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I Need Space

By Molly Harris
Illustrated by Jon Corby
Margaret K. McElderry Books (S&S)

A rocket ship demonstrates how taking some time by yourself can you help cope with stressful or overwhelming situations in this sweet and brightly illustrated picture book about regulating emotions, perfect for fans of I Am a Tornado and Nobody Hugs a Cactus.

For a rocket ship like Rocco, space is one big playground, but like most playgrounds, not everyone plays by the rules. Rocco tries to be patient with the toy-stealers and line-cutters…until he’s knocked off course by some roughhousing meteors. Suddenly he can’t take it anymore!

Luckily, before he blows a fuse, Rocco remembers that sometimes the best way to cool his jets is to get some space. All it takes to refill his tank is a few peaceful minutes by himself—after all, space has plenty of room for everyone to have fun!

Reviews

  • "Gentle guidance that young readers will readily gravitate to."

    —Kirkus Reviews

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  • "Gravelly coloration in candy colors paints the universe in stars and curvy swirls. The spaceship’s lively voyage of self-discovery offers a planetary model of assured emotional regulation."

    —Publisher’s Weekly

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  • "Corby's energetic illustrations depict Rocco’s colorful journey through space, while the inviting text makes this an effective read-aloud. The story offers a gentle, relatable introduction to managing big emotions and recognizing when it is time to step away and re-center."

    —Booklist