An Uplifting Tale for Young Readers
Change can be thrilling for some, but for young children, it can also be a little bit daunting. Rodney’s Big Move by renowned writer Cheryl Fransworth is a wonderful children’s book that handsomely describes the sentiments of starting anew in a novel habitation. With relevant characters, heartening moments, and a fascinating setting, this story follows Rodney the raccoon as he steers the trials and tribulations of moving to a new home, starting school, making new friends, missing a friend, and starting kindergarten.
Ideal for preschoolers and early elementary kids, this book is a must-read for parents and educators looking to aid children say hello to newer experiences with self-reliance and happiness.
Meet Rodney: A Relatable Young Hero
“Rodney woke up to the sound of the moving truck backing into his driveway. Today was moving day! He and his family were moving to Spruce Hollow. Rodney had mixed feelings about the move. He thought about all the good times he and his best friend Sam had had. “I am going to miss him,” thought Rodney,” Rodney is a dreamy, curious, and cheerful young fellow who has to say goodbye to his old town where he used to live with his parents, has a good friend and confidante named Sam. Rodney is little bit nervous about changes, leaving his old town and best friend behind and start a new life at Spruce Hollow.
Teachers Can Be Friendly and Welcoming Too
“As Rodney walked into the room he got a big surprise! The teacher that turned to greet him was the same fox he saw the other day! Mr. Foxden said, “Hi! I am your teacher Mr. Foxden.” “What is your name?” Rodney introduced himself and Mr. Foxden invited him to sit with the other students on the rug.”
Rodney’s fears about moving to a new home, starting school, making new friends, missing a friend, gradually disappeared when he met Mr. Foxden, a friendly and kind teacher who helped him familiarize with the new school and the environment. Rodney was reluctant about having to eat just lima beans at the lunch at school cafeteria, as he hated eating same food every day. To his relief, Mr. Foxden assured him he doesn’t have to eat anything he doesn’t want to eat.
“Rodney gulped as he sat down with his tray. Mr. Foxden came into the cafeteria once all were seated and went over the cafe rules. With relief Rodney heard, “We never make students eat things they don’t like,” said Mr. Foxden, “but we do encourage everyone to take at least one bite of everything.” Rodney thought it over as he stared down at his lunch. “Well, I guess I could maybe try one little lima bean.” Rodney grabbed his fork and stabbed a slippery bean. With his other hand he had his milk ready to wash it all down. “Yay!” he mumbled to himself- ” I took a bite!” And, he thought, I still don’t like them.”
Acceptance and Adaptability are the Key
The new school life started to become familiar and easily adaptable with the help of kind teacher like Mr. Foxden and new friend Seth. Although he still didn’t liked eating lima beans but he learned to eat them open-heartedly without complaining. That’s what sets this book apart from other children’s books, is its message and emphasis on learning to be open and adaptive to new things and learn to be not bothered by them.
Why Parents and Educators Will Love This Book
Rodney’s Big Move is a charmingly told story with colorful illustrations that flawlessly depicts the quintessence of fears associated with overwhelming challenges such as leaving old home and friends behind, starting anew, moving to a new home, starting school, making friends, missing a friend, nervous about changes. It is an entertaining and uplifting story that teaches kids about flexibility, compassion, and accepting new horizons.
The book wholeheartedly explores and teaches about how children must be resilient – flexible about changes, must be kind to fellow beings, and must embrace newer experiences that come in their life as they grow old.
Cheryl Fransworth is a master of storytelling aimed at kids, teaching them valuable life lessons. The book is available at Amazon, book stores, and online retailers. It is highly recommended for parents and teachers wanting kids to learn about overcoming fears about changes and embrace them with open arms.