For a little kid, anything that involves change is usually quite scary. When kids are adjusting to new living spaces, schools, goodbyes to friends or new routines, many times they need help coping with what’s happening. Rodney’s Big Move: A Spruce Hollow Tale by Cheryl Farnsworth offers a genuine story that supports children as they work on their feelings, try to be brave and see the rewards of making new friends.
This stunningly illustrated picture book is ideal for families, teachers, and counselors seeking a sensitive and encouraging means of discussing change with children.
Moving into a New Home: Rodney’s Big Day
Rodney wakes up in the story because he can hear a moving truck outside. Today, his family is preparing to move to a different home and Rodney does not want it to happen. He’s very sad and worried, especially because he misses his best bud, Sam. Cheryl Farnsworth does a wonderful job capturing the emotional experience of moving to a new home from a child’s perspective. The uncertainty, the nostalgia, and the anxiety are all there, and all very real for kids going through a move.
But as Rodney explores his new town, Spruce Hollow, he slowly begins to see that change might not be so bad after all.
Starting School: Turning Fear into Fun
To make things even more stressful, Rodney is also starting school in a brand-new place. He visualizes worst-case situations, strict rules, lines, and lima beans for lunch. As is typical with many children, Rodney doesn’t like changes, particularly those not under his control.
Yet, as Rodney enters his kindergarten classroom, he’s confronted with vibrant colors, smiling faces, and a kind teacher by the name of Mr. Foxden. As the school day goes by, Rodney discovers that beginning school may be filled with more friendship and fun than he ever could have dreamed.
Making Friends While Missing a Friend
One of the book’s most heartwarming messages is that it’s possible to be missing a friend while still making friends. Rodney keeps in touch with Sam through heartfelt letters, showing that old friendships don’t have to be forgotten. At the same time, he meets new classmates and begins forming fresh connections.
A classroom activity called “Me Too Meet-Up” helps Rodney find common ground with others. From a shared love of strawberry ice cream to a passion for soccer, Rodney learns that making friends in a new place is not only possible, it can be fun and rewarding.
A Must-Read for Children Nervous About Changes
Rodney’s Big Move: A Spruce Hollow Tale is a gentle, relatable, and hopeful story for children who are moving to a new home, starting school, making friends, or nervous about changes. It validates the emotions kids feel during transitions while offering comfort and encouragement.
If your child is facing a big change, this book will remind them, and you, that every ending can be the start of something wonderful. Let Rodney’s story inspire your family to embrace new beginnings with open hearts and hopeful minds.
