Danny Is Moving

Recipient of: National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Family Review Center Gold Award

This book is my top recommendation for anyone with kids who is moving or who has moved. We read probably a half-dozen books written for kids about moving. This one acknowledged how kids can have many emotions about moving and they're all OK. The key is to talk to someone you trust, recognize what you miss, and look for the good in your new situation. All this is done in very kid-friendly language with cute illustrations. My 5-year-old and 2-year-old both enjoyed it and 3 months after the move my 2-year-old still asks to read it. I'll be sure to keep it for when we move again and will recommend it to anyone I know who is moving.

Reviewed by Stephanie and Parish (age 3) Rollins for Reader Views (3/07) Dr. Annie Thiel has written several books that address the emotions children face through different types of changes in their circumstances. Dr. Thiel is a child psychologist. She has a practice in Malibu, California. In "Danny is Moving," Danny's mother receives notice that she was accepted for a better position, but they have to move. Danny does not want to leave his familiar house and neighborhood. He explains that he likes his house, toys, friends, and school. He finds a counselor in his friend, Charlotte. He tells her of his different feelings, and Charlotte comforts him. Danny learns to "use his words" to express himself. Danny finds that his new house, neighborhood, and school have fun aspects. He keeps his old friends as well as his new friends. Dr. Thiel uses characters that are relatable to children. Some of the children are attractive, but some are not. There are children with different hair and skin colors. Some wear glasses. Some need braces. They are normal kids. Parish likes the pictures. They are bright and bold. Danny's mother drives a pink car. Parish thinks this is really cool. She also likes the sandbox, tire swing, and the way Danny looks when he runs. "Do you like this book?" "Yes. I want to read it again. Right now." "Okay. First tell me why you like it." "I like the car." I flip through the book. There is a page with Danny showing different emotions. Parish points to the sad pictures. "He is crying. Why does he cry?" I explain that some people are sad when they move. I show her that a child is making faces in one picture. She laughs. Parish likes Dakota, a pig-tailed friend of Danny's. "She has pigtails, too. Like me" "Do you want to keep this book?" "Yes." She takes "Danny is Moving" to her box of books in the bathroom. That is a sure sign that she likes the book. Dr. Thiel has such a talent for relating to children. She, once again, uses her talent to lesson the emotions related to change. Even if your child is not experiencing a move, this book is enjoyable. Parish and I recommend "Danny is Moving."

Deftly written by child psychologist Annie Thiel Ph D. and colorfully illustrated by W, M. Edwards, Danny Is Moving is an enthusiastically recommended for children ages three to six. An important addition to school and community libraries everywhere, this outstanding picturebook entertains while its offers sound information about understanding the emotions commonly encountered when moving from one home to another, from one school to another, and from one community to another.

Most children move at some point in their lives. They have to leave their home, their friends, their school-- their life behind. It can be very painful and even traumatic. Parents need to talk to their children about their emotions. It is important to express yourself as a human being and especially as a child. This book gives parents the perfect tool to start the lines of communication with their young child. I highly recommend this book-- this series, to parents everywhere whether you are moving or not.