The Spaces In Between
What’s inside...
The Spaces In Between follows several children in a bustling city as they search for secret spaces to escape the noise and chaos. Throughout the day, these children encounter various emotions such as anxiety, fear, kindness, and joy. The book provides relatable coping mechanisms, such as the comfort of a loved one, the joy of playing in puddles, and the sensory experience of autumn leaves. It also includes tips and suggestions at the end for finding peace and calm, which are practical for children everywhere.
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the characters handled changes in their lives? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
How do the spaces in between moments impact the characters' relationships and decisions?
What are some ways the characters express their feelings in the book? How do you express your feelings?
Why do you think the author chose to focus on the 'Spaces In Between'? What does it signify?
How does the setting of the story influence the events and the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on personal experiences that relate to the themes or situations in the book.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to stimulate deeper thinking.
Listen actively to your child’s responses, validating their feelings and thoughts to promote a safe environment for discussion.
Share your interpretations of the book’s themes and discuss any differing perspectives to enhance mutual understanding.
Relate the characters' experiences in the book to real-world scenarios to help your child apply the themes in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In the book, the main character learns to understand the feelings of others who are different from themselves, promoting empathy through their interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate and empathetic towards their peers, understanding that everyone has unique experiences and feelings.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The protagonist goes on a journey where they forge friendships that help them overcome challenges, showcasing the importance of building and maintaining relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to cherish and cultivate friendships, understanding that friends are important for mutual support and companionship.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: The story emphasizes the protagonist’s bravery in exploring unknown places and ideas, inspiring courage and curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace new experiences, whether it's trying a new activity or making new friends, and understand that facing the unknown can lead to personal growth and discovery.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various obstacles that they overcome through determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This imparts the value of not giving up in the face of difficulties, encouraging children to persist in their endeavors whether in academics, hobbies, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book introduces characters from diverse backgrounds and illustrates how they learn from each other’s differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and value diversity, understanding that everyone’s unique traits contribute to a richer, more inclusive community.