Finnikan’s Big Move: a “Sunday Spotlight” Children’s Book Review

After taking last Sunday off due to being sick, I’m excited to be back and to share this week’s “Sunday Spotlight” book.

Each week in “Sunday Spotlight”, I highlight a children’s book that I genuinely love, sharing my perspective as both a mom and a counselor. You’ll find an honest review, along with simple and meaningful ways to weave social-emotional learning (SEL) into story time, whether you’re reading at home, in a counseling office, or in a classroom.

At the end of each post, I include a link to purchase the book if you’re interested. These are affiliate links, but there is never any pressure to purchase. Clicking and buying through them does not add any extra cost for you and does not impact the author; it’s simply one optional way to support this blog.

This Week’s Pick: Finnikan’s Big Move

This week, I’m sharing Finnikan’s Big Move, written and illustrated by P.J. Gonzaba.

This story follows Finnikan, a young fennec fox, as he prepares for his very first big move. Finnikan’s dad is in the military, and the family must relocate, an experience that is both exciting and overwhelming. The book thoughtfully explores how Finnikan’s parents talk with him about the upcoming move, how his friends respond to the news and help make his final days special, and how Finnikan eventually begins forming new friendships in his new home.

Finnikan’s Big Move is a gentle, reassuring story that normalizes the wide range of emotions children experience during big transitions. Fear, sadness, excitement, uncertainty, and hope all show up in realistic and age-appropriate ways. Rather than rushing Finnikan through these feelings, the story allows space for them, which is exactly what many children need when facing change.

Growing up in a military family, and later working as a counselor with many children from military families or families navigating frequent moves, this book holds a special place in my heart. Stories that make difficult or intimidating topics more approachable for kids are always favorites of mine, and this one does that beautifully.

Finnikan experiences the emotional ups and downs most children feel during a move, making this book an excellent tool for parents and caregivers who may be unsure how to begin these tough but necessary conversations.

A Note on the Illustrations

I absolutely love the playful proportions of the characters in this book. The oversized heads add a sense of whimsy and warmth, instantly drawing young readers in and making the story feel approachable and fun.

Some of my favorite illustrated moments include scenes where Finnikan and his friends are making comic books, playing a board game, visiting the arcade, and imagining themselves as pirates. These moments are rich with imagination and joy, and they help readers truly feel like they’re stepping into Finnikan’s world. The illustrations reinforce the emotional heart of the story while celebrating friendship, creativity, and play.

From a Counselor’s Chair

From a social-emotional learning perspective, I especially appreciate books whose core message is clear without requiring heavy explanation, and Finnikan’s Big Move does exactly that. A child can read this story and understand the message on their own, yet it also opens the door for deeper conversations when read alongside a trusted adult.

This is absolutely a book I would have kept within arm’s reach in my counseling office. Many of my clients were navigating frequent moves, and having a story that reflected their experiences would have been incredibly validating for them.

This book works well in a variety of settings, but I feel it would be most powerful when read one-on-one or in small groups. Those settings naturally allow for follow-up questions, emotional check-ins, and personalized discussions that can help children feel seen and supported.

Military family life counselors, school counselors, parents preparing for a move, and children’s counselors, this is one to add to your shelves.

Ways to Expand Learning with Finnikan’s Big Move

Here are several simple, effective ways to extend learning and support social-emotional development using this book:

1. Name the Feelings

Pause during the story and ask children to identify how Finnikan is feeling at different moments. You can use emotion words or visual emotion charts to help build emotional vocabulary.

2. “Have You Ever?” Connections

Invite children to share times they’ve experienced a big change, moving, starting a new school, welcoming a new sibling, or saying goodbye to friends. This helps normalize their experiences and builds empathy.

3. Draw or Write About Change

Ask children to draw a picture of something they’re excited about and something they’re worried about when it comes to change. Older children can write or dictate their thoughts.

4. Create a Goodbye or Welcome Ritual

Inspired by Finnikan’s friends, brainstorm ways to say goodbye to people or places that matter, or ways to welcome something new. This could include letters, drawings, memory jars, or small celebrations.

5. Build a Coping Toolbox

Talk about what helps Finnikan feel better throughout the story, then help children identify tools they can use when they feel sad, nervous, or overwhelmed (deep breathing, talking to a trusted adult, drawing, playing, etc.).

6. Role-Play New Situations

Practice meeting new friends or entering a new environment through simple role-play. This can be especially helpful for children who feel anxious about the unknown.

7. Focus on Strengths and Support Systems

Discuss the people who support Finnikan during his move and identify who supports the child in their own life. This reinforces the idea that they are not alone.

If you need more ideas, reach out to me!

More to the Series

Finnikan’s stories continue with 4 more books in the series. These include stories about Finnikan’s first day of homeschooling, lessons in sharing and gratitude, and how Finnikan helps a friend overcome feelings of fear. I can’t wait to read these.

Want to See a Book Featured?

For “Sunday Spotlight”, my goal is to review 1–3 children’s books each week. If you have a book you’d love to see featured, are a children’s book author yourself, or know an author who might enjoy having their story reviewed, I’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out anytime at guidedbygiggles@gmail.com 💛

Let’s keep celebrating stories that help kids grow, one giggle (and page) at a time.

Click the picture to grab your copy of Finnikan’s Big Move.