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 Roche 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.

Teri Roche Drobnick enjoys writing for children and adults. Moving Dayis her debut picture book. Her background as a Clinical Social Worker influences her subjects and storylines with the hope of instilling empathy and kindness. Her memoir, A Daughter’s Long Goodbye and Friendships Stronger Than Alzheimer’s, will be published on 11/3/26. Teri lives in Petaluma, CA, with her husband and her best friend, Hobie the Goldendoodle. When she's not writing, you can find Teri rowing on the Petaluma River with her teammates.
teridrobnick.com

Jennifer Black Reinhardt is the illustrator of many books for children including Gondra’s Treasure and Yak’s Yak by Linda Sue Park and Sometimes You Fly by Katherine Applegate. She has also written and illustrated her own picture books such as, Always by My Side, Playing Possum, and Blue Ethel. Jennifer lives in Iowa City, Iowa.