Cover Image: I Don't Want to Move

I Don't Want to Move

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This is a perfect book to read if you have a big move coming up and a child that is apprehensive about moving.

The reference to Keller Williams was cool because that’s actually a real estate firm near me. Curious if the author has any connections there.

The illustrations were cute and the message was good too.

Was this review helpful?

This is Charlotte's story, 'I don't want to leave my friends or my school. I love my teacher. She understands me'.

But Charlotte 'decided to be brave' and starts to enjoy her new school life, with the help of a guidance counselor. Also the fact another new girl has started 'I wasn't the new kid any longer', the teacher says 'be 'be proud of yourself for making she new girl feel welcome'.

Nicely told but the most enjoyable part of this book is the beautiful illustrations which are done by Emily Hercock they are utterly depressive on their own so a child can follow the story alone.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a complementary digital copy of this ebook in exchange for a honest review. All views expressed are completely my own..

Was this review helpful?

I read and shared this book with my kids. We have moved before and they understand the nervousness and emotions Charlotte is going through. I read this on my Kindle and I must add the format was a bit wacky. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy.

Was this review helpful?

Interesting story that shows how difficult it is to accept changes in our lives and how we must embrace the new.

Was this review helpful?

A heartwarming and faith affirming story that will act as inspiration for children and parents alike, Carolyn Watkins' "I don't Want to Move", makes for a very positive and optimistic read. Little Charlotte's parents are moving, and this means parting with her trusted set of friends, bidding goodbye to her lovely old school and getting acclimatized to a totally different set of friends and a "silly new" school. A pizza party followed by a sleepover with her friends gives Charlotte only a few temporary hours of relief. However, a combination of supporting parents, a proactively friendly classmate Janelle, and some wise words of the school counsellor ensures that all's well that ends well for Charlotte and her family.

Using exquisitely created illustrations, courtesy, Emily Hercock, Carolyn Watkins demonstrates how children can be assisted to come out of their comfort zone and explore new possibilities and experience new potentialities. Even though an ultra slim book primarily catering to kids, "I Don't Want to Move" is an ennobling addition for parents as well.

Was this review helpful?

I Don't Want to Move by Carolyn Watkins - 5/5

As a family who moves every few years, I needed to read this book. It was helpful to read a book about moving and there be a happy ending. It shows them that moving can be a big scary thing, but there are also good parts that can shine through. This is a beautiful story that can ease a lot of big feelings kids experience when they get the news they are moving to a new place. I loved the illustrations within the story, you can see her emotions on her face throughout.

This will be the book I refer back to when our next move comes up. I would recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Watkins has crafted a story that may at first seem like a situational tale, good for only one specific circumstance but can actually be used a wide variety of moments where a child is going through a major life change. Starting over can be a scary thing for children to think about and it can trigger big emotions as they go through the rollercoaster ups and downs of building new relationships and transitioning to a new life. With a message about seeing adventure and opportunity in all changes and trying to look at the positives of a challenging and emotional situation, this is a great book for school counselors and families to read to students.

Charlotte is unhappy, and very scared, when she is told by her parents that they are moving. She is upset about leaving her friends behind and having to start going to a new school. She will be "the new kid" at school and is shares her journey of how she adjusts and adapts while making new friends. Any child who has been 'the new kid' will relate and understand and this is a book that can help students who have not been in that position develop empathy for new students in their classroom and reach out to be a better friend. With underlying themes of acceptance and inclusion, this is a must read.

Was this review helpful?

A beautiful book that could help kids who have had to move quite a lot. I loved the illustrations as well as how well paced the book was. I love reading children’s books to help my inner child and this quenched that thirst for me.

Was this review helpful?

When sharing stories with my children; grandchildren now. I like their selections and favourites but I love to push the boundaries and get onto subjects that have a practical place in their lives and experience.
Like: Going to the Dentist; Being a big brother or Going on a bus.
Moving home or changes in general are hard to raise and prepare kids for. That is why I was drawn to this title. "I don't want to move".
We often expect the rest of the family to get behind such decisions. It can be a struggle at any age but for younger school aged kids it can be their first major upheaval.
This book therefore presents the issues and offers some 'solutions' for overcoming those difficulties.
Printed in the USA - don't let this put your off.
I liked that the parent voices "I love my old house." The issues are then clearly given from a child's perspective. Moving to a bigger house and a new school only means leaving friends and strating a new school.
Well written and supported by bright colourful illustrations.
Loved the idea of a shared experience and how we make friends and use new skills to our benefit and for the advantage of others
I think we'll grow to like Charlotte through her story of making new friends and gain confidence through the support she was offered and the new friends she ultimately made.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for letting this book be available as read now.

I liked the illustrations, the thumbs up and the story overall. Being the new kid is awful for little ones. This book might help them with the transition.

I did not like the counselor telling Charlotte to hold her breath and count to five if she feels anxious.

Was this review helpful?

This book shows how nerve-wracking starting new adventures for kids can be, and how to overcome that fear. I didn't love the artwork, but overall this is a nice read especially for littles who are moving.

Was this review helpful?

Moving can be nerve-wracking and scary. I think this book does a good job of helping kiddos look at the possibilities and opportunities that come along with change. It also teaches lessons along the lines of paying it forward and treating others how you want to be treated. My main issue with this book is that it focused a lot on materialism. Bigger house, bigger school, at least I have my stuff. People often move into smaller spaces and I do wish there was a little less focus on the material side of things. Otherwise a cute story :)

Was this review helpful?

This is a cute book and will be good to read to a child who is getting ready to move. I found that the book seemed to be geared toward an elementary student, but the pictures were of kids who looked like they were in middle school or high school. The pictures did not match up with the dialogue. Other than that it was a good read.

Was this review helpful?