I MOVE A LOT AND THAT'S OKAY

A boy in a military family learns to accept moving to new places in author/illustrator Perry-Knights’ picture book.

Seven-year-old Axel’s mom is in the Army. One afternoon, she tells him and his dad that they’ll be moving to a base in Italy. It’s not the first time they’ve moved, and Axel describes his comforting rituals to make things feel “okay.” For instance, while in temporary lodging, Axel and his dad always order the same dinner: “As long as we have pizza, I’m okay with that.” When the family arrives in Italy, Alex notes that everything is different—but ultimately still good. Axel quickly makes a new friend, introducing himself by saying, “I move a lot, and I’m okay with that.” Perry-Knights, a former “military kid,” walks readers through the steps a family goes through when stationed somewhere new. She explains jargon and abbreviations in kid-friendly ways, such as permanent change of station or PCS: “When I hear PCS, I know it’s time to leave our home and move again.” The full-color, cartoon illustrations are a bit unpolished, and younger readers may find the story overlong. However, children of soldiers will surely be glad to see their unique challenges represented. Axel and his family are illustrated with varying brown skin tones, and his mother has natural hair.

A valuable tale that military kids will find relatable.