Book Description
for The House That Floated by Guojing
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
In this wordless story rendered in soft chalk drawings, a family faces a difficult change with teamwork and creativity. Before their child is born, a young couple lives in a small, red house on the edge of a sheer cliff overlooking the sea. When they have a child, their lives continue in much the same way. Together they fish, watch dolphins, enjoy the outdoors, and carve small wooden figurines for their fireplace mantel. As time passes, though, it becomes clear that environmental change is taking place. The sea level is rising, bringing water perilously close to the top of the cliff, until finally it is at their doorstep. Working together as always, the family gathers wood and constructs a large, sturdy raft. They take a moment to say goodbye to what remains of the land that was their home before leaving in a small motorboat, towing the house on the raft behind them. They travel overnight before spotting a lighthouse, on a different cliff, with people nearby: the promise of a new home. Sadly relevant in today’s changing climate, this story celebrates determination and resilience.
CCBC Choices 2026. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, 2026. Used with permission.

