The Big Move

Is your child experiencing change? Are they moving, relocating or starting a new school?

Before we relocated as a family, I was looking for a children's book based on moving abroad and the changes and emotions this brings. As a qualified careers coach, parent and expat I am familiar with the change curve on a personal and professional level. The change curve demonstrates the 4 stages of personal transition and change (Shock/denial, Anger/fear, Acceptance and Commitment). I was keen to highlight these stages in a story for children, to help them prepare for the rollercoaster of emotions involved in a Big Move. This book helps children to identify their emotions and understand the physical feelings that can be experienced as a result of change.

This story is about a tortoise who is moving home. The story takes the reader through his journey of emotions relating to change. The story is told from the tortoise's voice and reveals his thoughts and anxieties, including identifying physical feelings that are linked to emotions. The story also reveals how strongly change can be linked to the senses, the smell and sight of new surroundings.

At first the tortoise is not convinced that the move will be a positive experience but by the end of his journey, he makes a friend and over time, once Tortoise is settled and accepting of his new situation, he is able to empathise with other newcomers and welcome them to his new country.

This beautifully illustrated, colourful, rhyming story is a great resource for schools, children and parents alike, whether you are an expat or the parent of a child moving home or starting school. It provides helpful talking points and useful tips for parents dealing with transition too.