The Playdate Kids: Danny is Moving

Annie Thiel, PhD
Playdate Kids Publishing (2006)
ISBN 9781933721026
Reviewed by Stephanie and Parish (age 3) Rollins for Reader Views (3/07)

Dr. Annie Thiel has written several books that address the emotions children face through different types of changes in their circumstances.  Dr. Thiel is a child psychologist.  She has a practice in Malibu, California.

In “Danny is Moving,” Danny’s mother receives notice that she was accepted for a better position, but they have to move.  Danny does not want to leave his familiar house and neighborhood.  He explains that he likes his house, toys, friends, and school. 

He finds a counselor in his friend, Charlotte.  He tells her of his different feelings, and Charlotte comforts him.  Danny learns to “use his words” to express himself.  Danny finds that his new house, neighborhood, and school have fun aspects.  He keeps his old friends as well as his new friends.

Dr. Thiel uses characters that are relatable to children.  Some of the children are attractive, but some are not.  There are children with different hair and skin colors.  Some wear glasses.  Some need braces.  They are normal kids. 

Parish likes the pictures.  They are bright and bold.  Danny’s mother drives a pink car.  Parish thinks this is really cool.  She also likes the sandbox, tire swing, and the way Danny looks when he runs.

“Do you like this book?”
“Yes.  I want to read it again. Right now.”

“Okay.  First tell me why you like it.” 
“I like the car.”

I flip through the book.  There is a page with Danny showing different emotions.  Parish points to the sad pictures.
“He is crying.  Why does he cry?”

I explain that some people are sad when they move.  I show her that a child is making faces in one picture.  She laughs.  Parish likes Dakota, a pig-tailed friend of Danny’s. 
“She has pigtails, too.  Like me” 

“Do you want to keep this book?” 
“Yes.” 

She takes “Danny is Moving” to her box of books in the bathroom.  That is a sure sign that she likes the book.

Dr. Thiel has such a talent for relating to children.  She, once again, uses her talent to lesson the emotions related to change.  Even if your child is not experiencing a move, this book is enjoyable.  Parish and I recommend “Danny is Moving.” 

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