We are Moving by Mercer Mayer - OPTIONAL

Mayer, Mercer We are Moving, PICTURE BOOK. Harper Festival, 2012. $3.99. Content: G. 

Little Critter and his family are moving and he is not happy about it.  In typical Little Critter fashion, he dramatizes the eventual move and makes the situation a much bigger deal than it is.  After all of the moving preparation and eventual move, Little Critter realizes it’s not so bad after all. 

I usually love Little Critter books.  But I have two main complaints about this one.  Little Critter books often take events that are traumatizing for children and help them make sense of them.  It seemed like there was too much of a disconnect in the communication with Little Critter and his parents because he was completely unaware of basics like how close his new house was to his school or whether or not his friends would be nearby.  My other complaint is how quickly the book ended.  Preparing to move is only a small part of the anxiety of moving.  There is still a lot of drama and change to get used once the move has actually taken place. The book addresses none of this.  If you have a popular Little Critter collection, this book is a must.  If you don’t, I would be more selective about which titles you choose. 

Pre K, K, EL (1-3) – OPTIONAL. Reviewed by: Shay, School Librarian