Books to Help Children With Transitions

Hello, I must be going!

After 25 years in public libraries—including 22 at Tulsa City-County Library and 10 as Children’s Services Coordinator—I’m retiring. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ve loved contributing to the “Books” column for TulsaKids since 2014.

But it’s time for a change, so you’ll be seeing a new name in these pages: the brilliant Kristina Acosta, former Youth Librarian of the Herman and Kate Kaiser Library, and when you read this, the new Children’s Services Coordinator for TCCL. (See “Welcome, Ms. Kristina!,” below!)

In honor of this enormous transition, I wanted my final column to gather book titles about change in children’s lives—and how to use books to help your child handle the inevitable changes, big and small, in their lives.

No More Señora Mimi written by Meg Medina, illustrated by Brittany Cicchese

When Ana’s abuela comes to stay with her family, she can hardly contain herself! But it quickly dawns on her that, with this new addition, she will need to say goodbye to her beloved babysitter, Señora Mimi. This quiet story deftly captures the bittersweet nature of welcoming something new and wonderful while bidding adieu to something old and just as wonderful.

Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend! written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld

The paradox of goodbyes followed by hellos is the crux of this generous and gentle picture book. It uses the simple construct of “Goodbye to [one thing]…is hello to [another thing]” – for example: “Goodbye to snowmen . . . / . . . is hello to puddles!” Try using this with your child in similar situations. Goodbye, cereal bowl…hello, full tummy!; Goodbye, shoes and socks…hello, free toes!

Jayden Noticed written by Carolyn Crimi, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

Noticing and wondering are great ways to handle change. The main character of this lovely little book, Jayden, is able to soften the pain of moving to a new house by paying attention to things like the moon, spiderwebs, rose petals and rocks. Along the way, he might just make a friend who notices as much as he does.

Kitty vs. Kindergarten written by Martha Freeman, illustrated by Eda Kaban

Kitty gets yanked from his comfortable world and into a classroom where he must adapt. Fortunately, he discovers that being the star of Show and Tell isn’t bad at all. A perfect story to share with a child going to school (especially kindergarten!) for the first time.

Caterpillar Chryzzle written by Andrew Bond, illustrated by Julie Völk

The natural world is full of changes, beautiful changes, including “chryzzaling”! Follow a caterpillar’s changes to becoming a butterfly with beautiful watercolor illustrations and poetic rhymes.

Welcome, Ms. Kristina!

My name is Kristina Acosta, and I am the new Children’s Services Coordinator for the Tulsa City County Library! I have worked for the library system for the past five years. Before that, I was a middle-school English teacher for several years. I have lived in Tulsa for the past eight years but am originally from Tennessee. I have my own Tulsa kid, a 9-year-old son who loves all things silly and graphic novels!

I am so excited for the next chapter of my career. Change can be hard, but it can also be very fun! One of my favorite books about change is The Blue Velvet Chair by Rio Cortez. It is a story told from the point of view of a young girl and her mother in their cozy apartment as they discuss time and the natural aspect of change through the observations of the seasons and nature. It’s a great way to begin discussing how change is normal and, while it may be difficult or stressful at times, it’s something that we all must face—even plants and cities change! And most importantly, we can find a solid anchor to keep us safe and grounded during a change, such as a blue velvet chair or a loving grown up.

The Blue Velvet Chair written by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Aaron Marin

A young child describes the changes they see throughout the year when they climb the living room chair to look out the windows.