Julia's House Moves On (Julia's House)

by Ben Hatke

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Julia's House Moves On is a follow up to Julia's House for Lost Creatures, but it works perfectly as a standalone. Due out 29th Sept 2020 from Macmillan on their First Second imprint, it's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a beautifully profound short picture book for young readers. The text is in free verse and sets off the beautiful full color illustrations by author/artist Ben Hatke perfectly. Julia's house is a welcoming home for all the lost creatures who need a place to stay. Everyone feels that it's time for the house to move on, and (as usual) Julia has a plan. But before she can put her plans into action, the house decides to move on its own! Every time Julia tries to plan for the contingencies, the situation is taken out of her control.

With the lead times involved in book projects, I don't see how this prescient little book could've been a *response* to the current insecurity and stress of the current world situation with a pandemic and economic devastation all around, but it's certainly spookily well timed. I would recommend this wonderful book with its positive and gentle message to everyone. Children (of all ages) will be taken with the whimsical and pretty art, along with the message of positivity that occasionally things happen for which nobody can plan, and that's ok.

As a bedtime read, this will provide lots of scope for fun/silly voices, from the mermaid, to the goblins and trolls. It's a very short read, so will lend itself admirably to short reading sessions. The art is intricate enough and full of small details, that it would also serve admirably as a hunt-n-find session with one's favorite small person.

Five stars. This is a gorgeously rendered and beautifully written book.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.