Annabelle’s Big Move
Author(s): Carla Golembe

Annabelle is used to her snowy home. Used to having her blanket by the fireplace and accustomed to having her bowls nearby. But when her family packs up all of their belongings one day, Annabelle’s home is about to change forever. With bright, expressive paintings and a simple text, Carla Golembe captures the travails and joys of moving – from a puppy’s point of view. A perfect story to share with young movers (and of course with their old and new friends) before and after the big move.

Review(s):
Annabelle the dog is confused by the odd behavior of the family she lives with. After they pack away her dog bowls and all the other dishes in the house, strange men come and carry away the furniture. When Annabelle is placed in a crate, which is in turn stowed away in the dark compartment of an airplane, she becomes alarmed. Will she ever see her home and family again?
She’s returned to her family, of course, but her world has been transformed. An ocean, tropical trees, and warm breezes replace the snowy landscape she has known. And naturally, there are new dogs. In the next part, Annabelle makes new friends on the beach and even learns to swim. The vibrant blend of bright illustrations and winsome text makes this a pleasant portrayal of a common trauma in many children’s lives.

April 15, 1999 Booklist, ALA

“Annabelle the dog barks at the moving van and is lonesome on the plane ride, but she’s happy when she and her family arrive at a tropical location ”where it smells like summer–every night.” Lonely for her old dog friends, Annabelle slowly makes new friends and learns to swim in the sea. Golembe’s bright, expressive paintings and simple text will appeal to young listeners whether they are facing a big move or not.” Horn Book

In two short stories, Golembe (Dog Magic, 1997) chronicles the relocation of Annabelle, a puppy, from the frozen tundra to the warm tropics, thereby addressing the wide range of emotions involved in moving. Annabelle likes her old home and all the routines associated with it; she’s consequently bewildered when her family packs everything up and movers take their belongings away. While Annabelle has settled into her new home, she is lonely and finds it difficult to make new acquaintances. “She saw dogs who looked strange to her, not like the dogs in her old neighborhood.” A romp at a local dog beach provides the opportunity for Annabelle to find friendship. Golembe’s illustrations are a panorama of lush tropical colors–vivid fuchsias, deep indigos, and rich azure hues entice the eye. Her sympathetic treatment of the subject and the positive resolution offers encouragement for children immersed in the turmoil of moving.
Kirkus Reviews

ISBN:9780395915431