I Need Space by Molly Harris & Jon Corby

Incredibly relatable title to me rn.

This charming children’s picture book tells the story of Rocco the Rocket Ship, who enjoys playing in outer space with his friends. There are so many awesome things to do and see on the interplanetary playground but, unfortunately, not everyone plays as nice as he and his best friend do. Some people hog the equipment, some ignore the posted directions, and some just play too rough. What’s an overwhelmed rocket ship to do in the face of all this turmoil?

I’m ngl, sometimes I wish I could float off into the deep, dark reaches of outer space just to have some responsibility-free peace and quiet, too. Hiding in bed helps, as do the more general tips included in the back of this sweet, smart and accessible book about reclaiming your time and just taking a break when things get to be too much. In the immortal words of Mountain Bike Steve, “Rest is the quiet strength of all routines.” Like MBS, Rocco knows that the best way to keep going is to take a little break and reset. He’ll be ready for more fun times with his friends once he’s sufficiently recovered.

The extra page of information in the back on outer space adds even more science education to the personal health aspect. Some people will say that Rocco is autistic-coded, but as a neurotypical I can affirm that he is also very Aquarius- and anyone-who-isn’t-a-raging-extrovert coded. This book will hopefully help people who need time alone learn how to better communicate their boundaries, as well as engender sympathy in those who don’t necessarily understand why other people would welcome a time out.

And can we talk about that amazing art?! I cannot believe that this is Jon Corby’s first picture book! The art is entirely space-tiki-themed — an aesthetic I absolutely adore! — sort of like The Jetsons but with anthropomorphized inanimate objects that are both adorable and expressive. Perhaps more stunningly, the colors as Rocco travels through space are so vivid I could practically hear them! (lol, I swear I’m neurotypical, y’all.)

I really enjoyed this picture book, and highly recommend it for all children’s libraries (and for some adults who don’t understand that needing some time to myself doesn’t mean I’m rejecting them, it means I’m choosing to prioritize my own mental health.)

I Need Space by Molly Harris & Jon Corby was published October 27 2026 by Margaret K McElderry Books and is available from all good booksellers, including