Making Space

by Paola Quintavalle, Miguel Tanco (illustrator)

A delightful and inspiring picture book about making time for the little things that make life rich and beautiful, from author Paola Quintavalle and award-winning illustrator Miguel Tanco

Watching a flower grow. Taking time to say goodbye. Giving yourself the chance for another try. Holding hands and letting go. And welcoming the night when the moon is up.

These are all things for which we need to make time—things that involve both imagination and intention, even though they are ordinary. By sharing these small moments, this playful, conceptual book inspires us not to waste but to fill the precious time we have on our hands.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

56 pages, Hardcover

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, I didn't understand what is happening here. But when a reader repeats the title on every page, AHA, the words make perfect sense. Making space...

For things that can go wrong.
To stop and take a breath.
For what you do not know yet.
For what can bring you joy.

Great reminders for everyone in this little charming book. The artwork is sweetly detailed in a yellow, black and white pallette.

[Vincent Desjardins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet little book reminded me a bit of some of the books Maurice Sendak, early in his career, illustrated for Ruth Krauss, like "A Hole is to Dig." Miguel Tanco's cute and funny illustrations, with their wiggly, sketchy lines are closer to Quentin Blake than to Sendak but they are just as charming. This is a book that proves the old adage that it's the little things in life that make life worth living. This is also a book that you will likely want to read over and over. It's a wonderful reminder to slow down and savor the small moments.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collection of sweet illustrations with sparse text. Curious how children will interact with this since there isn’t a narrative arc.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes much more sense if you read "Make space" before each sentence in the book. Make space... "For those who arrive, and those who are just passing by," for example.

Spend a little time with it; absorb each page before moving on. Perhaps think of something in your own life that can be inspired by the prompt - who has arrived in your family, or classroom, or neighborhood? And how can you make space for them?

Reminds me of the classics by Ruth Krauss such as A Hole is to Dig.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Making Space is a picture book that is timely in helping us take a deep breath and slow down and appreciate certain things in our lives.

To plant a seed and watch it grow.
To stand up to our fears.
For those who are no longer here.
For what you do not know yet.
For taking a chance.

Wait, is this for kids?! Sure, it gets housed in picture books, but it is clearly an all ages picture book. Maybe the central feature is the artwork by Miguel Tanco that reminds me of the whimsical sketchy art of Jules Feiffer. With soft lemon coloring her and there. Sweet and thoughtful and whimsical.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 'take time to smell the roses' book. Childhood scenes of play are interwoven with the little moments that pass us by, that we do not take the time to fully appreciate, the wonder associated with just discovering what life has to offer. By using children engaging in play I think the author is trying to make a very important point: life has to be lived to the fullest everyday.

[Tracy Mabry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too small for Storytime, but absolutely enchanting and beautiful!

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book for a child to ruminate on making space for all the things that can happen, both good and bad. I love the size. Freely drawn illustrations by Miguel Tanco.

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amei mais as ilustrações que o texto. Sempre fico fascinada com livros feitos em nanquim e apenas uma cor de aquarela.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't bad, but it was wholly uninteresting. 2 1/2 stars, rounded up.

[Jennifer Ingle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple and poetic children’s book with whimsical illustrations

[Mayu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent. Nice art style

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It harkens back to classic children’s books, while celebrating beautiful small moments in the every day. Not really a story, but a lovely little book to peruse.

[Steph Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe life's purpose is really to embrace the details that do matter. Stuffies approved!

[Donna Allen-Krug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!
Plan to gift a copy to a dear froend going through some challenging life changes.