It’s been a big month for our family.
Aside from 1 March being both St David’s Day (I’m Welsh) and World Book Day, we left our home in London for a new life in Yorkshire, right in the middle of snowmaggedon.
The run up to the move was emotional, not least because we left the place Baby Bookworm was born and where we have friends and activities we love to do.
Our home was filled with memories of bringing him home from hospital, the late nights and the first times, and the endless hours of stories snuggled up in the chair in his room.
He’s a resilient, friendly and confident little chap so we felt pretty certain he’d cope well with a new home and bedroom, not to mention starting nursery for the first time.
But to help him make sense of the upheaval, I’ve been sharing a few books about these themes. Here are three we really like…
My New Room by Lisa Stickley. £6.99 (paperback), Pavilion.
Edith has moved into her new room and the toys are getting settled in. Clarissa the Cow is tap dancing on the desk while Gary Guardsman is overseeing operations. They have a big surprise for Edith planned too.
This indie Toy Story is a quirky take on a traditional new bedroom tale and Lisa Stickley’s lovely sense of humour shines through on each page. We especially love her magpie-like artwork and childlike text.
A fun book that addresses the topic in a light-hearted and indirect way.
(We’ve got an interview with Lisa coming very soon – watch this space!)
Ella Who? by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Sara Sanchez. £12.99 (hardback), Sterling Children’s Books
When a little girl moves house, she quickly makes a pal – a baby elephant hiding behind the pot plants. The adults are so distracted by all the boxes that they don’t notice the pair playing dress up, reading books and unsuccessfully using the seesaw.
There’s a joy and energy to this story that is just delightful. We love the amusing concept of this unlikely duo having a grand old time under the noses of the grown ups and it has a reassuring message about making new friends as well.
100 children’s books with female main characters
Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. £6.99 (paperback), Penguin
We came across this one in the library before we moved. Like anything by the Ahlbergs, its simplicity is its genius, guiding parents and children through each step of the first day, week and term with knowledge and humour.
We love the little cast of pupils (with brilliant names like Errol and Sushma) who each have their own fears, strengths and interests, along with the soothing, repetitive structure of Allan’s text and Janet’s charmingly detailed artwork.
Read our review of Each Peach Pear Plum by the Ahlbergs
What books have you found helpful to reassure your child about first experiences? We’d love to hear your recommendations.
Books with Baby 