My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A workbook for children moving to a new home

by Lori Woodring

This award winning book makes one of the most stressful life events for kids - moving - a little less hectic and a little more exciting. "My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A Workbook for Children Moving to a New Home" guides kids from worry to wonder and fear to new friends. This one-of-a-kind workbook walks kids ages 5-11 step by step through the entire moving process, including understanding change, strategies for managing emotions, ways to say goodbye, taking part in a new adventure, tips for making new friends, and more. The charming illustrations and engaging activities allow children to take control of their feelings and experiences and become active participants in their exciting new adventure.

Genres: Childrens

68 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2013

About the author

Dr. Lori Attanasio Woodring received her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her doctorate from Fordham University and is a licensed psychologist in New York and Connecticut. Dr. Woodring has served as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Fordham University Graduate School of Education. She has worked with countless children and families in hospital, school, and private settings in the New York City area, and her research with children and families has been presented at national and international conferences. Recently relocated from London, UK, she is now in private practice in Greenwich, CT where she lives with her husband and four daughters.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this book is a good one because I reviewed it with my 8-year-old and he rated it 10 out of 10!

Beautifully illustrated and interactive in perfect kid-friendly ways, this book is both genuinely helpful and fun for kids who are embarking on a major move.

The author is a psychologist and her understanding of children is evident in this well-written and well-designed workbook for kids. It can help to strengthen a child’s identity and personal moving narrative, make sense of their transitions, normalize their experience, learn practical skills to cope with their feelings, develop a positive mindset, say goodbye and keep in touch with family and friends, adjust to their new place, and develop strategies for making new friends. It includes well-placed and on-topic diversions such as word searches, mazes, checklists, games, and drawings, along with great ideas for meaningful activities to do beyond the pages of the book.

I will definitely be getting a copy for each of my kids when it’s time for our next move and intentionally creating space for them to work through the book to help them have a conscious and positive transition. I predict that children between 6-12 would happily engage with this book and be grateful for the support, tools, and self-awareness it gave them in the transition.

[Alyssa Oldenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intended Audience: The target audience typically includes preschoolers and early elementary school-aged children, typically around 3 to 8 years old.
Key Themes & Topics: The key themes of this book are change, emotions, and new beginnings. he central theme of the book revolves around the experience of change and transition that comes with moving to a new home. "My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move" encourages children to embrace their emotions and develop resilience in the face of change. Through the protagonist's journey, the book highlights the opportunities for growth and new beginnings that come with moving to a new home.
Why This Book: I chose this book so students can relate if they had just come to the school. Students may be scared or think that a big move is a bad thing, but it can only open up new opportunities for adventure and new friends. This book acknowledges the mixed emotions that students may have and helps them to validate their emotions.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving your family to a new home can be a very scary thing. For the parent there may be a lot of stress and anxiety. But, for a child there may be feelings they don't understand. Author Lori Attanasio Woodring, PhD has created a wonderful workbook for your child. This guide has plenty of activities which will help your child better understand the emotions they will experience when they move to a new place. There are also activities that will help your child look at the positive aspects of moving.

The workbook has eleven chapters, a note to parents and a special note to kids. The back of the book has a Certificate of Completion for a job well done. Some of the activities readers will find include a section of illustrations that represent items that may be favorite things a child can select regarding where they currently live. If a child is experiencing emotions of anger, there is a section that offers suggestions regarding how a child can handle anger.

For example:
1. Get outside and do something
2. Go for a walk or run
3. Do jumping jacks or push-ups
4. Stomp on an empty box
5. Sing or dance
6. Punch a pillow

Young readers can also do an activity which asks them to list or document all of the items they will pack in their suitcase.

This guide has plenty to offer. Children who are moving will become interactive, understanding and be able to better handle the emotional stresses that come with a big life change, such as moving. Each page has cute and colorful illustrations that soften the experience children face.