I love reading books with my kids. Reading how other people deal with their emotions is so powerful and can help your kids deal with all sorts of feelings and emotions.
And when it comes to a big life-changing event, like moving abroad, it is so powerful to prepare your kids for the big changes by reading to them about it. Talking to our kids about expectations, feelings, and emotions towards the big move is an absolute must and reading books about these topics is a great way to open those conversations.
That’s why I’m sharing my favorite books to read to your kids when moving abroad. Some talk directly about moving abroad and even have cute activities for them; others talk about topics like dealing with change and making new friends.
One thing is for sure, all the books will help your kids to prepare for this life-changing journey before and after settling in.
#1: The Koala who could
This is one of my favorite books I read to my kids almost weekly. And although it is not about moving abroad, it does cover a very important topic: facing change with courage and curiosity. It is a beautifully illustrated book with a lovely fun story that really inspires kids to try something new in a brilliant and entertaining way.
Get in on Amazon here.
#2: Evelyn del Rey is moving away
One of the hardest things about moving abroad? Saying goodbye to your family and friends! And for kids, this is even more true. Evelyn del Rey is moving away is one of those heartwarming stories that will allow you to talk to your kids about this topic in a soft and gentle way.
Get in on Amazon here.
#3: A passport for Bun-Bun
A passport for Bun-Bun is a lovely and heartwarming story that will be great for the little ones out there. The story follows Anna and her bunny on their journey moving overseas. Along the way, they learn all sorts of things, like how to pack up their belongings, say goodbye to friends, and move to an unfamiliar place…on the other side of the world.
What I also love about this book is the story of the author, Lauren, and how living abroad inspired her to pursue career opportunities she never thought possible, like writing this book. Read more about her living abroad story here.
Get in on Amazon here.
#4: Me and My Big Move workbook
Me and My Big Move workbook is an interactive workbook to prepare kids for their life-changing event: A Big Move! The workbook will help to create a positive mindset and to build resilience in every stage of their relocation process. Kids can get creative in this workbook, full of activities and colorful journal pages, and even includes stickers and postcards.
Get it on Amazon here.
#5: Where are you from?
“Where are you from?” seems like such an innocent and simple question. Yet as someone who has lived in various countries at a young age, this question might be daunting. That’s why I love this book, which is about self-acceptance and identity. If your child struggles with these topics and feels they don’t belong, make sure to discuss this topic with your child through this powerful picture book.
Get it on Amazon here
#6: Moving Away Will Be Okay!
Moving abroad is scary, yes! But it can be fun too! Moving Away Will Be Okay! Will give your child comfort and reassurance about the whole move in a fun and engaging way. Especially for the younger ones, this is a great book to open up the conversation with them and talk about their feelings towards the upcoming move and changes they will face.
You can get it here
#7: My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A workbook for children moving to a new home
Although more about moving in general, this book will still be a great way for your kids to visualize and verbalize their feelings about the move. The fun workbook helps kids 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.
Get it here.
#8: Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move
Are you looking for a book that makes it easier to talk to your kids about moving overseas? Then, you’ll love Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move. The character is easy to love and identify with and will help your kids cope with their emotions.
Get it here
#9: The Snail and the Whale
Last but not least, another favorite from our household; is the Snail and the Whale. It is a story about friendship, courage, and determination, and I love the brave and adventurous snail who longs to see the world. This book allows you to talk to your kids about exploring the world and how seeing more of the world is a wonderful thing to do. The book has sparked the adventurous spirit of my kids, making them excited and confident about moving to new parts of this world.
Get it here
#Bonus: Let’s Move Abroad
My book, Let’s Move Abroad, the all-in-one, no bullsh*t guidebook that makes moving overseas easy, is written for adults. However, many activities can be done by the whole family, and I’ve even included an activity for kids to help them manage their expectations about moving abroad.
Make this abroad move an incredible bonding experience, and involve your kids in the activities you do in the Let’s Move Abroad workbook.
Get it here
Moving abroad with kids is exciting but can also be challenging. During the preparation and when settling in, it is important for us parents to manage the expectations and feelings of our kids. Our number one priority during this life-changing event is supporting them as much as possible. Reading is a great way to open up the dialogue with your kids and have them express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
I hope these books will be the starting point of many great conversations with your children, giving them the support and confidence to make this big move together with you.
