We’re Moving Away (Nina Nill, Bright Light)

Nina Nill is an Australia-based artist and illustrator who has amassed a large Instagram following for her digital art. We’re Moving Away is her first picture book, a gentle, warm-hearted tale of a family moving to a new country. Pairing a sparse narrative that speaks directly to young children with charming and vibrant illustrations, Nill explores the role objects and people play in building a home. Nill presents the characters’ lists of ‘things to bring’ and ‘things to leave’ through a collection of illustrated objects, cleverly engaging young readers in the characters’ decision-making. But the true power of this book lies in Nill’s talent for conveying emotion through image. On one page, dusky light casts long shadows across an empty room, echoing the main character’s feelings of sadness and uncertainty. On another, white space surrounds family and friends as they huddle together to say goodbye, emphasising the role togetherness plays in our sense of belonging. We’re Moving Away is a story of departure and arrival, upheaval and uncertainty, and the quiet courage needed to leap into the unknown. This stunning book offers readers aged three and up a powerful message: amid any kind of change, they can find comfort and hope.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Jacqui Davies is a freelance writer and reviewer based in South Australia. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Reviews