Review by Booklist Review
A misunderstanding about what exactly "moving house" means leads a young boy to imagine all the journeys he and his house will go on once the move is set in motion, from waving to his neighbors as he and his house are driven away to floating across a river in his not-quite houseboat. The simple, childlike illustrations, with bold colors and loose yet expressive figures, really underscore the sense of creativity and wonder that transforms a misinterpretation into a series of increasingly whimsical scenarios. The book doesn't stay in the realm of fantasy forever, however; once the protagonist realizes they'll actually be leaving their house behind for a new home, common anxieties around moving, like a loss of familiarity and the sense of safety that can come with it, are explored and eased. Perfect for fans of Amelia Bedelia--style literal thinking, this offers a playful yet comforting take on moving for little ones nervous about big changes.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Told that their family will soon be "moving house," a child excitedly envisions a path their home might take as it's literally transported. The proactive problem-solver confidently maps out the move, beginning with "a very big truck with a very big engine" and "cranes--/ maybe four or five--all lifting together." In the face of a river or mountain, boats or helicopters will be called upon, and when the structure arrives at its destination, it will simply be "nailed down./ The pipes and cables will get connected." After further conversation with Mom reveals that the family, not the house, will be moving, the protagonist navigates a range of emotions leading to an appreciation of familial togetherness. Jackson's emotive first-person narration rings true, and Kheiriyeh's smudgy mixed-media illustrations add a brightness to the story with a mixture of electric pinks and teals. The family is portrayed with light brown skin. Ages 3--7. (Feb.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
A child takes the titular expression (perhaps less familiar to American readers) literally, imagining what it would take -- cranes, boats, a helicopter -- to pick up the family home and move it to a new location. The child is disappointed to find out the truth but concludes that "no matter where we live...we have each other." The retro-style mixed-media illustrations, in a palette of pink, mint green, and orange, humorously bring the child's vision to life. (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A misunderstanding leads to disappointment as a family prepares to relocate. When Mom announces that the family will be moving, the literal-minded young narrator is initially thrilled. The child imagines what moving will look like: A "very big truck with a very big engine" will lift the home up, transporting it to a new neighborhood. They'll need cranes, the child decides. And they'll have to warn the owner of the nearby cafe to move the chairs and lampposts out of the way. The child pictures the house traveling on a boat over a river and a sea and by helicopter over mountains ("I hope I get to stay in our house while it's being moved"). Upon discovering that the house won't be coming with the family, the child frets. Soon, though, the little one realizes that "no matter where we live, the thing that matters most is that we have each other." While the child's anxiety about moving is relatable, the emotional resolution feels a bit rushed. Still, the book's clever premise, endearingly sincere narrator, and beautifully rendered world make this a visual and textual delight; the whimsically childlike illustrations are particularly impressive. Tenderly imaginative and moving.(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
