Rip Van Winkle's Return

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving to a new city, starting a new school, or realizing that friends have changed while they stayed the same. It is a gentle but profound tool for helping children process the 'out of place' feeling that comes with rapid change. Eric A. Kimmel adapts the classic Washington Irving tale into a lushly illustrated story about a man who sleeps for twenty years and wakes up to a world that has moved on without him. While the premise is fantastical, the emotional core is deeply relatable: it explores the sadness of what is lost and the courage required to find a new place to belong. It is perfect for children aged 5 to 10 who are learning to navigate the passage of time and the evolving nature of home.