They say that moving house is one of the most stressful activities you can undertake in your life (along with getting married and using public transport). And yet many of us subject ourselves to it at regular intervals. So it's important to spare a thought for any younger members of the family, for whom this may be a wholly new (and equally traumatic) experience. Here are just a few of the many children's books which choose moving house as their theme, or simply their backdrop.
The Barn (Gary Crew, illustrated by Tom Jellett, Franklin Watts, £3.99, 9-13 yrs) Carter Lawrance is not happy. His parents have bought a farm and the boy reluctantly leaves the cool city. Things get interesting when he finds a swamp with incredible insects. Close to the swamp there is a mysterious barn and Carter finds some prehistoric worms, but the most terrifying creatures are still to come! This short novel is part of the After Dark Series. It is craftily written, with suspense and a pinch of humour. Published in Australia in 1995, this is the first (1999) UK edition.
Mrs Bilberry's New House (Emma Chichester Clark, Mammoth, £4.99, age 3-6 yrs) This tale holds a slightly different message. Mrs Bilberry is exceptionally happy, living in a little yellow house with all her pets, although she can't help being inquisitive about what it would be like to live on the other side of the mountain. So she sets off round the mountain - only to find a rather familiar little yellow house.
Foxdown Wood (Beth Webb, Lion Publishing, £3.99, 9-13 yrs) A girl is deeply resentful of her mother for separating from her father and taking her to live in a run-down cottage. Then she becomes embroiled in a battle to save the local wood from property-developers in this time-travelling adventure story.
Don't Open Your Eyes (Ann Hallam, Dolphin, £4.99, 12+ yrs) introduces Diesel and her parents, for whom 57, Linden Grove appears to be a dream house. Until, that is, the dream turns to a nightmare, as strange night-time noises from the neighbours draw Diesel into a dark mystery.
A New Home for Tiger (Joan Stimson, illus. Meg Rutherford, Scholastic, £ 4.99, age 3-6 yrs) Tiger and his mother move house but Tiger is not sure he likes his unfamiliar new surroundings. He decides to head back to his old home, and in doing so recognises the true meaning of home. A colourful picture book.
Moving (by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Sophy Williams, Puffin, £4.99, 6+ yrs) This is an unusual and striking book. The family is moving house and cat is moving with them. This is the story of the move from the cat's point of view. It conveys a sense of the secret life of cats and has exceptional illustrations.
Penny and Pup (Linda Jennings, Illustrated by Jane Chapman, Magi, £4.99, 3-7 yrs) When Penny the dog moves house she feels lonely, so her family give her a toy pup to keep her company. Pup goes everywhere with Penny, so Penny doesn't feel the need to make any new friends. But one day Penny loses Pup. A touching story about friendship, with bold, vibrant illustrations.
• For more independent advice books for all ages and on all themes, order Book Trust's 100 Best Books (£3) by calling 020-8516 2993, or visit the Book Trust website at: www.booktrust.org.uk
