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Home Is a Window
A family learns what home really means, as they leave one beloved residence and make a new home in another.
A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
Home can be many things--a window, a doorway, a rug . . . or a hug. At home, everything always feels the same: comfortable and safe.
But sometimes things change, and a home must be left behind.
Follow a family as they move out of their beloved, familiar house and learn that they can bring everything they love about their old home to the new one, because they still have each other. This heartfelt picture book by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard is richly illustrated by former Pixar animator Chris Sasaki.
A BookPage Best Book of the Year
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
Home can be many things--a window, a doorway, a rug . . . or a hug. At home, everything always feels the same: comfortable and safe.
But sometimes things change, and a home must be left behind.
Follow a family as they move out of their beloved, familiar house and learn that they can bring everything they love about their old home to the new one, because they still have each other. This heartfelt picture book by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard is richly illustrated by former Pixar animator Chris Sasaki.
A BookPage Best Book of the Year
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
June 8, 2020
What an appropriate read for our family’s current situation. Moving away from the only home my children have ever known won’t be as easy as it sounds. Sooo many memories are made in a house. But in this book, a young girl celebrates all of the lovely things that make up a home that are NOT dependent on a single location. For example, “Home is a table with something good and the people gathered there. Home is washing, rinsing, and drying, and whenever a dish gets broken, someone to help you sweep.” I love it! The artwork for this book was created using digital tools.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
September 8, 2019
It's too bad they can't redo this book with a different illustrator, or different illustrations. The theme is good, but the way the Black characters are portrayed in the illustrations in an ape-like manner to their faces negates any good the story can have with the stereotypical, racist images it imparts. Here is Edi Campbell's post detailing the concerns.
June 13, 2019
Home is not just a house.
July 29, 2021
I liked how all the words were easy, and that even some of the bigger words I was able to figure out. I also liked how for dinner it said everyone was near.
May 16, 2019
Richie’s Picks: HOME IS A WINDOW by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard and Chris Sasaki, ill., Holiday House/Neal Porter, April 2019, 40p., ISBN: 978-0-8234-4156-3
“When I’m home everything seems to be right”
--Lennon/McCartney, “A Hard Day’s Night” (1964)
“Home is washing, rinsing, and drying,
and whenever a dish gets broken, someone to help you sweep.
Home is one more hide-and-seek before bath,
bubbles if you are lucky,
and a blanket of your own -- mostly.
Home is Ms. Vera’s lamplight shared with you,
a book before you fall asleep,
and a kiss afterward.
Home is what feels the same each day
and sometimes what is new.”
HOME IS A WINDOW is an inspiring, poetic picture book about the place we live. It involves a family that is leaving one home behind and moving to a new one. It’s a great resource for children who are experiencing such a transition.
But the feelings conjured up by this meditation upon home-ness make it much, much more than a useful book for kids who are faced with changing residences.
Home is the physical space that we share with other people, usually family members, and possibly some pets. It’s the place where we keep our stuff and mostly know where everything is. One hopes that, for every child, it is a safe, happy, peaceful, and healthy space, one’s refuge from the world out there. It’s the place where we get our mail and welcome extended family and friends. Home may extend to a front porch and a backyard, maybe with a swing or a tree to climb. It’s the backdrop for many of our daily routines, and the primary setting for the story that is our life.
HOME IS A WINDOW is a book that can be readily shared with preschoolers right up through third- and fourth-graders. At the younger end, it will inspire enthusiastic circle time discussions of home. For older kids, it will serve as an inspiring prompt in writing about their home lives and moves they’ve experienced.
Reading it reminded me how fortunate I am to have a home that is all that a home should be. It also reminds me that far too many are not so lucky.
The interaction of text and pictures here is perfect. Chris Sasaki’s illustrations are warm and joyful. Given the poetry of the text, the illustrations necessarily take the lead in conveying the story arc of a girl who, with her family, moves to a new home.
This is one not to miss.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“When I’m home everything seems to be right”
--Lennon/McCartney, “A Hard Day’s Night” (1964)
“Home is washing, rinsing, and drying,
and whenever a dish gets broken, someone to help you sweep.
Home is one more hide-and-seek before bath,
bubbles if you are lucky,
and a blanket of your own -- mostly.
Home is Ms. Vera’s lamplight shared with you,
a book before you fall asleep,
and a kiss afterward.
Home is what feels the same each day
and sometimes what is new.”
HOME IS A WINDOW is an inspiring, poetic picture book about the place we live. It involves a family that is leaving one home behind and moving to a new one. It’s a great resource for children who are experiencing such a transition.
But the feelings conjured up by this meditation upon home-ness make it much, much more than a useful book for kids who are faced with changing residences.
Home is the physical space that we share with other people, usually family members, and possibly some pets. It’s the place where we keep our stuff and mostly know where everything is. One hopes that, for every child, it is a safe, happy, peaceful, and healthy space, one’s refuge from the world out there. It’s the place where we get our mail and welcome extended family and friends. Home may extend to a front porch and a backyard, maybe with a swing or a tree to climb. It’s the backdrop for many of our daily routines, and the primary setting for the story that is our life.
HOME IS A WINDOW is a book that can be readily shared with preschoolers right up through third- and fourth-graders. At the younger end, it will inspire enthusiastic circle time discussions of home. For older kids, it will serve as an inspiring prompt in writing about their home lives and moves they’ve experienced.
Reading it reminded me how fortunate I am to have a home that is all that a home should be. It also reminds me that far too many are not so lucky.
The interaction of text and pictures here is perfect. Chris Sasaki’s illustrations are warm and joyful. Given the poetry of the text, the illustrations necessarily take the lead in conveying the story arc of a girl who, with her family, moves to a new home.
This is one not to miss.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
April 29, 2019
I loved the simplicity of this book. It would be a comforting read for anyone experiencing a move.
December 19, 2025
This tale of home and how one family experiences leaving the familiar comfort of one and moving away and into another.
June 26, 2019
The poetic text shows a family at home, and describes lyrically what a home is, then shows the family moving to a new house.
September 30, 2019
Charming and oh so true
June 8, 2019
Gorgeous picture book written with a lyrical voice about all the things a home is. A home is many things, but will it change when you move to a new house?
May 22, 2019
Written by a poet - I really enjoyed the flow to this one. A great story about the theme of moving to a new home, and the meaning of home. I think this could be enjoyed by all not just those experiencing a move.
August 7, 2019
Beautiful, warm and inviting Home is a cozy wonderful place and teaches to be grateful for the small details. Shows a multi-cultural family which is unique.
June 29, 2019
A little girl celebrates her city home and all of the things that make it special. From the small touches like a basket for your shoes and plants in the corner to the lamplight at night from a neighbor’s window. Her family makes it special too, doing chores together, fixing mistakes, and helping one another. When the family moves to a new home, they take a lot of the elements that make it special with them. In the new house, they will once again create a home together.
In statements that begin with “Home is…” this picture book explores what makes a house a home. From the smells to the people to the windows themselves, each piece fits together like a puzzle. Ledyard’s prose asks people to slow down, to celebrate the everyday and small moments that make up their lives and their homes. The switch to a book about moving later in the book makes the first part all the more important and profound, allowing the family to rebuild easily the sense of home they always carry with them.
Sasaki’s illustrations show a multi-racial family spending days together filled with love and in a home that is warm and colorful. Those elements carry throughout the illustrations, each one making sure that readers know that small touches create a home. From lamplight at night to tables filled with family.
A beautiful look at family, home and moving. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
In statements that begin with “Home is…” this picture book explores what makes a house a home. From the smells to the people to the windows themselves, each piece fits together like a puzzle. Ledyard’s prose asks people to slow down, to celebrate the everyday and small moments that make up their lives and their homes. The switch to a book about moving later in the book makes the first part all the more important and profound, allowing the family to rebuild easily the sense of home they always carry with them.
Sasaki’s illustrations show a multi-racial family spending days together filled with love and in a home that is warm and colorful. Those elements carry throughout the illustrations, each one making sure that readers know that small touches create a home. From lamplight at night to tables filled with family.
A beautiful look at family, home and moving. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
February 2, 2019
There's nothing quite like home and those feelings of safeness, comfort, and familiarity that are associated with home. This picture book celebrates all the wonders of home and the associated memories as a family leaves behind them as they move to another place and turn it into their home. The simple text and digital illustrations help readers realize that home isn't necessarily a place but its inhabitants and the feelings they share. While sometimes it is true that we long for the places that we love and the house in which we grew up, often it is the individuals who reside within and offer a comforting word, a favorite meal, or a much-needed hug that make it into a home. This book might be good to share with someone getting ready to move to a new place or someone who has recently moved and is unsure about how to make their new house into a home that feels just as comfortable as the previous one.
October 31, 2019
Home is a Window by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard, illustrated by Chris Sasaki. PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House), 2019. $19. 9780823441563.
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL(K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Home can mean a lot of things, but at its heart it about the familiar things and people that make you feel comfortable--AT HOME! When a family moves from the home they know to a new house, they will also find that home can still be found in the familiar things and people that come along.
I really enjoyed this book from its poetic text to its great illustrations. The theme of home is one that will appeal to many readers since moving to a new house is a regular, but often difficult, change for many kids. This would also be a great gift for kids who are facing a move to a new place.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL(K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Home can mean a lot of things, but at its heart it about the familiar things and people that make you feel comfortable--AT HOME! When a family moves from the home they know to a new house, they will also find that home can still be found in the familiar things and people that come along.
I really enjoyed this book from its poetic text to its great illustrations. The theme of home is one that will appeal to many readers since moving to a new house is a regular, but often difficult, change for many kids. This would also be a great gift for kids who are facing a move to a new place.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
January 23, 2020
I very much enjoyed this book about what it means to be "home." At first, I was anxious thinking about students reading the book, as many have very different home lives than the warm, comfortable descriptions outlined in the short book. These are aspects toward which my students can relate. Some elements, like the cute puppy, and the neat, cozy atmosphere may not relate to all readers, but it's a nice way to begin a discussion about "home."
I know there's been some negative review commentary about the artwork expressing the black characters in a negative way, but I personally did not feel there was a negative depiction. I'm not sure if this is my own lack of awareness or not, but I still enjoyed the story very much.
I know there's been some negative review commentary about the artwork expressing the black characters in a negative way, but I personally did not feel there was a negative depiction. I'm not sure if this is my own lack of awareness or not, but I still enjoyed the story very much.
May 17, 2019
This lovely picture book is a warm and gentle celebration of all the things that make our homes special. Some of it involves the stuff of home - a chair in the corner or a special blanket; but more importantly, the people, the relationships, the feelings, and the love. With simple, lyrical text and comforting illustrations, this book helps young readers explore the specialness of home. When the family in the book packs up the car and drives a long distance to a new home - the little girl realizes that the most important things that make home special are still with them. I like that this book strikes a hopeful, optimistic tone about moving. This could also be a good mentor text for young writers looking for ways to describe their own homes or other special places.
June 24, 2019
A mixed race family are moving home from city apartment to suburban stand alone house. Mostly it is presented from the viewpoint of a young girl about 5 years old. The tone is reassuring [although it seems sad that a person who might be the grandfather is left behind. ]The perspective is a bit mixed - sometimes looking straight on at people or a scene and sometimes looking down on them. Generally very attractive to view with details to be absorbed which tell more of the story [hence I suppose why this was catalogued as a graphic book in Auckland Libraries] - but sometimes a bit twee.
I don't feel that the title works.
I don't feel that the title works.
March 26, 2020
This sweet and simple book introduces young readers to the concept of home and what it truly means beyond the physical space. Leyards gentle prose describes home in many different ways, from the tangible to senses and feelings. “Home is a table with something good and the people gathered there.” Joining perfectly with Ledyard’s prose are illustrator Chris Sasaki’s detailed earth-toned pencil and marker illustrations. The illustrations deftly show a multiracial family moving to a new home. A beautiful story to help young children work through difficult transitions. Recommended for preK-2nd grade
July 7, 2020
Such a gentle, lovely story about changes in young lives. The challenge of moving from a beloved home to the unknown is eased with reflection and collection and appreciation of what has mattered the most. The progression along the way provides a transition from anxiety and grieving to excitement and comfort. Great blend of urban/ rural, and a warm family portrayal of mixed-race characters In the central family and the surrounding community.
A great choice to combine with Miller’s WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE.
A great choice to combine with Miller’s WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE.
January 19, 2019
In this sweet, lyrical, poignant book a girl defines home in many ways. Actions, colors, things, warmth, people--they all make up a home. But what happens when you move? When many of the things that defined your home go away, or change? The core things remain, even in a new location. Lovely, blocky, evocative illustrations by Chris Sasaki beautifully suit the text. This speaks to an experience many children face, in a warm and reassuring tone.
May 14, 2019
This is a story that speaks to everyone. It's about home, about moving, about family. The words convey depth, though they're very simple, easily understood by a young reader. Featuring a family of POCs, race/ethnicity transcend the story, appealing to everyone. The art is of a distinct style. It's not my favorite style, but it is distinct, and the illustrator has committed fully and has great talent. I will be surprised if this book doesn't get an award.
May 23, 2019
This is a lovely story that describes all the things home can be. While I love the story and most of the illustrations I was sorely disappointed in the depiction of the faces of the african american side of the family. I know it's just my opinion and you can well disagree, I just felt they were overly generalized to the point of exaggeration and distortion. I just think they could have been finessed better.
March 26, 2021
“At home, everything always feels the same: comfortable and safe”.
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Home is a Window is a sweet story about a family moving to a new home and realizing along the way what ‘home’ really means.
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It’s the little things that make a home special; the people you share it with, your favourite plant, reading corner, window or rug. Personally, I love the photos displayed or little treasures we have that capture a great moment in time and bring you back to those special memories.
⠀
Home is a Window is a sweet story about a family moving to a new home and realizing along the way what ‘home’ really means.
⠀
It’s the little things that make a home special; the people you share it with, your favourite plant, reading corner, window or rug. Personally, I love the photos displayed or little treasures we have that capture a great moment in time and bring you back to those special memories.
November 24, 2019
Is home a building? Or is it more of a feeling? Home is a Hello, sweet pea, and a hug ...” It’s the people that surround you. It’s the chores you do together. It’s the activities that you enjoy with your family. So just because you’re moving, doesn’t mean you’re leaving your home. Because your home goes with you wherever you go.
A comforting book for children who are facing a move.
A comforting book for children who are facing a move.
June 25, 2020
This lyrical picture book celebrates the uncomplicated things that make up a home. The lyrical text and alluring illustrations evoke the cozy, homely feelings of tenderness, patience, and sensitivity and is a perfect read aloud for snuggling up with a loved one. This book is moving in more ways than one.
August 4, 2020
I liked this and would read again, no question. It is a thoughtful, accessible story about what "home" means and shows that home is a place and a state of mind. This concept is important to reinforce for younger readers who are changing homes or experience any similar large lifestyle change. Lovely illustrations.
December 2, 2021
Children's book
Illustrator: Chris Sasaki
What is home? The concept of home is talked about through small verse-like sentences in this story: "Home is all that you miss and not knowing for sure how things will be."
This would make a great discussion for for 1st graders! (or anyone really)
3.5 stars
Illustrator: Chris Sasaki
What is home? The concept of home is talked about through small verse-like sentences in this story: "Home is all that you miss and not knowing for sure how things will be."
This would make a great discussion for for 1st graders! (or anyone really)
3.5 stars
March 4, 2023
This picture book is short and simple, yet meaningful and powerful. You get a full sense of home, family, and love through these pages. Even when you’re moving from one house to another, as long as you have all the necessities and the people who are most important to you, you’re at home. I adored the cozy feelings of the book imparted through the text and illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews