences through a story. This will not only change their perspective, but can answer several questions and allow them to relate to someone their own age who had a similar experience. Whether it’s a concern about making new friends, or what to do with the ones they’re leaving behind. Also, understanding that moving away doesn’t mean that they’ll have to change anything else about themselves.
Surely, there’s a lot that your child will like to talk about. So before the moving companies arrive, why not be ready to start your new adventures with the following books.
1. “Moving” by Fred Rogers (Ages 2-6): If it has to do with neighborhoods and friendly neighbors, Mr. Rogers has it covered. This book helps kids understand the process of moving and eases their worries and fears by showing them the bright side of everything that’s happening, from the confusion of packing, saying goodbye to the people and places they love, to making new friends.
2. “I Want to Go Home” by Sarah Roberts (Ages 3-5): “Sesame Street” is where the air is sweet and friendly neighbors meet, which is what Big Bird misses the most when he goes on a trip to the beach to visit Granny Bird. It seems that everything reminds him of his friends back home, until he meets a boy named, Wally. Wally has his own special cave, which reminds Big Bird of his friend back home, Mr. Snuffleupagus. After a while, Wally and Big Bird begin to share more moments together and enjoy the rest of the vacation playing games, sharing a popsicle, and becoming the best of friends. Certainty a sweet tale for younger kids as your family gets ready to move.
3. “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day” by Stan and Jan Bernstein (Ages 3-6): When it comes to anything pertaining to kids, these bears are the specialists, and moving day is no different. This book marks the beginning of the family’s move to their new and now very famous tree house. Although it’s an exciting time for everyone, Brother Bear is hesitant and not sure if he’ll be able to make new friends.
4. “Maggie Doesn’t Want to Move” by Elizabeth Lee O’Donnell (Ages 5-8): Third-grader, Simon doesn’t want to move. He doesn’t want to leave his friends, favorite playground, old house or his understanding teacher. However, instead of telling his parents exactly how he feels, Simon decides to blame it on his little sister, Maggie. He then places her in his little red wagon and runs away to his friend’s house. His parents realize what’s going on and give the kids a tour of their new neighborhood, including the beautiful country park. Simon enjoys this very much and decides that he, er—Maggie, does want to move after all.
5. “Hey, New Kid” by Betsy Duffey (Ages 8-11): Being the “new kid” is a lot of pressure of a child. Children often ask themselves questions about whether they’re cool enough, or have the right skills? Will their ordinary life be exciting enough to fit into their new school? This is what happens to the new student, Cody. He decides that being a regular kid isn’t enough, and prefers to be Super Cody. He tells his new friends at school that his father is FBI agent, his pet emu, and of course—his great rollerblading skills. The kids are fascinated with his stories, and Cody doesn’t think much about it. That is until someone decides to throw a skating party!
Moving is hard and adding anxious and scared children to the mix doesn’t make for a pleasant transition. With these books and a lot of open communication, your kids will understand the move better and probably even be excited about their new area, new home and new set of friends. It is also important to tell them that just because you are moving, it doesn’t mean their old life is gone…only that new experiences await them.
Looking for a new book to read? A book to read to your kids? or for your kids to enjoy reading ? What about your teen daughters? 24/7 MOMS has created the big big list of fave Summer reads for moms and kids.
Tell us your favorite Summer read by leaving a comment.
Children’s Books
Here’s Lily – Also has a companion book called The Beauty Book – by Nancy Rue
Dear America Series by Scholastic
American Girl Mystery Books
The Mysterious Benedict Society – by Trenton Lee Stewart
Wally McDoogle Series – by Bill Meyers
Amelia Bedelia – by Peggy Parish
The Elijah Project Series – by Bill Myers
The Chronicles of Narnia Series – by C.S. Lewis
The Magic Tree House Series – by Mary Pope Osborne
The Adventures in Odyssey Series – by Paul McCusker
The Pony Pals Series – by Jeanne Betancourt
The Kidsboro Series – by Marshal Younger
The Veggie Tales Series – by Ronald Kidd
MOM Fiction Books
Redemption Series – by Karen Kingsbury
Thr3e (Three) – by Ted Dekker
Cape Refuge – by Terri Blackstock
Her Mother’s Hope – by Francine Rivers
Redeeming Love – by Francine Rivers
MOM / Family / Parenting Books
Movie Nights For Kids – Focus on the Family – by John Fornof
The Way They Learn – by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
Preparing Your Son For Every Man’s Battle – by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker
Preparing Your Daughter For Every Woman’s Battle – by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker
Secret Keeper Girl 8 Great Dates to Have With Your Daughter – by Dannah Gresh
The Parent Adventure – by Rodney & Selma Wilson
When Kids Hurt – Chap Clark & Steve Rabey
5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter – by Vicki Courtney
Mom’s Everything Book for Daughters – by Becky Freeman
The Most Important Place on Earth – by Robert Wolgemuth
The Mentoring Mom – by Jackie Kendall
The Key To Your Child’s Heart – by Gary Smalley
Teenager Books
Laurel Shadrach Series – by Stephanie Perry Moore
Sierra Jensen Collection – by Robin Jones Gunn
Christy Miller Collection – by Robin Jones Gunn
WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Author Bruce H. Wolk are giving away one copy of Made Here Baby! book to one mom. To enter for your chance to win, enter your name and email address in the box below and you will be signed up for today's giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list (if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber). Winner will be chosen on May 16th using random.org.
