12 Picture Books About Change

All seasons involve some element of change, but autumn can feel particularly jarring as daylight ebbs and temperatures drop. With kids heading to school and facing that big shift, we thought it would be a good time for this roundup of twelve picture books that help young ones deal with change. 

Tree

Meet a majestic tree and all its forest inhabitants during the changing seasons in this magical Peek-Through book by Britta Teckentrup. Each page reveals a new set of animals playing and living in the tree—from baby bears frolicking in the spring to the lone owl keeping warm during the winter chill. (Ages 3 and under)

The Koala Who Could

Kevin the koala loves every day to be the same, where it's snug and safe. When change comes along, can Kevin appreciate the good things about trying something new? Help young readers get more comfortable in a changing world with this rhyming story by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field. (Ages 3–5)

When Sadness is at Your Door

Change is often accompanied by some level of loss and sadness. Children who are feeling down may feel pressured to just cheer up or get over it. This gorgeous book by Eva Eland imagines sadness as a visitor and helps children (and their adults) get more comfortable with their difficult feelings. (Ages 3–7)

Uncle Bobby's Wedding

Chloe's favorite uncle is getting married, and she's not happy about it. But after a magical day with Uncle Bobby and his fiancé, Jamie, Chloe realizes she's not losing an uncle, but gaining one. With warm, expressive illustrations by Lucia Soto, this story by Sarah S. Brannen explores a changing family.  (Ages 4–6)

No Matter What

Small is a little fox with big feelings. Small asks Large, "If I turned into a bug, would you still love me and give me a hug?" This powerful and heartwarming story by Debi Gliori offers reassurance to kids who may worry that feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration could make them less lovable. (Ages 4–7)

Florette

When Mae's family moves to a new home, she wishes she could bring her garden. She'll miss the apple trees, the daffodils, and chasing butterflies in the wavy grass. But there's no room for a garden in the city. Or is there? This beautifully illustrated story by Anna Walker celebrates friendship and resilience. (Ages 4–7)

The Invisible String

A mother tells her two children that they're all connected by an invisible string. Even though you can't see it with your eyes, you can feel it in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love. This moving classic by Patricia Karst helps children deal with loneliness or separation. (Ages 4–8)

Grandad's Island

At the bottom of Syd's garden, through the gate and past the tree, is Grandad's house. But one day when Syd comes to call, Grandad isn't in any of the usual places. This whimsical tale by Benji Davies is sure to comfort young children struggling to understand loss. (Ages 4–8)  

Dreamers

We are resilience. We are hope. We are dreamers. Yuyi Morales brought her passion, her strength, and her stories with her, when she came to the United States with her infant son. Her book is a celebration of navigating an unfamiliar world and finding the best parts of it. (Ages 4–8)

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem

"I can hear change humming In its loudest, proudest song. I don't fear change coming, And so I sing along." In this stirring volume by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman and bestselling illustrator Loren Long, anything is possible when our voices join together. (Ages 4–8)

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away

Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other—until today. Meg Medina's tender story about friendship and change comes to life with vibrant illustrations by Sonia Sánchez. (Ages 5–7)

The Day You Begin

Multiple award-winning author and illustrator Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López team up to bring you this poignant book about starting new things. Perfect for children who are facing a change, whether moving to a new place, transferring schools, or just going to a new class or activity. (Ages 5–8)

Change is hard for all of us, especially kids who may be facing big transitions for the first time. Storybooks are a great way to help the children in your life get more comfortable with whatever kind of changes they're going through.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon