Moves are never easy, even when they lead to good things. Thankfully, there are so many wonderful picture books about moving to help our kids process their world. Before I started researching these, I hadn’t considered that kids dealing with a move may need books from different perspectives. A kid who is moving needs a different book than the kid whose best friend is moving. So I’ve broken up this list of picture books about moving into categories so you can find the right book for your situation.

For the New Kid

Neville by Norton Juster illustrated by G. Brian Karas–

When a boy moves to a new house, he’s worried he won’t make any friends. As he wanders his street, he begins yelling, “Neville!” Other kids join in, and pretty soon everyone is looking for Neville. And Neville has a whole group of new, interested friends.

The House on Dirty-Third Street by Jo S. Kittinger illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez–

A girl and her mom move into a home so run down she calls it “dirty-third street” instead of thirty-third street. Her mom sees the house through the eyes of faith but becomes discouraged by all the work until their neighbors and new church community pitch in to help.

For the Kid with New Neighbor

Zola’s Elephant by Randall de Sève illustrated by Pamala Zagarenski–

A girl imagines that her new neighbor is too busy with her pet elephant and clubhouse to play. But when she finally visits, she finds a new friend.

Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend! by Cori Doerrfeld–

“Every goodbye leads to a hello.” A little girl makes a friend on the first day of school. Some goodbyes are harder than others, but even saying goodbye to a best friend can lead to a new friendship.

For the Kid Who’s Friend is Moving

Evelyn del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina illustrated by Sonia Sanchez–

Best friends enjoy their last day of playing together before one moves away. This is a beautifully written story with lots of details that bring it to life!

In a Jar by Deborah Marcero–

Llewellyn and Evelyn collect hard to catch things in jars like sunsets and rainbows. But when Evelyn moves, Llewellyn misses her and has no one to collect with. Then he realizes he can send her a taste of home by mailing the jars to her. Their friendship continues long distance and Llewellyn meets a new friend to collect with.

For the Kid Moving

Yard Sale by Eve Bunting illustrated by Lauren Castillo–

A girl and her parents are moving from a house to a small apartment and must sell most of their things. It’s difficult to part with things like her bike and old headboard. But she comes to realize no matter what they sell, they will always be a family.

Before I Leave by Jessixa Bagley–

Hedgehog and Anteater play one last time before Hedgehog has to move. But when Hedgehog unpacks, she finds Anteater is still with her in their drawings and memories.

If you are looking for more fantastic picture books, ones you won’t mind reading again and again, check out my free booklist.