Book Descriptions
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.
From the Publisher
A stunningly beautiful picture book from a critically acclaimed artist that follows a family who lives in a house by the sea as water levels start to rise.
A BOOKPAGE AND HORN BOOK BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
In this gorgeous, wordless story, a family makes their home on a cliff overlooking the sea. They live peacefully, spending their days exploring the ocean and filling their home with warmth and laughter. But as seasons pass, the waters rise, bringing the tides closer to the clifftop and the house. When a powerful storm rages and giant waves engulf the cliff, the family must leave—but not without their beloved home.
Inspired by true stories of communities relocating houses, award-winning artist Guojing evokes a family’s ingenuity and determination to save their home in a moving portrait of empathy, love and strength. Through dreamy ocean scenes and vibrant tones of red, pinks and blues, this striking narrative offers an adventure story with a dramatic and glorious ending.
A BOOKPAGE AND HORN BOOK BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
In this gorgeous, wordless story, a family makes their home on a cliff overlooking the sea. They live peacefully, spending their days exploring the ocean and filling their home with warmth and laughter. But as seasons pass, the waters rise, bringing the tides closer to the clifftop and the house. When a powerful storm rages and giant waves engulf the cliff, the family must leave—but not without their beloved home.
Inspired by true stories of communities relocating houses, award-winning artist Guojing evokes a family’s ingenuity and determination to save their home in a moving portrait of empathy, love and strength. Through dreamy ocean scenes and vibrant tones of red, pinks and blues, this striking narrative offers an adventure story with a dramatic and glorious ending.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
