Jackson, Mick. We’re Moving House. Rashin Kheiriyeh, Illus. Candlewick, 02/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3892-1. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
In the tradition of literal wordplay made popular by the Amelia Bedelia series, We’re Moving House follows the delightful confusion as a young child imagines all the problems and solutions involved when told they will be moving house. Told through a brown-skinned child’s stream of consciousness narration, Kheiriyeh’s pastel and mixed-media illustrations with neon details ground this adventure. Each page offers a host of community helpers in every race, gender, and age, confirming that the world is a friendly and safe place, even for a house on the move. Jackson acknowledges both the mixed feelings and practical concerns around moving, while keeping the tone light and positive with the overarching message that the grown up is there to guide the child through this experience and that “the thing that matters most is that we have each other.” The right balance of whimsy and seriousness make this picture book ideal for children ages four to seven confronting a move.
Sarah Mettler—San José Public Library