Review: Miri's Moving Day

Miri's Moving Day

by Adam R. Chang and Stephanie Wildman, illustrated by Dream Chen

Kar-Ben Publishing (imprint of Lerner Publishing Group), 2024

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Shanna Silva

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Miri, who is of mixed Jewish and Chinese ancestry, is preparing for her family’s moving day. She is reluctant to leave her current home and worries she will miss the stone lions that flank her building’s entrance. These lions represent the familiar, but also serve as spiritual guardians from her Chinese heritage. Miri’s transition is made smoother by her grandfathers, Zayde and Yeh Yeh, who present her with a new mezuzah and a smaller pair of stone lions for her new apartment. This story captures the wonderful relationships between grandparents and grandchildren, particularly when the grandparents are part of the regular care-taking and routine. The two sides of the family, refreshingly, respect each other’s cultures and traditions. The family unit has a nice blend of both sides, which appears to be seamless. Miri’s family exemplifies acceptance and inclusion. The universal themes of moving and change are relatable to any child, and young readers will understand the importance of security items that provide continuity and stability.

Miri’s Moving Day has literary merit and positive, authentic Jewish content. The illustrations by Chen depict Jewish heritage in the décor, including a Star of David, Shabbat candlesticks, a mezuzah, challah, and kippot. The entire family shares a Shabbat dinner together after the move. The Chinese heritage is also well represented. An authors’ note provides background on both the Chinese lions and the mezuzah. This book meets the criteria for the Sydney Taylor Book Award.

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Reviewer Shanna Silva is an award-winning author and Broadway producer. She has written three children’s picture books: A Dog’s Guide to Being Human, Hannah’s Hanukkah Hiccups and Passover Scavenger Hunt. Shanna is also the author of over 55 hi/lo books for emerging readers. Her work has been featured in Kveller, Bella Magazine, Twins Magazine, Multiples Illuminated I and II, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Shanna lives in New York with her family and a meshuggenah sheepadoodle.