Teaching Children the Value of Sharing Through Storytelling

Sharing is at the heart of every home exchange. When families welcome others into their home, they are not only offering a place to stay, but also sharing the everyday objects that make it a home. This includes books, kitchen utensils, garden spaces, and yes, even toys. For children, this can sometimes be a challenging concept. Learning to share what feels most personal is not always easy, yet it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience.

Introducing the picture book I Don’t Want to Share

To help families explore this topic with their children, the HomeExchange team has created a picture book: I Don’t Want to Share. Designed for children aged four and up, it is a short, engaging story with beautiful illustrations that brings the value of sharing to life.

The main character, Victor, is reluctant to let other children play with his toys while his family is away. He hides them all before their home exchange begins. But when he arrives at the new home in San Francisco, he discovers that the young girl who lives there has generously left all her toys for him to enjoy, along with a handwritten note of welcome. Through this act of kindness, Victor begins to understand that sharing creates opportunities for joy and friendship.

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The inspiration behind the book

The idea for the book I Don’t Want to Share grew out of the real experiences of HomeExchange families. Many members have described how their children’s initial hesitation about leaving toys behind quickly gives way to excitement when they discover the different toys left for them in their exchange home. These stories highlighted how home exchange naturally encourages children to embrace generosity, solidarity, and trust.

Motivated by these experiences, the HomeExchange team in France developed a story that would reflect this journey. The project was brought to life through the artwork of Marta Moreno, a renowned illustrator whose warm and expressive style perfectly captures the emotions of the story.

Why it matters for families

I Don’t Want to Share offers parents a practical way to introduce the idea of sharing before an exchange. It provides children with a relatable character and a positive example of how generosity can create connection across cultures and countries. With its large illustrations and short text, it is ideal for reading aloud and for encouraging early readers.

A book to keep and to gift

The book is now available in both paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon and in bookshops. It makes a thoughtful gift for families preparing for their first home exchange, as well as for seasoned members who wish to highlight the values that underpin the community.

At its core, I Don’t Want to Share is more than just a children’s story. It reflects the spirit of HomeExchange itself: that opening your home, and sharing what you have, can create lasting bonds and unforgettable experiences.

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