It's Moving Day!

by Pamela Hickman

Tucked away beneath a big tree on the edge of a field lies a home -- a small burrow -- for many. In every season, a different creature makes its home here and then moves on, making room for the next occupant. After a long winter's sleep, the woodchuck relocates to another burrow, but its former home is not left vacant for long. A cottontail rabbit raises her family there. After the kits have all hopped away, a salamander takes refuge in the same safe place. Through this engaging and informative introduction to woodland animals in their habitats, young readers will delight in learning about natural science as it is integrated into an inviting picture book.

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Animals, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes us through several seasons of a hole in the ground under a tree where many different kinds of animals move in and out. A good book for understanding that nature is not static, but always changing!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about hibernation and the many uses of a burrow!!

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that shows kids that nature is not static. It eps and flows through the seasons.

[Canadian Children's Book Centre]

What do you suppose can be found lurking in a woodlot burrow? It’s Moving Day explores the ebb and flow of a subterranean den and the variety of woodland animals who seek its shelter over the changing seasons. The initial resident is a hibernating woodchuck who eventually decides to leave the safety of the burrow in order to locate a summer home. These premises, however, are not left vacant for long. A cottontail rabbit moves in and makes it the perfect place in which to raise her kits. After their departure, in crawls a yellow spotted salamander who finds it just the right abode for passing the winter. Subsequent tenants run the course of raccoons, milk snakes, chipmunks and skunks. Many seasons pass, and the story reaches full circle with the residency of a second woodchuck, perhaps a descendant of the original occupant. Pamela Hickman has written an appealing and educational introduction to woodland animals. Her words may be few but their content is rich and abounding in gentle, natural drama. Young readers will become acquainted with the behaviour and life cycles of the inhabitants of this dwelling. Further information is added in a brief but helpful biography about each creature. Geraldo Valerio’s acrylic illustrations of the woodland scenes are vibrant and filled with energy. There is an element of amusement as each page harbours a clue as to whom the burrow’s next resident might be. As one peruses these illustrations, one senses the ongoing juxtaposition of innocence and survival. This charming publication will surely pique the interest of budding young naturalists. It’s Moving Day proves that, as often in the world of real estate — above or below ground, location is everything!

Reviewed by Senta Ross in Canadian Children's Book News
Spring 2008 VOL.31 NO.2

[Jessica Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustrator- Geraldo Velerio

Interest Level

Grades K - 3
Reading Level

Grade level Equivalent: 3.9

Lexile Measure®: Not Available

DRA: Not Available

Guided Reading: Not Available
Genre

Informational
Theme/Subject

Animal Behavior and Structure
Habitats and Ecosystems

This book is about a common home that woodland animals share based on the season. The woodchuck leaves its burrow after winter and relocates but shortly after it leaves a cottontail rabbit moves in to raise her family. After the rabbit raises her family a salamander moves in to the burrow next. Other animals such as the milk snake, the red fox, the skunk and the raccoon all take their turn in the burrow until the cycle comes back around. This book can be used to teach about lessons of hibernation for different animals.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun a lively book about animals moving in and out of burrows and tree hollows during different times of the year and during different phases in the life of the young. Great for seasons and animal habitats.

[Storm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I use this book as my transition out of my Animals in Winter unit and it's okay. It's not my favorite, but the kids seem to like it, and until I find a better option this is what I'll read to my students.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The different inhabitants of a the same burrow over time. Cute story. Nice illustrations. A good way to introduce hibernation to younger children.

[Kristin Hamrock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a great introduction to woodland animals, and their habitats. It is great for children who love animals. It is a great book to pair with a science lesson on habitats.

[Mckinley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't get the point.

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to how woodland animals use burrows and change environment during different seasons/when raising young/etc.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can the animals of the woods share? Unknowingly you bet! Older listeners will understand this fun almost non-fiction look at a burrow home in the forest.

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

B-O-R-I-N-G!! Simply a book about how animals live and move around. Illustrations were mediocre. There was absolutely nothing special to this book. It had a dime a dozen feeling to it.