Mia Moves Out

by Miranda Paul, Paige Keiser (Illustrator)

A sweet sibling story about one fed-up big sister who wants to find a space of her own, perfect for fans of Ashley Spires's The Most Magnificent Thing .

Mia loved her big, bright room . . . until she had to share it with her new brother. With Brandon's toys, books, and even underwear taking up space, Mia has finally had it. "I'm moving out!" There are lots of new and interesting spaces she could settle into--the bathroom, the basement, even a pillow fort. But something is always missing. What could it be? Tackling the oh-so-relatable topic of finding a space of one's own, Mia will inspire siblings everywhere to work together as a team. Because sometimes the best place of all is a shared one.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Adoption

26 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2018

About the author

Miranda Paul has worked as a teacher, volunteer zookeeper, and freelance writer--among other things. She is passionate about creating stories for young readers that inspire, entertain, and broaden horizons. Miranda is also a thrill-seeker, and one of her bravest moments involved reciting poetry from inside a crocodile pit. (Yikes!)

In addition to being a picture book author, Miranda is a team member of We Need Diverse Books™ and a volunteer for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Older sister Mia is pleased at first, when her baby brother Brandon moves into her room, thinking there will be twice as much fun. But as he grows, so too does his mess, leaving her feeling crowded and unhappy. Declaring that she is running away, Mia looks for a place of peace and quiet, only to find that she is missing just what she set out to escape...

Although I wouldn't describe Mia Moves Out as an earth-shattering new picture-book, I did think that author Miranda Paul's narrative was a sweet little family story, one which emphasizes both the need for space of one's own, and for the companionship and love of other family members. The accompanying artwork from illustrator Paige Keiser was cute, in a cartoon-like way. Recommended to anyone looking for new picture-books addressing the sibling relationship and/or having to share a room.

[Joana Pastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely adorable! Miranda Paul does a great job subtly tackling adoption, and showing in a relatable way the ups and downs of sibling relationships and the need to find one’s own space in the house, in a family, in life! It pulled on my heartstrings from beginning to end. A must read!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

March 2019 - a slight story with a lot of charming elements. The main character is adopted, but it's not a story about adoption. She gets a new brother, but their shared rooms becomes too crowded. She displays great imagination in finding new spaces for herself. Ben loves her solution of a blanket tent in the yard, and wants to have his own when Eleanor is old enough to play with him.

[Julie Hedlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, sibling rivalry. Many books on the subject, but none quite like this one. What I love is that it shows the full spectrum of emotions a child experiences when they suddenly have to share their homes, lives, and hearts with someone new. From love at first sight, to frustration, to acting out, to circling back to love -- this story has it all. It's not just about a child wanting her own space (which is certainly relatable to ME). It's a child trying to determine where she belongs. Along the way, Mia makes a few surprising and funny attempts to solve her problem that keep kids turning the pages. The fact that the main character is adopted at an older age just adds another layer to an already wonderful book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited and nervous about receiving an advanced copy of Mia Moves Out by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Paige Keiser. Excited to be able to write the review, nervous that I might not like it. I had nothing to be nervous about.
Mia Moves Out is at its heart a story about a little girl who shares a room with her little brother. One day his clutter and mess become too much, and she moves out in search of her own space with her own things. In the end, she realizes that something is missing.
The illustrations are lovely watercolors created with a limited soft color palette. Paige Keiser uses bold pops of contrasting colors to highlight important moments throughout the book. Miranda uses expressive language (big, bright and fun, trudged, squeezed, and exhausted) with minimal text to create a story for siblings to read together over and over again.
There are few stories that have just one message. This is true of Mia Moved Out as well.
First, Mia is adopted. Mia is a 3 or 4 year old girl on the first page of the book. “When Mia moved in, Mom and Dad had a room ready for her.” What I love about this is that children who are adopted are not often the main character of picture book stories unless that story is about adoption. There are certainly books about adoption, but this book isn’t about adoption, it’s about a regular old life occurrence that happens between siblings all the time. Yet, for an adopted child, that opening says, “Hey, that’s me in that story. My beginning was different from other kids, but my life is really the same.”
The second message is for parents. When Mia decides to move out, the parents could have freaked out and tried everything possible to convince her to stay. Instead, they allow their little girl to go and figure things out on her own. The illustration shows that this was not an easy decision.
All-in-all, a great sibling story, filled with heart, humor, drama, and a happy ending.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Mia moved into her house, she had a lovely room all to herself. She hung stars from the ceiling and it was perfect. Then her baby brother Brandon arrived, and Mia had to share her room. At first it wasn’t so bad, they had lots of fun together. But the toys piled up until Mia couldn’t even recognize her room anymore. So she made a decision, she would move out! She tried moving into the bathroom, but it was too gross. She tried the basement, but there were scary things in boxes. She tried all sorts of places until she built a space near the books. But something wasn’t quite right. That’s when she found out that Brandon had moved out too. Perhaps they could move out together!

This picture book perfectly captures the give and tug of being siblings. On one hand, they can be maddening while on the other hand, they are important to your life. It also shows the way that children “run away” or move out from their homes, how spur of the moment it is, how built on emotion, and how regretful it eventually becomes. The parents here deal with it well, guiding gently from the sidelines and allowing Mia to make her own decisions.

The illustrations are funny and warm, just like the story line. They show the growing pile of toys overtaking the entire room and the entire page. One can completely understand Mia’s frustration. As Mia searches for the perfect spot to move to, the illustrations play large part in conveying her responses to each.

Clever and funny, this is a warm look at siblings. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Carrie Finison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia Moves Out is a sweet sibling/family problem solving story for young children. I really like stories that focus on true-to-life sibling problems and are very relatable to kids. No one flies to the moon or converses with unicorns. Don't get me wrong, those kinds of larger-than-life stories are wonderful, too. But sometimes I think there's a shortage of picture books about real kids living in real families solving real-world problems. As a parent, I felt that Miranda Paul captured perfectly that moment when the "honeymoon phase" of having a new baby is over, and suddenly the baby becomes an active toddler and starts messing with the older sibling's stuff - a frustration many older siblings and families have faced, including mine. I also love that this book shows an adoptive/foster family situation without making that central to the story (it's clear from the first page that when Mia "moved in" with this family she was already a young child, not a baby). It's so important for kids to be able to see themselves and their own family configurations in books.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia Moves Out by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Paige Keiser. PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2018. $17. 9780399553325.

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mia initially enjoys sharing a bedroom with her little brother, Brandon, but changes her mind as toys and clothes and general mess accumulate. She announces she is moving out and goes on a search for another perfect place--the bathroom? the basement? a tent near the bookcase? All of the spots lack something--or someone. Eventually Mia and Brandon together create a space that is perfect for them both.

I really enjoyed this book that touched on an aspect of sibling love/rivalry anyone with a sibling can relate to. The text was the perfect length per page and I enjoyed the style of the illustrations to tell the story. This would be a great pick for any parent to use when helping older kids deal with their younger siblings.

Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure that many youngsters and their parents will be able to relate to the situation described in this picture book. Mia has the best room in the house, and when her little brother Brandon is born, she doesn't mind sharing the space at first. But as things get increasingly crowded and noisier, Mia begins to crave a space of her own. she decides to move out--of the room--and tries various spaces in the house, but nothing seems to work. When she eventually finds a place that works--a little shelter next to the library in the house--she wants to share it with someone. She and her brother, who has also decided to move out, find the best space of all--the great outdoors. I felt somewhat puzzled by the leap from books and the family library to being outside, but I'm sure this picture book will inspire some youngsters to come up with their own sanctuaries. The book features soft colors and smiling faces as well as understanding parents who are quite patient with their offspring.

[Tara J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia Moves Out is a sweet book about a little girl working through the changes of her new adopted brother's arrival. In her search to find a space of her own, she learns that sometimes the best place is one that you share with someone you love. I really appreciate how Paul includes the topic of adoption without making this book about adoption - she is always great at that. And I liked that Mia worked through her issues herself. Go Mia! There are some really silly moments (like when she moves into the bathroom) in the book that my daughter liked and some very sweet moments too. The illustrations are a perfect compliment to Paul's heartwarming story.

[Ledys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved “Mia Moves Out!” Being a parent to sisters who share a room, I could see so many of the challenges that come with not having one’s own space and trying to figure out where one belongs reflected in the pages of this sweet book. Mia’s problem is one that so many children can relate to! But she’s not one to sit and do nothing—her attempts at solving her dilemma are hilarious and escalate until only one solution is obvious. But right before the end, Mia has to deal with an unexpected twist, in a very true-to-life situation that all siblings experience at one point or another, and she does so beautifully. A very sweet book with a very sweet message.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIA MOVES OUT by Miranda Paul is a story about love, emotion, siblings, and adoption (approached in a subtle way and with an older child, to0) Mia is the one and only until brother Brandon is born. Mia goes through a range of emotions that will have kids nodding their heads knowingly: excitement, aggravation, determination, unsettled feelings, inspiration, regret and finally inspiration, and love.

The refrains are fun, the parallel structure masterful, and picture book writers will find this a perfect mentor text for opening up the text to leave room for the illustrator. This book tugged at my heart and readers will root for Mia.

[Laura Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia Moves Out is a heartwarming (and humorous) story that is extremely relatable for kids (sharing a room is a big deal!). When her baby brother arrives, Mia is forced to share her space. As her brother grows, the room becomes messier and messier until Mia can't take it anymore and moves out! The book has many sweet moments and funny ones as well (love when she moves into the bathroom and her mom asks her for wart remover!). I enjoyed each page of the book (including the adorable illustrations), and I especially loved the clever resolution at the end. Overall, Mia Moves will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh and is well worth the read!

[Sonya Bright]

In a simple family story that I’m sure will resonate with many, Mia loves her new brother, but after a while he gets in her way. And so she decides to find a new room.

The book doesn’t follow the common child theme of attempting to run away from home when things are wrong; Mia just wants a room of her own. And so she tries other rooms in the house, but something always goes wrong.

I thought the artwork was rather simple—just as the story is. I think this book would work better with the younger end of the picture book readership.

A sweet story, but not a keeper for me.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to see a preview reading shared by the author online with a group of authors. As a big sister myself, I totally understand Mia's frustration about having to share with a baby brother (and maybe also losing of the adults' attention). Mia's parents are hands-off as she "moves" to a variety of other spaces around the house until ultimately finding her place and learning to share. Miranda Paul's text is humorous and non-preachy, while Paige Keiser's illustrations are delightful, colorful and a bit messy (probably like Mia and Brandon's room).

[Barbara Rappaport senenman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story about sibling relationships and finding your place in your family. Mia is adopted or a foster child. She has her own room until a baby brother comes and she has to share. She's okay with it until baby grows a little. Now the room isn't so perfect anymore. This is a story children could identify with. The illustrations promote predictions, discussions, and giggles as Mia searches for a spot to call her own. It's a fun read.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, Mia doesn’t mind sharing her room with her brother, Brandon, but after awhile “Growing happened” and the room gets more noise, more messy (Which took ten times as long to clean.) So Mia decides to move out. She begins looking through the house for a spot of her own that is bright, big and full of fun. But no matter where she ends up, something is missing. Who would have thought what was missing was her brother?

Cute.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

When both kids move out, maybe it’s time for family counseling? It’s sad to see Mia squeezed into such a tight spot that the only space she can call her own is a cardboard box or a blanket fort. Who knows what prompted Brandon to run away from home. Lackluster illustrations seem to illustrate how Mia and Brandon’s parents have neglected their kids to the point of forcing them to seek shelter outside of the house.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought back wonderful memories of my childhood sharing a bedroom with my little sister. At first it was double the fun. Then it was double the mess to cleanup too. This story shows children how we all need a place of our own. Sometimes that can be a lonely place. I love the illustrations too.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just saw a sneak preview of this book, and it was absolutely lovely. I especially appreciate that it's a story about an adopted child, but the adoption isn't at the center of the story. Instead it's a story about needing space and finding a way to get along with a sibling. A simple but powerful treatment of an evergreen topic.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely story. Mia gets a new home - either through adoption or foster care - and loves her own big room. One day a baby boy is brought home, and she is excited, at first, to share her room. Gradually, things get more and more crowded and noisy, so she declares, "I'm moving out!" What follows is both funny and touching.
Great illustrations.

[Tracy Hora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different spin on a new sibling book. Sweet little Mia (who was adopted or fostered and remembers coming home to her new room) declares she's moving out because her shared room has become a big mess once her brother comes along. She finds very creative places to move to... I LOVE that they are places a child can relate and maybe find their own place for some down time.

[Cynthia Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children and adults will love this heartwarming story! Mia is a determined child who wants a place of her own. Sharing a room with a sibling isn't easy. In the process of finding a place of her own, Mia also finds new value in having a sibling. Mia is a genuine, likeable character who expresses real emotions.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh! sharing a room is so hard and everyone needs their own space. Mia finds many new spaces as she searches for her own room not shared with anyone. Read along with Mia as she finds new spaces and discover the ending and what she finally settles on for her own space. Character driven story and you can predict where she will go next. Love this fun new book.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book focuses the difficulties of sharing space with others especially a new sibling. Mia looks for a new space when sharing her room with brother Brandon becomes too much. She tries some new options within the house and even reads some books to get other ideas. In the end the new space needs something -- the same human contact she was trying to get away from!

[Aolund · Rating 4 out of 5]

While slightly jumpy or disjointed, this story subtly and effectively tackles the topics of sibling rivalry, shared space, and adoption without being ABOUT any of these precisely, centering instead on the idea of finding a space of one's own, being flexible, and recognizing that sharing is ultimately better than being alone. Sweet.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable tale of the frustration of the main character sharing space with a sibling, having enough, and "moving out." Every child has experienced this feeling at some point. The journey and the resolution are wonderful (especially the cute little fox doll she takes along with her).

[Kirsti Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story about a little girl who has to share her room with her little brother. All siblings struggle with too much mess or too little alone time and this story does an incredible job of showing that struggle and resolving the problem in a way that is realistic and darling.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book -- this spare picture book nails the feelings and struggles of a child sharing space and love with a sibling. It's also a beautiful treatment of an adoptive/foster family, without focusing on that element. Share it with your favorite kids!

[Julia Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia, a little girl with a big personality, is fed up with sharing her room with her messy brother. She decides to move out--forever. But when she does, something is missing. A sweet story about learning to appreciate siblings and share.