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The Nature of Change: Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World
From CNN national correspondent and children’s book author René Marsh comes a poetic and heartfelt book about two siblings who learn how to navigate a difficult life change while still holding on to hope. The Nature of Change is perfect for any reader ages 4 to 8 who needs encouragement and wisdom in the face of a challenge, big or small.
When Kit and Amal wake up in their new house, they can’t help but notice how different everything is. Mom and Dad say that change is a part of life, though that does not make it any easier. But as Kit and Amal explore the woods in their backyard, they notice how different parts of the natural world—from big trees to tiny spiders to climbing morning glories—navigate life’s changes with determination, resilience, and hope.
Written after losing her first child to brain cancer and finding solace in the natural world surrounding her, CNN national correspondent and author René Marsh shows readers that even the darkest moments can eventually bloom beautiful things.
The Nature of Change is:
ideal for readers ages 4–8
written by CNN national correspondent and children’s book author René Marsh
perfect for tough situations such as loss, divorce, moving, and other major life changes
When Kit and Amal wake up in their new house, they can’t help but notice how different everything is. Mom and Dad say that change is a part of life, though that does not make it any easier. But as Kit and Amal explore the woods in their backyard, they notice how different parts of the natural world—from big trees to tiny spiders to climbing morning glories—navigate life’s changes with determination, resilience, and hope.
Written after losing her first child to brain cancer and finding solace in the natural world surrounding her, CNN national correspondent and author René Marsh shows readers that even the darkest moments can eventually bloom beautiful things.
The Nature of Change is:
ideal for readers ages 4–8
written by CNN national correspondent and children’s book author René Marsh
perfect for tough situations such as loss, divorce, moving, and other major life changes
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 30, 2026
The Nature of Change is a sweet story about siblings Kit and Amal. Their family has just moved to a new house, and they feel strange and unsure about all the changes.
I like how this story uses nature to show how being determined, resilient, and hopeful helps us handle tough times. Kit and Amal go for a welk in the woods near their house and discover that, just like nature, they can get used to new things.
With colorful pictures and easy-to-understand lessons, this story shows kids that change is a part of life, and how we react to change can help us grow stronger.
First Line: The sun was rising as Kit and Amal woke up in their new house for the first time.
Genre: Children
Author: René Marsh
Page Count: 32
Reading Age: 4-8
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
I like how this story uses nature to show how being determined, resilient, and hopeful helps us handle tough times. Kit and Amal go for a welk in the woods near their house and discover that, just like nature, they can get used to new things.
With colorful pictures and easy-to-understand lessons, this story shows kids that change is a part of life, and how we react to change can help us grow stronger.
First Line: The sun was rising as Kit and Amal woke up in their new house for the first time.
Genre: Children
Author: René Marsh
Page Count: 32
Reading Age: 4-8
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
March 26, 2026
Some children’s books carry a message that feels gentle and powerful at the same time. The Nature of Change: Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World by René Marsh is one of those stories.
This beautiful picture book follows siblings Kit and Amal as they wake up in a new home and face a big change in their lives. Everything feels unfamiliar and uncertain. As they explore the woods behind their house, they begin to notice how nature handles change. Trees bend and grow again. Tiny creatures adapt. Flowers keep reaching toward the light.
The story is simple and thoughtful, and it gently reminds young readers that change is part of life even when it feels hard. I love how the lessons come from the natural world. It feels calm, hopeful, and comforting.
Knowing the author wrote this book after the heartbreaking loss of her young son makes the message even more meaningful. You can feel the love and hope woven through every page. It is a tender story that opens the door for important conversations with children about loss, moving, and life’s unexpected changes.
This is a meaningful book to share with kids who may need reassurance that even in difficult seasons, new growth is possible.
This beautiful picture book follows siblings Kit and Amal as they wake up in a new home and face a big change in their lives. Everything feels unfamiliar and uncertain. As they explore the woods behind their house, they begin to notice how nature handles change. Trees bend and grow again. Tiny creatures adapt. Flowers keep reaching toward the light.
The story is simple and thoughtful, and it gently reminds young readers that change is part of life even when it feels hard. I love how the lessons come from the natural world. It feels calm, hopeful, and comforting.
Knowing the author wrote this book after the heartbreaking loss of her young son makes the message even more meaningful. You can feel the love and hope woven through every page. It is a tender story that opens the door for important conversations with children about loss, moving, and life’s unexpected changes.
This is a meaningful book to share with kids who may need reassurance that even in difficult seasons, new growth is possible.
March 19, 2026
The Nature of Change by @rene_marshcnn (thank you #gifted @frontgatemedia @zonderkidz ) is a beautiful picture book about resilience and hope.
Written by CNN correspondent René Marsh to honor her son who passed away from brain cancer, it’s a celebration of the natural world and the lessons it can teach.
The two young children in the book explicitly learn about determination, resilience, and hope from their own backyard. And it encourages us all to observer the world around us more closely.
As someone who just moved with young children a year and a half ago, I especially appreciate how it’s about a move to a new house and how hard that can be, but how change can be good, too.
The pictures by Pumudi Gardiyawasam fill the pages with color. It’s a backyard I want to explore, too.
Written by CNN correspondent René Marsh to honor her son who passed away from brain cancer, it’s a celebration of the natural world and the lessons it can teach.
The two young children in the book explicitly learn about determination, resilience, and hope from their own backyard. And it encourages us all to observer the world around us more closely.
As someone who just moved with young children a year and a half ago, I especially appreciate how it’s about a move to a new house and how hard that can be, but how change can be good, too.
The pictures by Pumudi Gardiyawasam fill the pages with color. It’s a backyard I want to explore, too.
March 25, 2026
The Nature of Change is a gentle, heartfelt story about two siblings learning to adjust to a new home and big life changes. I loved how it uses nature—trees, spiders, and flowers—as quiet examples of resilience and hope.
It’s simple, comforting, and meaningful without feeling heavy, which makes it perfect for young readers. You can feel the love and real emotion behind it, especially knowing the author’s personal story.
A beautiful, reassuring read for any child (or adult) going through change.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Disclosure: This review is based on provided information and reflects my honest opinion.
It’s simple, comforting, and meaningful without feeling heavy, which makes it perfect for young readers. You can feel the love and real emotion behind it, especially knowing the author’s personal story.
A beautiful, reassuring read for any child (or adult) going through change.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Disclosure: This review is based on provided information and reflects my honest opinion.
March 11, 2026
This is a warm, encouraging book to help children ages 4-8 find hope and God’s comfort in transitions. The beautiful nature metaphors will inspire wonder about God’s creation and assist kids in processing feelings. It would make a good gift for a child in this age range.
I received a preview copy from the publisher.
I received a preview copy from the publisher.
November 23, 2025
I would like to start by thanking Netgalley and Zonderkids for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. I am a play therapist who reads all kinds of different stories, but this one I was looking at for my playroom. Overall I love the story. The pictures and story are beautiful, the message is perfect. I am conflicted with the children discovering the meaning of determination, resilience and hope on their own. It is not developmentally realistic for the age range presented. These are complex topics that are not easily chewed. While I understand this is a picture book meant to be read TO a child, I just have feelings about the characters attempting to develop these skills on their own. I will most likely still include the book in my playroom and scaffold a lot around it to encourage reaching out for help and more adult interaction.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Nature of Change: Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World will be released on Mar 10, 2026.
Kit and Amal are settling into life in a new house, and things feel different, which makes them uncomfortable. Even though new sounds and rooms face them, they take solace in the sun and moon and their pets being constants in their lives. As the book begins, the use of onomatopoeia will catch readers’ attention and reward a read-aloud.
Kit and Amal talk about change with their parents, and their dad prompts them to look for change in nature. I enjoyed the portrayal of the sibling relationship. Some pages are gorgeous illustrations without text. The pictures are colorful illustrations of nature, streaming with sunlight. The expressive faces of the characters also stood out on each page.
Kit and Amal explore the forest and basically contemplate the nature of time. The kids pause and watch a spider weave, overcoming a broken web. They examine morning glories, waiting to bloom in the shade. There’s lots of room to open up a conversation about metaphor here.
I think this would be a good picture book to open up discussions about change, resilience, and how to experience and engage in mindfulness in natural settings. As a parent, caregiver, teacher, or librarian, you could also open up discussions about the meanings of change and resilience and how we deal with them in our lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and ZonderKidz Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kit and Amal are settling into life in a new house, and things feel different, which makes them uncomfortable. Even though new sounds and rooms face them, they take solace in the sun and moon and their pets being constants in their lives. As the book begins, the use of onomatopoeia will catch readers’ attention and reward a read-aloud.
Kit and Amal talk about change with their parents, and their dad prompts them to look for change in nature. I enjoyed the portrayal of the sibling relationship. Some pages are gorgeous illustrations without text. The pictures are colorful illustrations of nature, streaming with sunlight. The expressive faces of the characters also stood out on each page.
Kit and Amal explore the forest and basically contemplate the nature of time. The kids pause and watch a spider weave, overcoming a broken web. They examine morning glories, waiting to bloom in the shade. There’s lots of room to open up a conversation about metaphor here.
I think this would be a good picture book to open up discussions about change, resilience, and how to experience and engage in mindfulness in natural settings. As a parent, caregiver, teacher, or librarian, you could also open up discussions about the meanings of change and resilience and how we deal with them in our lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and ZonderKidz Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2026
I found The Nature of Change to be a very gentle and touching book. As I read it, I could feel the emotions behind the story, especially knowing that it was inspired by the author’s personal loss. It made the book feel honest and heartfelt, not just a simple children’s story.
What I liked most was how the story explained change in such a soft and easy way. Through Kit and Amal’s journey, I could see how confusing and difficult change can feel, especially for children. But the way they learn from nature—trees, spiders, and plants—was beautiful. It showed that change is natural and something we all go through, even if it feels hard at first.
The writing style is simple and poetic, which made it very easy for me to read. At the same time, it carried a deep message. I think children will understand the basic idea, while adults will feel the deeper emotions behind it. That balance is something I really appreciated.
I also felt that the book gives comfort. It doesn’t ignore sadness or pretend everything is perfect. Instead, it gently shows that even in difficult times, there is hope. This made the story feel real and meaningful to me.
The bond between the siblings added warmth to the story. It reminded me how important support and love are during times of change. Their small discoveries in nature felt calming and uplifting.
Overall, I think The Nature of Change is a beautiful and thoughtful book. It’s perfect for children who are going through changes, but also for adults who want a reminder that growth takes time. It left me feeling peaceful and hopeful.
What I liked most was how the story explained change in such a soft and easy way. Through Kit and Amal’s journey, I could see how confusing and difficult change can feel, especially for children. But the way they learn from nature—trees, spiders, and plants—was beautiful. It showed that change is natural and something we all go through, even if it feels hard at first.
The writing style is simple and poetic, which made it very easy for me to read. At the same time, it carried a deep message. I think children will understand the basic idea, while adults will feel the deeper emotions behind it. That balance is something I really appreciated.
I also felt that the book gives comfort. It doesn’t ignore sadness or pretend everything is perfect. Instead, it gently shows that even in difficult times, there is hope. This made the story feel real and meaningful to me.
The bond between the siblings added warmth to the story. It reminded me how important support and love are during times of change. Their small discoveries in nature felt calming and uplifting.
Overall, I think The Nature of Change is a beautiful and thoughtful book. It’s perfect for children who are going through changes, but also for adults who want a reminder that growth takes time. It left me feeling peaceful and hopeful.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book, The Nature of Change by Rene Marsh, was a very well written story for children, especially for moving families. This book shows the different effects that changes can have on kids, sadness, scary differences in change of scenery, and not knowing what to expect. This author did an amazing job at showing kids that when changes occur in their lives, that there are always good things within, if you look hard enough. I love that that the illustrator chose for the main characters to be children of color so that supports inclusion. The illustrator did a fantastic job on all the illustrations. I would definitely recommend this book for any families who are moving in the upcoming future, as to help transition your children to their new surroundings and help ease their peace of mind. I myself personally will be buying a copy of this book when it releases. Thank you Rene Marsh for such a positive story with great lessons.
Thank you Net Galley and Zonderkidz-Books for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Net Galley and Zonderkidz-Books for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2025
When Kit and Amal wake up in their new house, the change is overwhelming; everything smells and sounds and feels so different. Over breakfast, their parents give them some wise words, hoping to instill resilience, determination, and hope about this new situation. When Kit and Amal set out to explore the woods just beyond their house, they find that everything in nature from the trees and spiders to the morning glories all show those same traits. If nature can do it again and again, why can't they?
This is an encouraging and optimistic story about adapting to change, with vibrant illustrations to match. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an encouraging and optimistic story about adapting to change, with vibrant illustrations to match. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2026
Two young siblings dislike the fact they've had to move house, and dislike the place they've moved into. But nature is close enough by to prove to them that determination, resilience and hope are the way to go. This is a bit cloying and cheesy as a lesson, but it's dressed up as best as it could be – the illustrations are wonderful, if again cartoonish and cheesy, and the text has a simplicity to match the images' broad appeal. I wouldn't say it's perfect – the cynic in me says the kids recognise the attributes too easily and apply them to their own situation too smartly – but it's pretty good, and having it around to use as an example, for a house move or other similar major change, would do no harm at all.
October 26, 2025
Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is soo cute and a great way to help teach children about resilience in the face of any of life’s changes. Kit and Amal are both so curious about their new surroundings and apply determination, resilience, and hope to the things around them in an interesting way. The illustrations are great, they’re pretty and vibrant enough to attract children's attention to the details without becoming overwhelming and add to the overall effectiveness of the story.
Favourite Quote:
“If you kids can find determination, resilience, and hope, you can handle any change. Good or bad. Big or small"
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is soo cute and a great way to help teach children about resilience in the face of any of life’s changes. Kit and Amal are both so curious about their new surroundings and apply determination, resilience, and hope to the things around them in an interesting way. The illustrations are great, they’re pretty and vibrant enough to attract children's attention to the details without becoming overwhelming and add to the overall effectiveness of the story.
Favourite Quote:
“If you kids can find determination, resilience, and hope, you can handle any change. Good or bad. Big or small"
December 4, 2025
I appreciate children’s books that feature racially diverse characters, especially knowing how rare that representation can be. This story carries a meaningful message, and I’m glad to see it told through characters of color. Some of the dialogue between the two children didn’t feel entirely natural to how kids typically speak, which pulled me out of the story at times. The illustrations, however, are gorgeous. The texture and detail in the Black character’s hair are especially well done, showing real care and skill in the artwork.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Change can be scary for everyone, especially for children. The unpredictable movement, out of routine schedule etc could be overwhelming. In this book, Kit and Amal have just moved out of their old house to their new home, but they’re not comfortable yet with the environment. Their parents tried to convince rhem, but it is actually the nature and surroundings that actually give in. This book teaches children how to embrace that change, that no matter how small the changes are, there will always be room for growth. To be resilient in every situation and to still have hopes in uncertain times. Great lessons indeed!
Thank you NetGalley and Zonderkidz for the eARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Zonderkidz for the eARC.
March 12, 2026
The main theme of this beautifully written book is about growing strong despite hard times. It's about adapting to new situations and changes-learning from the changes and also realizing that sometimes certain things remain the same.
Taking a lesson from nature, Kit and Amal, find strength from trees, flowers and the forest around them. They use the opportunity to explore.
The illustrations are brightly colored and catch your eye immediately. They match perfectly with the text and help bring the story to life. A well written and illustrated children's book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
Taking a lesson from nature, Kit and Amal, find strength from trees, flowers and the forest around them. They use the opportunity to explore.
The illustrations are brightly colored and catch your eye immediately. They match perfectly with the text and help bring the story to life. A well written and illustrated children's book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 10 March 2026 - publication day!
I thought that this was a really lovely to read!
The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand.
The illustrations in the book were great, they were nice and bright and they brought the story to life too. My daughter enjoyed the book and I loved the message that if you can find determination, resilience and hope you can handle any change, big or small, good or bad
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
I thought that this was a really lovely to read!
The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand.
The illustrations in the book were great, they were nice and bright and they brought the story to life too. My daughter enjoyed the book and I loved the message that if you can find determination, resilience and hope you can handle any change, big or small, good or bad
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
March 30, 2026
I absolutely loved The Nature of Change! 🌿💛 This heartfelt story is such a beautiful way to help children understand resilience, hope, and navigating life’s changes. The journey of Kit and Amal, combined with the gentle lessons from nature, makes it both engaging and meaningful.
It’s the perfect addition to my child’s reading collection—full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration that will stick with little readers long after the last page. Highly recommend for any family looking for a thoughtful, uplifting read! 📖✨
It’s the perfect addition to my child’s reading collection—full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration that will stick with little readers long after the last page. Highly recommend for any family looking for a thoughtful, uplifting read! 📖✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This picture book follows two young children, who feel nervous about having to move into a new house. Through observing their surroundings outside, they notice that change is natural to life. I think this framework would be relatable and helpful to use in conversations with kids about life transitions. The illustrations are appealing as well, though I did not feel drawn into the language.
Thank you to Zonderkidz and Netgalley for the ebook!
Thank you to Zonderkidz and Netgalley for the ebook!
March 12, 2026
The Nature of Change by Rene' Marsh
Kit and Amai move into a new house and everything is different from their old house. They are not happy with the differences. While exploring with the help of a spider, tree and morning glories they learn that it is not so bad. The illustrations are so vivid and colorful. This would be a great book for any child who is moving or experiencing something different in their life.
Kit and Amai move into a new house and everything is different from their old house. They are not happy with the differences. While exploring with the help of a spider, tree and morning glories they learn that it is not so bad. The illustrations are so vivid and colorful. This would be a great book for any child who is moving or experiencing something different in their life.
March 19, 2026
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love nature so when I saw this book and the meaning behind it, I got excited! Change is not always easy for little people. What makes this story even more meaningful is knowing it was written from a real place of grief, healing, and love. This would be such a great read for families going through moving, loss, divorce, or any season of change. And honestly, it is a beautiful reminder for grown-ups too!
March 23, 2026
The Nature of Change was such a good book. One of the lessons that stuck with my daughter and I, as we read this book together, was when Kit walked into the spider web and messed it up. “The spider crept back up and began to weave.” That took resilience. The definition of resilience is an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. Situations may happen in life, but it’s up to you to adapt, recover, and change.
September 17, 2025
The Nature of Change: Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World (Hardcover)
by René Marsh
The book shows the nature of change can provide hope and understanding. Two children use nature to understand their new move. This book is for young children understanding that even if things change resilience, perseverance, and change.
September 18, 2025
My son and I read this one together and we both loved it! This story offers a gentle and profound way for young children to process big life changes. It's simple but beautiful. The book's strength lies in its poetic and hopeful tone, using the natural world as a metaphor for resilience. This book felt like a big, warm hug!
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book!
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kit and Amal wake up to the first day in their new home. At first they are resistant to the change. As they play outside they find in nature where adaption was necessary. By the end of the day they’ve become confident and embrace the change. Wonderful illustrations. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This children’s book is beautifully illustrated and features a lovely story of two siblings learning about endurance, resilience, and hope. I think it would be great to read aloud to older children who may further understand the more complex aspects of the story.
March 14, 2026
What a beautiful book! Def recommend for any children who have moved or are experiencing changes to their normalcy. The illustrations were gorgeous, the dialogue was kid friendly and it had a strong message delivered. Buy for teachers and social workers for schools, especially for new families.
March 11, 2026
This was very good!! I think it’s a perfect book for children and it teaches them an important life lesson that’s too often overlooked. The illustrations were top notch and so perfectly fitting for the story. I sincerely hope this is sold everywhere and shipped to all schools and libraries so that kids get the chance to read it. Change is such an unavoidable part of life and I personally feel most of us learn how to cope with it too late or never at all. Thank you very much to NetGalley, the publishers, the author, and the illustrator for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion..
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews