My unofficial motto, as both an astro fan and as an introvert who needs to decompress after teaching 125 young artists a day, is “I Need My Space!” So imagine my delight to learn that a picture book marrying these concepts is about to launch. I caught up with author Molly Harris to learn more:
Me: Congratulations on I NEED SPACE (Margaret K. McElderry Books, Fall 2026)! It’s a fun celestial journey that also mirrors the often overwhelming inner journeys that kids take every day. What inspired you to write this book?
Molly: This story came to me one night while talking to my son in his space-themed bedroom about why he didn’t want to go to school anymore. He was dealing with a friend who was playing rougher than he liked–not in a mean way, but in a high energy, in-your-face kind of way, and it was clearly causing anxiety for my son who had no idea how to handle it. I suggested, “It’s always okay to say, ‘I need space.’” And as I looked around his room at the star projector, and planet sheets, and rocket-shaped pillow, I thought, “Surely someone has written a book about personal space set in space?” Well… now they have!
Me: I, for one, can relate with being in a hectic asteroid field (I teach elementary art) and needing to blast away to the quiet vastness for a spell. How do you like to recharge?
Molly: Oh, I LOVE taking space to myself. I’ve worked from home for most of my working life, and that’s definitely by design. I’m perfectly comfortable in groups of 2-3 people, but any bigger than that and it starts to take a toll on me. I once heard the term “social hangover” and think that’s the perfect way to describe it. And the only cure for my social hangover is going hermit mode. I withdraw to my bed. I write or read or play a low-stakes video game–something quiet and not too stimulating. I do an extended skincare routine. I have a good snooze. And then I emerge from my shell in the morning, hopefully recharged and ready to do it all again!
Me: Jon Corby’s illustrations really take us on a fun ride! Did you know about his work before your collaboration? What was it like seeing him help bring your story to life?
Molly: Funny enough, I knew about Jon’s design work before we collaborated on I Need Space, because he was actually the art designer for my previous book, Whirby, illustrated by Jacob Souva and published by Harper Collins. When my editor Nicole Fiorica (McElderry) approached me with Jon’s portfolio, I was like, “Hang on… I’ve definitely seen this name on my PDFs?” But I had no idea he was an illustrator himself! That was a crazy coincidence.
Jon had his work cut out for him with this manuscript, because he had to make space look both fun and overwhelming. I also wanted space to be both a playground and be grounded in some realism for the astro enthusiasts out there. And several inanimate objects needed to show an extreme range of emotions. Seeing how he tied it all together into the final product is just amazing, and why I’m so lucky I get to work with talented artists like him!
Jon Corby
Me: How did you get into writing books for kids?
Molly: I thought I would write YA initially, because I love to read it. But while I was working on a YA novel, I had my first baby and started reading picture books again, something I hadn’t looked at since I was very young. I found myself very drawn to the format, interested in what worked and what didn’t, and suddenly all my creative ideas were coming out as picture books.
Me: Can you share what you’re working on next?
Molly: I’m always working on more big feelings books, but also some spooky books, some funny books, and maybe even one for the grown-ups… you’ll just have to stay tuned to see!
Me: Thank you so much for chatting, Molly. Wishing your book much success!
To learn more, please visit MOLLY HARRIS.
Photo: Saol Nua Photography
