Regular readers know that I gravitate to stories about moving, so when I find a new picture book about this topic, I just have to review it!
Title: My Favorite Memories
Written By: Sepideh Sarihi
Illustrated By: Julie Völk
Translated By: Elisabeth Llauffer
Publisher/Date: Blue Dot Kids Press/2020 (German edition, Beltz & Gelberg/2018)
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes/Topics: moving, memories, change, resilience
Opening:
I was brushing my hair when Papa came in and told me we were moving. Mama was very excited. Papa too.
Brief Synopsis:
When a young girl and her family move to a new country, she wants to bring everything she loves with her.
Links to Resources:
- What are your most favorite things? Make a list or draw a few of them;
- Do your favorite things fit in a bag, box, or suitcase? How would you pack them if you, like the narrator in the story, were moving house or even country?
- Have you and your family moved, or do you live far from close relatives or friends? How did you feel if you moved? How do you keep in contact with close relatives who live far away?
Why I Like this Book:
Change is difficult for everyone, especially when it’s a big change, like moving house or countries. And when leaving is expected to be permanent, it’s especially difficult to determine what to bring to your new home to remind you of your old life.
Such is the dilemma explored in My Favorite Memories. Narrated by an unnamed young girl in spare, direct text, this story draws readers in and helps children empathize with those who leave everything behind to seek safety and economic well-being in a new place.
The soft palette of the illustrations add to the beauty of this book. Whether you’re contemplating a move, just moved, or seeking to welcome others into your community, My Favorite Memories is a wonderful picture book to share at home or in the classroom.
A Note about Craft:
Sarihi’s use of first-person point-of-view brings an immediacy to the text which, I think, will help children empathize with the narrator. Per the jacket flap, Sarihi was born in Iran but immigrated to Germany in 2012. My Favorite Memories is thus an #OwnVoices work.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 
Change is difficult, and I think many readers will relate to this poignant story. I like the questions for further thought/discussion you’ve added!
Thanks, Gabi!
Yes, we all struggle when things change. And this sounds like a lovely book that addresses this struggle. Thanks for the rec, Patricia!
This sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for highlighting it Patricia. I agree with Gabi, your added questions are wonderful.
Thanks!
This book has so many uses. Change is hard, especially if you’re moving/immigrating to a new country, or have military parents who move frequently (even overseas), and for kids moving to a new place. I enjoyed your resources. I’ve made a number of moves in the last year, and it is hard to let go, although it’s just stuff. But, I think photographs top my list.
Moving is one of the toughest life changes, especially as it’s often accompanied by other tough changes. Hope you’re settling in now!