I'm Not Moving, Mama ANNOTATION
Mama and child discuss the family's upcoming move to a new house and the reasons why she does not wish to leave the child behind.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
I'm Not Moving, Mama!is Little Mouse's constant refrain, as Mama packs up his favorite things in preparation for the family's move. But for each thing about his old home Little Mouse can't bear to leave behind, Mama tells him of something they'll share in their new home -- until Little Mouse realizes that what's most important is being together, even if it is in someplace new.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
On moving day, little Mouse does not want to leave the familiar surroundings of his room or backyard for a new, strange home. Mama reassures her worried offspring that even though it's hard to say good-bye to the old place, their new dwelling will be just as nice. As Mama continues to pack the family's belongings, Little Mouse's protests escalate. At long last, Mama confesses that the best thing about moving is not leaving Little Mouse behind. Children anxious about relocating will be comforted by Mama Mouse's calm and cheerful attitude toward her son's misgivings. In his picture book debut, Wickstrom provides warm, bright illustrations packed with funny details, which expand on the feelings of upheaval, loss and the eventual joy involved in adapting to new living quarters. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)
Publishers Weekly
Little Mouse refuses to leave his room on moving day. "Children anxious about relocating will be comforted by Mama Mouse's calm and cheerful attitude toward his misgivings," said PW. Ages 4-8. (Nov.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
Children's Literature - Candace Deisley
A nameless, genderless mousechild explains to Mama what he will be doing after she has moved to the new house. The child allows his mother to pack up his checkers game, his monster toothbrush, his building blocks, assorted other treasures, even his books, but explains that he will be "in the backyard talking to the birds who live in the house we made..." or "I'll be in the secret corner reading all by myself." Mama explains that there will be special places in the new home as well. The child finally relents, "You can make me go, but I don't like moving, Mama." She replies "I don't either. But the best part is not leaving you behind." The dialog is defined by the change in fonts, and shows no anger or frustration in either character. The words are soft and soothing, but it is the illustrations that really make the book magical. The warmth and tenderness in the artwork, the soft pastel colors, the minute details, make this a book that will enjoy much use. Books about relocating are much requested in the library. This is a very good addition to any collection that serves young children.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-- It's moving day, and one by one, Mama packs up Little Mouse's favorite belongings. As each is packed, the youngster finds a good reason for not leaving his special places. His mother is understanding but subtle. When Little Mouse refuses to leave his room with the star window, she reassures him that if he didn't come with the family, ``we couldn't get to sleep without you.'' While promising that they will always remember the joys of their old home, Mama finally convinces little mouse that ``it's better being all together in someplace new.'' Carlstrom's text is perfectly paced, with childlike foibles convincingly intertwined with real fears. The repetition of Little Mouse's cry, ``But I'm not moving, Mama!,'' makes this a good choice for reading aloud. Wickstrom's illustrations are charming and inventive, capturing the warm, playful relationship between mother and child. Even with so many successful books on this subject, the genuine affection fully evident here makes this one especially rewarding. --Lori A. Janick, Parkwood Elementary School, Pasadena, TX
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