Making Space

Gr 1-3–Beautifully simple yet moving text demonstrates the purpose that people put into things every day, such as holding a hand, letting go, planting a flower, then watching it grow. Each page contains a basic task in a single sentence. Illustrations are done in different hues of yellow with charcoal and black outlines rendering slightly different skin tones and hair styles. The delicate characters in the story are children depicting details of the narrative. A few animals are included on some of the pages. The art style is similar to Peter H. Reynolds’s work. There is some rhyme and rhythm in the reading of the story: “To stand up to your fears./ For those who are no longer here.” Children and adults will find the story charming, yet emotion-evoking as everything is relevant to real-life events. This quick read will certainly be a favorite, as it serves as a reminder that the little things in life with friends inform our best memories.