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Everything Changes: And That's OK
Change is all around, but it can be overwhelming! Explore how change exists everywhere in a way that is natural, and even beautiful, in this vibrantly illustrated book with fun rhyming couplets, for children ages 3 to 7.
The moon is full, but then it’s gone,
chased away by the dawn.
Stars that shine all through the night
disappear in morning’s light.
Everything changes, night to day.
Everything changes, and that’s OK.
From an apple seed growing into a brilliant tree to a child watching a family member grow old, this book offers a thoughtful look at why change doesn’t always have to be negative and can instead be observed with appreciation. It poetically presents a story that prompts kids to recognize and adapt to the change they see in their daily lives.
This beautiful exploration of impermanence is accompanied by vibrant illustrations that explore every corner of the world, from rolling fields in Tibet to the cozy, fireplace-lit living room of a family member's home. The illustrations remind children that everything changes no matter where you are, no matter who you are, and that's all right.
The moon is full, but then it’s gone,
chased away by the dawn.
Stars that shine all through the night
disappear in morning’s light.
Everything changes, night to day.
Everything changes, and that’s OK.
From an apple seed growing into a brilliant tree to a child watching a family member grow old, this book offers a thoughtful look at why change doesn’t always have to be negative and can instead be observed with appreciation. It poetically presents a story that prompts kids to recognize and adapt to the change they see in their daily lives.
This beautiful exploration of impermanence is accompanied by vibrant illustrations that explore every corner of the world, from rolling fields in Tibet to the cozy, fireplace-lit living room of a family member's home. The illustrations remind children that everything changes no matter where you are, no matter who you are, and that's all right.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 25, 2022
2436 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 29, 2022
This is a lovely story told in rhyme about how everything changes ("and that's okay"). The illustrations are bright and happy, and there's a lot of representation of different children and places. The rhyme works well and is very sing-song and catchy, and the message is one that children and adults need to be reminded of. Recommended.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
October 25, 2022
In the author’s note at the end of this lovely children’s book, the author talks about how the Buddha taught that wanting things to stay the same causes us a lot of pain, but accepting that nothing lasts forever can lead to peace and happiness. This really struck me [especially right now with people talking about going back to the “good ole days”] as this seems to be something I struggle with sometimes. This book talks [ in a simple rhyming way] about how our thoughts and emotions will constantly change [sometimes several times a day], much like the weather and the way you look at it and how you choose to experience it will make all the difference in the world.
Using real life examples of growth and change within the world of plants and animals as well as human being [in how we age and change as we do so], this book shows how everything truly does change and all we need to do it be open to it and “go with the flow” [even when that is the hardest thing]. Written in such a way that even the smallest child will understand, it is a positive way to look at change and how it happens everywhere.
This book is also gorgeously illustrated and not only shows the plants and animals [the illustrator’s animals are just fantastic]. It also shows children from different places all over the world and how everyone has to deal with change and I believe it will lead to questions about these places and where they are at and will open many a discussion about different cultures and simple geography. I can see kids loving having their parents/caregivers read this to them and then as they get older and can read themselves, I can see them going back to this again and again, just to remind themselves that change is all around us, and that is okay.
Thank you to NetGalley, Carol Dodd, Erin Huybrechts - Illustrator, and Shambhala Publications for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Using real life examples of growth and change within the world of plants and animals as well as human being [in how we age and change as we do so], this book shows how everything truly does change and all we need to do it be open to it and “go with the flow” [even when that is the hardest thing]. Written in such a way that even the smallest child will understand, it is a positive way to look at change and how it happens everywhere.
This book is also gorgeously illustrated and not only shows the plants and animals [the illustrator’s animals are just fantastic]. It also shows children from different places all over the world and how everyone has to deal with change and I believe it will lead to questions about these places and where they are at and will open many a discussion about different cultures and simple geography. I can see kids loving having their parents/caregivers read this to them and then as they get older and can read themselves, I can see them going back to this again and again, just to remind themselves that change is all around us, and that is okay.
Thank you to NetGalley, Carol Dodd, Erin Huybrechts - Illustrator, and Shambhala Publications for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2023
Impermanence is important for all of us to understand and appreciate in life. Could be helpful with children going through divorce, moving, family death, all kinds of situations
July 16, 2025
Change is inevitable. It’s something you cannot avoid, but you can make it easier on yourself by choosing to embrace it. The book Everything Changes by Carol Dodd is a beautiful reminder that everything is always changing, and nothing can stay the same forever.
The book teaches us a great deal about impermanence. It uses examples from nature and everyday life, like the moon, which is sometimes full but then slowly disappears into darkness. The stars that shine all night vanish in the morning light.
My favourite analogy is the one where we read a book and turn each page, just as we live each day and grow older. Our black hair slowly turns grey, and wrinkles appear that won’t go away. Changes in our appearance are often the ones we resist the most, but this book gently shows us that even our bodies change, and that’s completely okay.
Children are often very sensitive to change. It can be especially difficult for them to grasp changes in their bodies or surroundings like moving to a new place, making new friends, or starting at a new school. Change can feel heavy and even scary for them. That’s why this book is such a great way to help children understand what change is and to reassure them that it’s okay when things don’t stay the same.
The illustrations in the book by Erin Huybrechts are some of the best I’ve seen. They beautifully complement the story with rich, vibrant, and colourful artwork that easily captures a child’s attention.
I would highly recommend this book to every parent. It’s a gentle and effective way to introduce children to the concept of change and to help make that process a little easier for them.
The book teaches us a great deal about impermanence. It uses examples from nature and everyday life, like the moon, which is sometimes full but then slowly disappears into darkness. The stars that shine all night vanish in the morning light.
My favourite analogy is the one where we read a book and turn each page, just as we live each day and grow older. Our black hair slowly turns grey, and wrinkles appear that won’t go away. Changes in our appearance are often the ones we resist the most, but this book gently shows us that even our bodies change, and that’s completely okay.
Children are often very sensitive to change. It can be especially difficult for them to grasp changes in their bodies or surroundings like moving to a new place, making new friends, or starting at a new school. Change can feel heavy and even scary for them. That’s why this book is such a great way to help children understand what change is and to reassure them that it’s okay when things don’t stay the same.
The illustrations in the book by Erin Huybrechts are some of the best I’ve seen. They beautifully complement the story with rich, vibrant, and colourful artwork that easily captures a child’s attention.
I would highly recommend this book to every parent. It’s a gentle and effective way to introduce children to the concept of change and to help make that process a little easier for them.
August 1, 2022
This rhyming picture book repeats the message that change is constantly happening all around us and reaffirms that change is alright. Using real life examples of growth and changes in plants and animals, with the changes of seasons or night and day, the book confirms that changes happen often and that they are a good thing. The message is clear and is stated very positively, in hopes that anxious children will see that while change may seem scary it is natural and everything will be ok. The soothing rhythmic beat to the story and the calming illustrations will also likely help with that. I also love that the settings are all over the world and include a variety of people and animals, demonstrating that we all have to deal with change and hopefully sharing scenes that may look familiar to the children reading this book. While the text is repetitive and predictable (in a good way!) it can be read as part of shared reading or some children may be able to read it independently as well. For some children, hearing the same message repeated will be helpful, and for others, being able to pull the book out and read it as needed would be good too. There are also lots of positive affirmations that could be said in stressful times. I could definitely see myself purchasing a copy of this book for my grade 3 classroom library. I would recommend this book to parents of children in the age 3-9 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
June 18, 2025
The first time I read the pages of Everything Changes, and That's OK, I didn't feel I was reading a children's book—I felt like I was being softly comforted by an old friend. There's something near holy about the manner in which Carol Dodd addresses the universality of change—not with terror or conclusiveness, but with a soft, poetic gentleness that lingers.
Composed in its entirety in verse, the words spill out like a soul lullaby. Dodd doesn't lay on thick philosophy or sentimentalize feelings; rather, she draws children (and the accompanying adults) into the reality of the seasons of life with lines that are both ethereal and earthy. Whether it's the dropping of the leaves, the phases of the moon, or the fluidity of our own emotions, she reminds us softly that nothing remains constant—and that doesn't have to be so terrible.
Erin Huybrechts' illustrations are nothing less than breathtaking. Every page is a breathing landscape, full of emotion and gentle movement. There's warmth in her details—a child gazing out at clouds, a quiet forest, a small bird—that brings every moment tenderness. You don't just observe the world change; you feel it.
This book doesn't merely teach kids about impermanence—it provides them with words for it. It leaves room for reflection, acceptance, and even a quiet sort of bravery. In a world that's too often driving by, Everything Changes, and That's OK is a reason to slow down, take a breath, and have faith in the turning of the page.
Composed in its entirety in verse, the words spill out like a soul lullaby. Dodd doesn't lay on thick philosophy or sentimentalize feelings; rather, she draws children (and the accompanying adults) into the reality of the seasons of life with lines that are both ethereal and earthy. Whether it's the dropping of the leaves, the phases of the moon, or the fluidity of our own emotions, she reminds us softly that nothing remains constant—and that doesn't have to be so terrible.
Erin Huybrechts' illustrations are nothing less than breathtaking. Every page is a breathing landscape, full of emotion and gentle movement. There's warmth in her details—a child gazing out at clouds, a quiet forest, a small bird—that brings every moment tenderness. You don't just observe the world change; you feel it.
This book doesn't merely teach kids about impermanence—it provides them with words for it. It leaves room for reflection, acceptance, and even a quiet sort of bravery. In a world that's too often driving by, Everything Changes, and That's OK is a reason to slow down, take a breath, and have faith in the turning of the page.
June 8, 2025
This beautifully illustrated children's book by Carol Dodd is a gentle, poetic journey through the natural shifts that shape our lives. Through flowing rhymes and vivid illustrations by Erin Huybrechts, the story takes readers from the glow of nighttime stars to the budding of trees, from changing skies to growing families. Each page quietly reassures that change, though sometimes confusing or unexpected, is always happening and can be something beautiful.
There’s something very comforting about the way Carol writes. The rhythm of the words almost feels like a lullaby, making it ideal for reading aloud. It doesn’t rush or preach but instead moves like a quiet walk through nature, letting little moments sink in. The illustrations are so rich and warm. Each spread feels like its own world, inviting children to linger and look closer.
The author presents change not as something to be fixed or feared, but simply as something that is. This approach feels honest and tender. It can open up gentle conversations with kids about everything from moving homes to losing a pet or even just growing up. While it’s written for children, the message resonates with adults too. There’s real grace in this book, and it stays for long even after the last page is turned.
There’s something very comforting about the way Carol writes. The rhythm of the words almost feels like a lullaby, making it ideal for reading aloud. It doesn’t rush or preach but instead moves like a quiet walk through nature, letting little moments sink in. The illustrations are so rich and warm. Each spread feels like its own world, inviting children to linger and look closer.
The author presents change not as something to be fixed or feared, but simply as something that is. This approach feels honest and tender. It can open up gentle conversations with kids about everything from moving homes to losing a pet or even just growing up. While it’s written for children, the message resonates with adults too. There’s real grace in this book, and it stays for long even after the last page is turned.
May 28, 2025
There is always a chance of a rainbow after a rainy day.
Book: Everything Changes And That’s Okay.
Author: Carol dodd
Illustrated by Erin Huynrechts
Publisher @penguinbooks
Age group 5-8 years
What a beautiful way to introduce young children to the idea of impermanence - that everything changes and nothing remains the same forever.
This is a very important topic and introducing it to children at an early age makes a lot of difference. Children easily get upset over small changes. Sometimes changes can be overwhelming. Here the author in a very comforting manner with rhyming lines and beautiful illustrations explains this topic. It talks of feelings, weather, people, animals etc
Author gives a relatable scenario - a child who might feel strange in a new school with no friends at first but soon will make new friends - this clearly shows the child's fear at first but slowly accepting the new changes.
Easy language
Big Colourful illustrations
Thick glossy pages
Relatable examples
Comforting
Gives hope
Emotional awareness
This book is a perfect way to teach children that changes while sometimes disappointing can also lead to new joys. Infact we as adults also need this reminder.
Book: Everything Changes And That’s Okay.
Author: Carol dodd
Illustrated by Erin Huynrechts
Publisher @penguinbooks
Age group 5-8 years
What a beautiful way to introduce young children to the idea of impermanence - that everything changes and nothing remains the same forever.
This is a very important topic and introducing it to children at an early age makes a lot of difference. Children easily get upset over small changes. Sometimes changes can be overwhelming. Here the author in a very comforting manner with rhyming lines and beautiful illustrations explains this topic. It talks of feelings, weather, people, animals etc
Author gives a relatable scenario - a child who might feel strange in a new school with no friends at first but soon will make new friends - this clearly shows the child's fear at first but slowly accepting the new changes.
Easy language
Big Colourful illustrations
Thick glossy pages
Relatable examples
Comforting
Gives hope
Emotional awareness
This book is a perfect way to teach children that changes while sometimes disappointing can also lead to new joys. Infact we as adults also need this reminder.
June 8, 2025
do you know that as babies, we lose interest in peek-a-boo by the time we reach the nine-month mark? this happens because of something known as 'object permanence' in which we develop an understanding that mom continues to exist even when not seen. this is one of the many important milestones that contribute to the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development in us.
why am i telling you all this? because after reading this book, i strikingly realized how we learn 'object permanence' during our initial years of cognitive development only to unlearn it in the later years, all thanks to the dynamic nature of life.
this book celebrates life's impermanence in a lyrical manner with evocative artworks. with each page we turn, we embrace the idea that nothing's permanent in life with the help of easy examples and everything is constantly changing. and that this change is not something we need to be scared of. If it's exciting, we can enjoy it; if it's scary, we can slow down, take some deep breaths and let everything unroll, because the only thing that's permanent in life is that it's not.
why am i telling you all this? because after reading this book, i strikingly realized how we learn 'object permanence' during our initial years of cognitive development only to unlearn it in the later years, all thanks to the dynamic nature of life.
this book celebrates life's impermanence in a lyrical manner with evocative artworks. with each page we turn, we embrace the idea that nothing's permanent in life with the help of easy examples and everything is constantly changing. and that this change is not something we need to be scared of. If it's exciting, we can enjoy it; if it's scary, we can slow down, take some deep breaths and let everything unroll, because the only thing that's permanent in life is that it's not.
August 23, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Shambhala Publications for this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
“Everything Changes” written by Carol Dodd and illustrated by Erin Huybrechts is a children's picture book, but the message within the pages is one suitable for ALL ages. This rhyming book is filled with gorgeous watercolor style illustrations and features q variety of landscapes, animals, and people of varying cultural, racial/ethnic and religious backgrounds. My only complaint is that disability is not (visibly) represented. Despite this, I would still recommend this book to others as a great tool for talking about how change is okay and a normal part of the human experience.
“Everything Changes” written by Carol Dodd and illustrated by Erin Huybrechts is a children's picture book, but the message within the pages is one suitable for ALL ages. This rhyming book is filled with gorgeous watercolor style illustrations and features q variety of landscapes, animals, and people of varying cultural, racial/ethnic and religious backgrounds. My only complaint is that disability is not (visibly) represented. Despite this, I would still recommend this book to others as a great tool for talking about how change is okay and a normal part of the human experience.
May 25, 2025
Change can be frightening, but 'Everything Changes and That’s Ok' reminds us that change is all around us. A playful puppy, full of energy, could grow up to be a dog that likes to lounge about all day. A new school is daunting, but perhaps new friendships are just around the corner.
Rhyming verse doesn’t always work for me, but this book did, for the most part. It’s a gentle, beautiful read, inviting us to slow down and look at how the world changes both swiftly and imperceptibly. Words and pictures come together to make this book one that children of all ages and adults too can enjoy.
More on my blog - https://www.varshaseshan.com/everythi...
Rhyming verse doesn’t always work for me, but this book did, for the most part. It’s a gentle, beautiful read, inviting us to slow down and look at how the world changes both swiftly and imperceptibly. Words and pictures come together to make this book one that children of all ages and adults too can enjoy.
More on my blog - https://www.varshaseshan.com/everythi...
October 7, 2022
This is one of the most gorgeously illustrated children’s books that I have seen. Go slowly and let the pictures speak to you (and the child that you may be reading this to.) The subject is impermanence, a topic that I was recently learning more about in a book by Pema Chodron. Here the concept is presented in an easy to understand both neutral and positive way. Learning to accept that things change truly can help in living one’s life. The earlier this is learned, maybe the better!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Shambala Publications, Inc. for this title. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Shambala Publications, Inc. for this title. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2022
This was such a lovely story about impermanence that even young kids can understand.
My children enjoyed the rhyming verse and the sweet message. The illustrations are colorful and depict children and animals from all over the world. The author’s note at the end adds more context to the content of the story.
This book is a great addition to a home library that supports the development of the whole child.
Thank you to Shambhala Publications and NetGalley for the advance reader copy!
My children enjoyed the rhyming verse and the sweet message. The illustrations are colorful and depict children and animals from all over the world. The author’s note at the end adds more context to the content of the story.
This book is a great addition to a home library that supports the development of the whole child.
Thank you to Shambhala Publications and NetGalley for the advance reader copy!
May 31, 2025
Everything Changes is a gentle, reassuring book that helps children understand and accept the natural flow of change in life. With simple yet powerful words—“Everything changes, and that’s OK”—it offers comfort in times of uncertainty and encourages mindfulness through deep breaths and hopeful thinking. Perfect for little ones navigating big feelings, this beautifully illustrated book is both calming and empowering. A lovely read for children and parents alike.
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March 22, 2023This is such a lovely, reassuring picture book, both in terms of the gorgeous artwork and the language. I could see this being very helpful for young children struggling with the changeability of life. The illustrator's decision to portray a variety of ecosystems and cultures speaks to what binds us together as residents of planet Earth.
September 8, 2024
The illustrations are bright and a number of the pages have a multiple animals children will enjoy looking at (however, the animals are in incongruous proximity, eg a fox near a rabbit and skunk). The text is simple and somewhat limited to convey the message of everything changes. The book would probably appeal most to 2-4-year olds.
July 31, 2022
Such a beautifully book that reminds us that change is just around the corner, but that's okay. Especially with children who have so little control on the big decisions in their lives. I love the concept and the way it is written.
November 23, 2022
Won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I loved it. Such a sweet simple book explaining how thing change and how it's ok. Giving it to the kids of a friend that just had a new baby. They're going to love it.
April 6, 2023
Cute picture book about the changes in life and how little things change but is still ok. Would be a cute read aloud for storytime or for kids who are experiencing some anxiety around life transitions.
June 19, 2024
Nice, reassuring text assures the reader that, though nothing can stay the same, we don't need to be thrown by changes. Night turns into day, seeds turn into trees - nearly everything grows and ages.
With lovely illustrations by Erin Huybrechts.
With lovely illustrations by Erin Huybrechts.
July 21, 2025
An absolute must have to introduce the simple yet complex concept of change. It's so relevant for a child (and adult too) to explain how things are constantly changing and the only thing we can do is embrace it with an open heart. The illustrations will speak to a child's eye and mind.
November 20, 2022
review tba!
December 11, 2022
Simple message and we liked the illustration
January 6, 2023
A reassuring introduction to the concept of impermanence.
April 6, 2024
Conceptually terrific -- there's not a lot out there encouraging kids to accept/embrace impermanence. The artwork is really tough to get past, though.
November 29, 2024
Might be a lovely addition to the SEL tub.
December 19, 2024
Nothing stays the same forever. But the way you feel and experience of that change will make a big difference
April 30, 2025
📌 Borrowed via Libby and loved it! More details soon! 💕
May 18, 2025
"Everything Changes and That's Okay" is a young adult book that EVERYONE needs to read. There's no doubt that we are living in a rapidly changing world. These days, not only do things change quickly, but people do too. And while that can be good for them, it can sometimes be hard for those around them.
"Everything Changes" teaches us that it's okay for things, people, or even us to change. It can be alarming at times, but on the positive side, nothing stays the same, not even our sad moments. This book reminded me that some of us might be crying ourselves to sleep these days. Maybe some of us feel lost, or maybe we just don't feel motivated to even do simple tasks. But it's important to remember, it won’t always be like this.
This book was a warm hug to my soul, not just because of its powerful and soothing words, but also because of the eye-pleasing illustrations by Erin. I've always been a fan of rhyming poems over free verse ones (I hope I'm using the right term!). So, this book basically felt like a package full of 5-star reads.
QOTD: What’s one book that felt like a warm hug to your soul?
"Everything Changes" teaches us that it's okay for things, people, or even us to change. It can be alarming at times, but on the positive side, nothing stays the same, not even our sad moments. This book reminded me that some of us might be crying ourselves to sleep these days. Maybe some of us feel lost, or maybe we just don't feel motivated to even do simple tasks. But it's important to remember, it won’t always be like this.
This book was a warm hug to my soul, not just because of its powerful and soothing words, but also because of the eye-pleasing illustrations by Erin. I've always been a fan of rhyming poems over free verse ones (I hope I'm using the right term!). So, this book basically felt like a package full of 5-star reads.
QOTD: What’s one book that felt like a warm hug to your soul?
May 30, 2025
I loved this book's gentle rhymes and stunning artworks. It's a comforting read that helps kids see change as something to embrace, not fear. Perfect for bedtime or classroom reading, it's a treasure for nurturing resilience and gratitude in young hearts. But the message is not delivered profoundly otherwise I just love the illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews