Moving Day

Inspired by the real-life story of moving a 139-year-old, 133-ton Victorian house six blocks, this picture book from a house’s perspective is a charming twist on a common childhood experience.

It’s moving day and this Victorian house can’t imagine what it will be like to live in a different San Francisco neighborhood. She feels a lug and a tug as she’s lifted onto a flatbed behind a truck. A police car leads the way, a crowd begins to form on the sidewalks, children follow behind ringing the bells on their bicycles—it’s just like a parade! She teeters and totters as she slowly, slowly begins her journey.  

Readers can watch and cheer along with the clapping crowd as the house turns the first corner. Workers remove street signs that are in the way and tree trimmers clip branches that hang too low. When the house comes to a very steep hill, everyone holds their breath until she makes it safely to the bottom. Phew. But it isn’t until she sees her family standing in her new spot that the house realizes it’s right where it belongs—with them. 

Teri Roch Drobnick’s heartfelt characterization of a house who is unhappy with a move pairs perfectly with Jennifer Black Reinhardt’s playful artwork that brings the Victorian house to life. Back matter details the history of house moving in the United States and conveys more information about what went into moving “The Englander House” in San Francisco.