I wanted to share a children’s book we received in exchange for a review The Nature of Change: Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World the book is written by Remne Marsh and the story is illustrated by Pumudi Gardiyawassam. Inside this post is my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the products you purchase.
I remember when we learned our Mobile Home was being sold and we had to move. That meant changes for our family which is something we all experience, but that does not mean it is always easy. Children was only 14 when we had to move from the only home he remembered. As a child change can upset a child when life looks different than what they know. A new home, a new school, new friends, or any unexpected change can bring a lot of questions and emotions. Not only for children but adults and pets to.
That is why I wanted to share a beautiful children’s book with you called The Nature of Change: Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World. I also will be taking a book into our Townhomes office and let them know they should keep a copy for new families moving in or out.
This children’s book is written by CNN national correspondent and children’s book author René Marsh and beautifully illustrated by Pumudi Gardiyawasam, this book is a heartfelt reminder that even during difficult seasons, hope can grow. If Charlie and I had been #Homeschooling we would have studied the Author who we hadn’t hear of. Had you?
The cover immediately caught my attention. The trees, flowers, and the beautiful pink butterfly create such a peaceful picture. I have never actually seen a pink butterfly, but seeing it on the cover reminded me so much of Suzanne. It felt like such a sweet little detail.
The story follows siblings Kit and Amal as they wake up in their new house and discover that everything feels different.
“Everything smells different,” Amal says.
“Everything looks different,” Kit says.
“The new house even sounded different.”
I think many of us can relate to those feelings. I remember when my family first moved into our townhome, everything felt unfamiliar. A new place means new sounds, new routines, and learning where you fit in. For children, moving can feel especially overwhelming because they are leaving behind what they know and trying to figure out where they belong.
As Kit and Amal explore the woods behind their new home, they begin noticing how nature handles change. The trees, spiders, flowers, and other parts of the natural world show them that change is part of life. Through those discoveries, they learn about determination, resilience, and hope.
One of my favorite things about this book is the message that change happens to everyone—not just adults. Children experience change too, and they need encouragement as they navigate those moments. Not only that change also affects our friends, family and even our pets.
This book is especially meaningful during back-to-school season. Going back to school can bring many changes for children: new teachers, new classrooms, new classmates, and new challenges. The Nature of Change is a wonderful reminder that even when things feel unfamiliar, children can find their way.
I also love that the beginning of the book includes a place to write who the book is to, who it is from, and the date it was given. I wish more children’s books included that. I have kept many books from Charlie and Suzanne’s childhood, and my mother-in-law always wrote the date inside the books she gave. I never thought about doing that at the time, but it is something I plan to continue in the future because those little notes become precious memories.
The illustrations throughout this book are absolutely amazing. They bring the story to life and make it even more special for young readers. You should see the colors used on the illustrations its like you can reach out and touch the trees and see the Butterfly up close.
The Nature of Change is a wonderful choice for children ages 4–8 and can help families talk about difficult transitions like moving, loss, divorce, starting school, or any major life change. René Marsh’s words remind children that even the hardest seasons can eventually bloom into something beautiful. But adults will also enjoy and learn from the story.
This book will be included in our Back-to-School Gift Guide, but I also think it belongs in a Summer Gift Guide because learning and reading should happen all year long. Just because children are out of school does not mean they should stop reading. Neither should adults.
I still believe that Charlie should read at least 30 minutes a day, and I should too. And if only I could get David to join us more often, I know it would help him continue improving his reading skills. Books have a way of teaching us lessons we carry long after the last page is turned. The Nature of Change is one of those books—a reminder that change may be difficult, but with determination, resilience, and hope, beautiful things can grow.
About the book:
From CNN national correspondent and children’s book author René Marsh comes a poetic and heartfelt book about two siblings who learn how to navigate a difficult life change while still holding on to hope. The Nature of Change is perfect for any reader ages 4 to 8 who needs encouragement and wisdom in the face of a challenge, big or small.
When Kit and Amal wake up in their new house, they can’t help but notice how different everything is. Mom and Dad say that change is a part of life, though that does not make it any easier. But as Kit and Amal explore the woods in their backyard, they notice how different parts of the natural world—from big trees to tiny spiders to climbing morning glories—navigate life’s changes with determination, resilience, and hope.
Written after losing her first child to brain cancer and finding solace in the natural world surrounding her, CNN national correspondent and author René Marsh shows readers that even the darkest moments can eventually bloom beautiful things.
- ideal for readers ages 4–8
- written by CNN national correspondent and children’s book author René Marsh
- perfect for tough situations such as loss, divorce, moving, and other major life changes
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
