A New Room for William

This storybook is suitable for children ages 6-8; younger children will need to have it read to them. The book tells of William, who moves to a new house with his mother after his parents separate. While the book doesn't allude to the fact that William's parents no longer live together until near the end of the story, it is clear throughout that William is uneasy about the move to the new house and and other changes in his life. He feels nostalgia for the old house and at first is unwilling to make the effort to like his new home.William's mother reassures him by involving him in decorating his new room. His growing eagerness to decorate his room with a dinosaur motif, as well as meeting a friend, helps him to begin to feel at home. When William realizes that his father will still be in his life and that he can decorate his bedroom at his dad's new home as well, he begins to feel comfortable with his new life.The book should appeal to children who are experiencing changes in their own lives and espcially to children who like dinosaurs. It is well-written and nicely illlustrated in a brightly colored watercolor style.