It’s only natural that moving to a new home would be an emotional rollercoaster for young children. Throw in the first-day jitters of going to school, and it’s little wonder so many children feel anxious. Rodney’s Big Move: A Spruce Hollow Tale by Cheryl Farnsworth is a lovely illustrated and considerate written children’s book that comes at these very real emotions with care, approachability, and reassurance.
Moving to a New Home: A Big Change for Little Hearts
In Rodney’s Big Move, young Rodney is facing a huge transition, his family is moving to a new home in a town called Spruce Hollow. Rodney is not thrilled about the change. He’s going to miss a friend, his friend Sam, and worry about what life in a new setting will be like. The book so perfectly describes the mix of fear and expectation that many children feel when they have to move. From the scenario of Rodney, kids are assured they’re not alone to feel uneasy about changes.
Starting School: The Fear and the Fun
As if moving to a new home wasn’t enough, Rodney also has to start kindergarten in a brand new school. He imagines all kinds of horrors, strict rules, boring routines, and the dreaded lima beans at lunch. Like many kids who are starting school, Rodney fears the unknown. But as the story unfolds, readers see how his worries begin to fade. The school, the teacher, and the classmates turn out to be full of surprises, fun, and friendship.
Making Friends in a New Place
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Rodney’s Big Move is the way it addresses the problem of making friends. After days of investigating his new community and penning letters to the friend he has left behind, Rodney starts making contact with other children with like minds. From a fun “Me Too Meet-Up” activity in class to a spirited game of soccer at recess, Rodney learns that making friends can happen in the most unexpected ways, even when you’re nervous about changes.
Missing a Friend While Embracing the Future
The story doesn’t gloss over the very real feeling of missing a friend. Rodney thinks about Sam often, writes to him regularly, and even plans what to say in his next letter. This message of remaining close while progressing is one of the strongest in the book. It teaches kids that they are able to hold on to old friendships and still welcome new ones into their lives.
A Necessity for Families Getting Ready for Major Changes
Whether your child is relocating to a new house, beginning school for the first time, or simply anxious about transitions in their life, Rodney’s Big Move provides an encouraging, affirming, and optimistic message. Cheryl Farnsworth’s text, complemented by lively pictures, enables children to meet major transitions with confidence and a grin.
If you’re looking for the perfect read to support your little one during life’s big shifts, look no further. Rodney’s Big Move is more than a story, it’s a friend for the journey.
