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My Very Own Space

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A little rabbit is trying to read his book in peace, but there's so much going on around him! Maybe he needs some space just for himself...

With minimal text accompanying beautiful and sweet illustrations, this charming picture book explores ideas of personal space and sharing in a way that even very young children can enjoy.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2017

1 person is currently reading
361 people want to read

About the author

Pippa Goodhart

222 books35 followers
Pippa Goodhart is the author of over a hundred children’s books, including the prize-winning picture book You Choose, and the Winnie the Witch series which she writes under the pen name of Laura Owen. She trained as a teacher and worked for many years in bookselling before becoming a mother and a writer.

See Laura Owen

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5 stars
44 (16%)
4 stars
92 (33%)
3 stars
112 (41%)
2 stars
23 (8%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsey.
1,126 reviews13 followers
August 11, 2017
The introvert in me adores this book. It allowed my extroverted daughter and I to have a needed conversation about space and why I need quiet sometimes.
Profile Image for Abigail.
7,891 reviews250 followers
September 10, 2019
A little rabbit must find the right balance between having some space of his own and interacting with his friends and loved ones in this sweet picture-book from British author/artist team Pippa Goodhart and Rebecca Crane. Initially taping off a spot of his own, and policing its borders vigilantly, the young leporine bookworm eventually finds himself a little lonely. Can he regain the companionship he has lost...?

I liked the idea, implicit in the story here, that finding balance is an important thing, and that even quiet book-lovers sometimes need people around. As someone who requires quite a bit of "alone time" to read and ponder, I identified with the rabbit's desire for a quiet spot of his own, but acknowledge that socialization is also vital. The artwork in My Very Own Space is colorful and very cute - I really liked Rebecca Crane's use of color and shape - reinforcing my impression that the publisher, Flying Eye Books, seems to produce visually striking picture-books. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about needing space, and needing companionship as well.
Profile Image for Courtney.
461 reviews105 followers
March 24, 2017
A cute, quick, and simplistic read that captivates with its adorable images and calm palate. My Very Own Space has much going on on the page. From trumpets to sneezing bunnies, to little rabbits playing soccer to one practicing ballet, and the main character who just wants to read. I feel this bunny's pain.

The illustrations are adorable to the max, and I love how gender neutral this book is. It is perfect for all children to help them understand the workings of personal space, trying to find one's place in a crowd, and being welcoming and respectful when it comes to one's space. The images do a wonderful job at telling the story, and while the narrative is short, sweet, and to the point, the minimal text will allow children to use the pictures to interact with the book.

What's better than books with bunnies for kids? A definite to have for bedtime/storytime/anytime with the little ones.
Profile Image for Lisa.
400 reviews
July 28, 2017
Very cute. Great for short attention spans.
Profile Image for Sarah.
32 reviews9 followers
February 23, 2017
Did you ever feel there were just so many people around you and you just wanted some time to yourself? Especially if you wanted to get some reading in. Poor little rabbit is having that exact situation; living in a household with so many other rabbits. Little rabbit creates his own space by drawing a big circle around himself to read, and no one is allowed beyond that line. Sometimes his siblings test that theory, but they finally leave him alone to do some reading. But even after reading, little rabbit realizes that he is missing out on some of the other activities his siblings are participating in. When one of his younger siblings starts to step across the line again, he finally lets them all in and they all enjoy each others company. He realizes that he does have his own space and time to himself in his bed.

This was certainly a very quick read, but sweet nonetheless. Part of me wishes there were a little more wording to tell more of the story; however, the illustrations are what truly create more of the "wording" for the book, as the illustrations depict a lot of what little rabbit is feeling and experiencing. I adore Rebecca Crane's illustrations within this book. They are sweetly depicted. with beautiful vibrant colors. I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
Profile Image for Leah.
283 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2017
Beautiful!

What a lovely book that can be appreciated and helpful on many levels. First, simple visual delight over the charming, sweet (but not at all cloying) illustrations. Then, learning that we can define our spaces, announce them to others, and make sure they respect our needs and desires. Maybe I want to be alone to read by myself for the next hour, but after that you can come in and play, or maybe I'll come out an play with you. A third option would be identifying with critters or activities in the story; a fourth? Inventing and writing down our own parallel account to the story about Little Rabbit Jack. I'm excited about future books in this series!
10 reviews
September 5, 2017
My Very Own Space by Pippa Goodhart is a very cute book perfect for preschoolers. It's main focus is to teach children about the importance of boundaries and how to create and find personal spaces. As an educator in the early childhood field, I know first hand how important it is to teach about healthy boundaries and creating and maintaining safe, personal spaces.

My Very Own Space is a great book to have in the classroom. It's beautifully illustrated, and simple to read and comprehend. The story is about a little rabbit who just wants to read his book, but can't concentrate as their is just so much going on around him. Frustrated at this, he creates a space that's just his. He maintains that it is his space, and it isn't for anyone else. Once he is ready to interact with others, he allows others into his space, but leaves a little area closed just for him.

In my classroom, we have two spaces that are dedicated personal spaces. Our cozy area has pillows, tinker toys, sensory bottles, and books. It is open to just one friend at a time, and children may come and go as they please. The second area is up in the loft. It features a giant pillow to sit on, and a bookshelf full of books. The loft area is strictly for books, and is only accessible to one child at a time.

By creating these spaces, it gives children the opportunity to calm down, and just be by themselves. For young children, providing the opportunity for alone time is very important as the world can be very overwhelming, which tends to lead to behavioral issues.

This book does a great job pointing out that it's okay to need personal space and that it's also okay to share space with others.This review was originally posted on Five Little Crayons
Profile Image for TammyJo Eckhart.
Author 23 books130 followers
June 5, 2017
While the book description on the back cover mentions "Jack" at no time in the book are any of the dozens of bunnies given names. Instead our eyes are drawn to the main bunny because he is the only one engaged in reading a book... no, not this book. We do get to see a few pages and his imagination about the book he's trying to read amid a whirlwind of bunny activity. The pages are huge and covered from edge to edge with images on slightly rough pages. My reading buddy liked touching the cover of the book which is rough as well except for a few smoother shinier parts.

There are probably around 100 words in total in the book and that includes the side words indicating some verbal actions from the non-reading bunnies. I found that my reading buddy did a great job of telling me the story for the pages without words at all and he really enjoyed doing that. The facial expressions and body language are so well drawn that my reading buddy had no problem identifying the various emotions the characters were feeling. We were both blown away by a circle and its qualities at one point but I'll let you discover that on your own. Oh, and the fact that the book's author may be British only matters for one single word but the context is pretty clear.

This is a great book for a younger but highly verbal child who likes bunnies or who might have empathy with the idea of being in a very big family. I think it could be a good transition book between plain picture books and learning to read, too, because the text is simple and the words easy. I'm not sure how much re-readability there is because my reading buddy wanted a different story a few minutes after we read this one and hasn't asked for this one again.
Profile Image for Maggie Mattmiller.
1,230 reviews22 followers
July 22, 2017
I was worried about where this one was going at first... I could see that we were getting to where the bunny realized he wanted to interact with the others, and wanted to include the others. (Which I will say, in how her/she created their own space, the bunny did seem a bit rude...) But I didn't want to message to go to the message that we should not have our own space at all!

I feel like I am finally learning about my own introverted personality, what that means, and that it's okay. I love that this book recognizes that it is nice to be around others, in social situations, but still that there is a time and place for being alone and recharging. Again, the bunny could have been more polite early on in creating its own space, but I like that this book doesn't totally flip and reject that concept. It kind of celebrates both. Which is exactly how my personality is!

Great conversations could be started with this one! Great for a school or home library!
Profile Image for Diane.
2,140 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2017
Loved the quality of hardcover, glossy heavy weight paper and awesome illustrations but, as an adult, I thought the story was just okay.

The story is about the bunny that feels he just needs his own space when the other bunnies are being too loud while he is trying to read his book. Once he finishes his book he realizes that he is missing out on a lot of fun and although sometimes you want to be alone, being with others can be fun as well.

I read this to my 5 and 3 years old grandchildren and the 5 year old thought it was more fun being with others than reading alone - LOL (she did enjoy the illustrations though)
Profile Image for Arminzerella.
3,746 reviews91 followers
April 10, 2018
A bunny wants to read in peace but can't find a quiet place to do so - all the other buns around him are loud and distracting and annoying. He marks out a space of his own and chases everybun else away. The bunny happily finishes his book, but then realizes he's all alone and maybe he doesn't want to be alone ALL the time. Just then a little bun wanders into his area and soon he's welcoming all the other buns back. They all seem to figure out that everyone needs their own space from time to time. Really adorable bunny illustrations and end papers - even the spine of this book is lovingly decorated with curious bunnies. Love the artwork.
Profile Image for Alicia Evans.
2,410 reviews38 followers
September 4, 2019
We read this at the library as part of our semi-annual puppet show. Sometimes it's hard to have one's own space when there's so much excitement happening all around us. I liked that the bunny was trying to express the need for alone time/personal space, but it felt a little odd considering all the yelling. Funny.

For: bunny fans; readers wanting a book about sharing a personal space.

Possible red flags: tantrums and yelling.
22 reviews14 followers
June 19, 2017
This was a cute, brief read with darling illustrations. The storyline was good but I was expecting a little bit more content. I think young children will enjoy looking at all the characters, their facial expressions and the activities they are all pursuing. I also liked the resolution at the end of the story.
Profile Image for Alice.
4,304 reviews36 followers
August 29, 2017
I liked my own place to read...and I would get very grumpy about my own reading space. I had more own room but reading in my room would make me sleepy, so I read in the bathroom...I know...think what you want! I like my own reading space! But I like to be around people in moderation but... there needs to be moderation!
Profile Image for Eragone.
131 reviews
February 13, 2021
El protagonista del cuento necesita tener su propio espacio (como todos), y se empeña en hacer una raya en el suelo que nadie podrá cruzar. Peeero se da cuenta de que estar con los demás también le puede gustar. Y no solo eso, sino que incluso lo necesita.
Este cuento, es para que aprendamos a valorar nuestro propio espacio y la compañía de quienes queremos. Nosotros decidimos a quien queremos dejar entrar en nuestro espacio vital. O si lo queremos compartir. Nadie nos puede imponer sus opiniones. Debemos respetarnos.
Profile Image for Villain E.
3,920 reviews19 followers
September 28, 2022
A young bunny wants his own space to read. He's too successful and chases everyone away, then gets lonely.

I feel like I've read a lot of picture books on the subject of wanting space and then getting lonely. This one sort of makes clear the point that it's okay to want space sometimes and to want to be with others sometimes.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,319 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2017
Awfully cute.

I love the illustrations, grown up and I still feel like that little bunny many days *side eye TBR pile* It was a bit brief even for a storytime read, but a great quiet time or bedtime read.

I was provided an e-arc by nobrow/flying eye books through edelweiss.
Profile Image for Juliana Lee.
2,272 reviews40 followers
August 24, 2017
Cute little rabbit in a red turtleneck wants to be alone to read his book. He draws a line around himself and refuses to let anyone else inside. But after enjoying his private time, he realizes that it might be fun to let others into his circle.
Profile Image for Rhianna.
201 reviews22 followers
September 27, 2017
KILL ME this was so cute. All the personality in the little bunny face are adorable and the story is so relatable. I too wish I could draw a line that no one could cross without permission, but, alas, we make do with what we have. Just like little rabbit Jack.
Profile Image for Maria.
207 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2017
What happens when you are in a house or space that is so crowded and loud that you can't read or concentrate? No matter where you go, someone is there making some sort of noise! But what happens when you are able to create a small space just for yourself..and no one bothers you?
Profile Image for Alyssa Gudenburr.
2,427 reviews15 followers
October 17, 2017
A bunny wants their own space in a large family of rabbits. So she draws a line around her and doesn't let anyone cross. A great yet simple story about balancing individual time with family time. Pictures are too small for storytime but would make a great one-on-one story.
Profile Image for Kelly.
8,819 reviews18 followers
November 20, 2017
Little bunny wants his own space to read his book. So he tries to create one. This story is like other "I want my own space" books, but it gets really muddled toward the end, both in illustrations and story.
Profile Image for Maggie Ignasiak.
378 reviews
November 28, 2017
This is very beautifully illustrated and great for learning about personal space, large families or groups, and being considerate of others. I wouldn't recommend it for a read aloud, and I won't be using it for storytime, but it is still cute.
Profile Image for Tricia.
493 reviews11 followers
January 4, 2018
Bunny needs his/her very own space! They just want to read their book in peace! Whhhhy won't everyone leave them alone?!

Except... maybe it's nice every once in a while to share your space with your friends.
Profile Image for Donna Mork.
2,108 reviews11 followers
March 5, 2018
Bunny wants his own space to read in. Puts a string around and says no one can cross that line. Well, one bunny crosses under the line. Bunny thinks it's funny and is ok for all to cross now. Then he finds his own space...in bed.
Profile Image for Garrett.
583 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2018
These bunnies are the cutest. And that's saying something considering bunnies are all cute. I'm talkin' stinkin' cute.

And one of those stinkin' cute bunnies...needs a space of their own. Find out what happens next by reading the book yourself because I'm not reading it to you.
Profile Image for Anna W. .
579 reviews22 followers
June 4, 2020
A good example of the balance between wanting a space of one's own and wanting companionship and love. This story would work well as a read aloud, since much of the statements can be read in funnier voices; however, a lot of the story is also in pictures and requires inference.
Profile Image for Rose Rosetree.
Author 15 books463 followers
September 17, 2023
Could this be a picture book spoof of Virginia Woolfe's classic, "A Room of One's Own"?

This is an up-to-date, kid-type version. And it just might have a happy ending.

I'm especially taken with the watercolor-ey illustrations by Rebecca Crane. But the text by Pippa Goodheart is excellent too.
Profile Image for Hope.
75 reviews
June 17, 2017
A very cute book full of rabbits. This is a really good book to read when you don't really want to read and for little kids.
Profile Image for Alaina Maxam.
728 reviews42 followers
June 26, 2017
THIS IS A VERY GOOD CHILDRENS BOOK THAT IS ABOUT PERSONAL SPACE
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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