In the tradition of Virginia Lee Burton's The Little House comes a heartfelt story about a father and son learning to accept the new while honoring and celebrating the old.
For as long as he can remember, Leo has lived in the blue house with his dad, but lately the neighborhood is changing. People are leaving, houses are being knocked down, and shiny new buildings are going up in their place. When Leo and his dad are forced to leave, they aren't happy about it. They howl and rage and dance out their feelings. When the time comes, they leave the blue house behind--there was never any choice, not really--but little by little, they find a way to keep its memory alive in their new home.
Winner of The Horn Book's 2021 Robin Smith Picture Book Prize
One of Publishers Weekly's Best Picture Books of 2020
An NPR Best Book of the Year
PRAISE FOR The Blue House:
“Wahl makes both characters distinctive and sympathetic, and devotes loving attention to every spread.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“An absolute treasure for anyone who has ever moved.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“An affecting story about loss and starting over.” —The Horn Book, starred review
“An emotionally resonant picture book.” —Booklist, starred review
“This powerfully relevant, moving portrayal of a loving single-parent family during a period of unexpected change and transition is a must-have.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“The Blue House is an immensely satisfying picture book about a family acclimating to a big change.” —BookPage
“This is a picture book that rewards repeat readings and will doubtlessly stay in readers’ memories.” --The Horn Book
“Refreshing. . . . This is a pragmatic alternative to Virginia Lee Burton’s The Little House, and kids will be glad to see that Leo and his dad negotiate their changing neighborhood. Make sure audiences get a look at opening and closing endpapers to see where Leo’s move took him.” —The Bulletin