The Balcony

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition, particularly a move from a familiar, wide-open space to a more restrictive or urban environment. It is an essential tool for children struggling with a sense of displacement or the grief of leaving behind a beloved home. Through its lush and wordless pages, the story follows a young girl who feels lost in the grayness of a new city but finds agency by cultivating a magnificent garden on her small balcony. Because the book relies entirely on Melissa Castrillón's intricate, stylized illustrations, it allows parents to sit closely with their child and name the emotions they see on the page. It beautifully balances the heavy feeling of loneliness with the quiet power of creativity and resilience. This is a comforting choice for children aged 4 to 8, helping them understand that while we cannot always control where we live, we can always find ways to make our new surroundings bloom with the things we love.