Goodbye, Old House

This is the last time I'll fish in this river ...
This is the last time I'll run through these trees ...
This is the last time I'll dream by this fire …
Goodbye, old house. Goodbye.​

A heartwarming story of letting go and starting anew, of moving from the country to the city, with a unique illustration style that allows room and space for the reader's imagination.

Margaret Wild is one of Australia’s best-known and best-loved authors for young people. She has published over seventy picture books for young children. In 2020, Wild was awarded the Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature.

Ann James was a secondary art teacher before she took up children’s book illustration over twenty years ago. In her long career, James has illustrated over sixty books. In 2020, she was nominated as Australian Illustrator for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.

Honor Book: CBCA 2020 Awards, Book of the Year, Early Childhood​

A “Must Read Book About Moving For Kids” —Growing Book by Book

“Moving house can be fun and not scary with the right attitude… Striking [and] pleasing… would… soothe a child anxious about a potentially traumatic experience.” —Kirkus Reviews

​“Unlike most picture books about moving, this one has a distinctly upbeat vibe, thanks mainly to James’s striking illustrations... Details are childlike and relatable.” —The Horn Book

“Ann James’ painted illustration gives warmth and neutrality to the places, meaning that readers can impose their own familiar ideas about home onto them... Simple and effective.” —Book Trust

“Margaret Wild's minimal text combined with Ann James' muted story-telling illustrations leave plenty of room for the reader's imaginations. This heart-warming book offers a great starting point for opening up discussion about change...” —Red Reading Hub