Reviewed by Constance Stadler for Readers' Favorite

Where To? by Roberta C. Stone is founded on a simple premise--a family looking for their ideal home. The search soon becomes an adventure. Beginning in the Arctic, glorious sunsets and friendly animals beckoned, but the prospect of frigid winters meant moving on. The discovery of a treehouse allowed taking in grand vistas and sleeping on cloud-made pillows but offered no protection from unpredictable weather. Remembering the tale of 'The Old Lady in the Shoe' -- the idea of living in a house fastened by giant laces was intriguing but sharing it with many children meant limited room. Living on a boat was an exciting thought. Playing with water life and the promise of a night sky revealing planetary splendor seemed to please everyone, but the distance from all that was familiar made the children hesitant. Initially, they thought living in an upside-down house might be fun. However, the necessary adjustments crossed that possibility off their list. Reflecting on all they had seen and why no place they explored felt like home, they came upon a sight that the entire family agreed was their perfect destination.

This story has a wealth of messages. With every choice made, the importance of family resonated. With each move from place to place, it became clear that home enhanced the closeness of a family. Each dismissal was rooted in the conviction that home and family were inextricably linked. Roberta C. Stone creates uplifting realizations in the rhyming structure of the story, yet deeper meanings resonate. The delightful illustrations by Ana K. Quintero fill pages, even where there is no narration, making it evident that the family moved quite a bit from place to place in their committed search. Where To? is best shared by a parent and a young reader who may never have grasped the importance of their family and what living in their home truly means -- values often taken for granted but could not be more important. The tale describes finding a location to be embedded in the hearts and minds of captivated children.