Every Space Between

Written by Naseem Hrab

Illustrated by John Martz 

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-710-0

48 pp.

Ages 3–7

March 2026

 

There are big, big moments in life that we can't help but acknowledge. For a child, it might be a special birthday, the first day of school, or a new home. Sometimes though big moments are not as positive. But they're all the kind of moments that children don't forget. But not everything is a big moment. And, in order to get the big moments, those other moments have to happen too.

From Every Space Between, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by John Martz

Every Space Between is less story and more insight. As two siblings, a younger sister and an older brother, go about their day, there are moments of heightened emotion and moments in between. We might recognize when we start something and anticipate how it will end but what of the space in between? From playing with her dog to reading to going out for ice-cream, this child's day is filled with moments: expected, unexpected, memorable, and forgettable. But there are also bothersome moments—a tuba mishap with the dog ball, a demolished house of cards, a tumbling ice cream—and will these calamities wash out the good?

Certain in-betweens

are as breathtaking

as the shift from

day to night

just before

the starts wake up

and the light scatters

and the sky glows . . . (pg. 46)

From Every Space Between, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by John Martz

Naseem Hrab, author of Weekend Dad (2020), Otis & Peanut (2023), and How to Be Brave Like a Snail (2025), takes an almost philosophical approach to the idea of moments in time and the circumstances of those moments. But, though it could be a heavy topic, Naseem Hrab just makes young readers think about those in-betweens. We all remember the great and the horrific moments, but they are rare when we consider all the time and experiences spent in between them. Although it's not a mindfulness practice, thinking about those in-betweens while we're in the in-betweens can give us a different perspective on the big moments and the beginnings and endings of experiences. It's actually insightful to have kids think beyond, or rather between, the occasions. Focus on everyday school work not the exam at the end. Enjoy the moments of camaraderie and comfort of team play rather than the outcome of the game. There is so much special in the in-betweens.

From Every Space Between, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by John Martz

I'm embarrassed to say that I've never reviewed a book illustrated by John Martz though his artwork has been nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award, the Eisner Award, and the Doug Wright Award. This Toronto cartoonist, illustrator, and writer creates digital art that is both simple and filled with details that may be ordinary but say a lot. Two kids reading on a couch is more because of the kiss on a forehead, a scratching of a knee, a hamster hiding, a stray playing card, and a dog and a cat napping. And every John Martz illustration makes the reader think about what is happening, what could happen, and what it all means.  

 

There's always more to life than the highlights that others or we remember. There's much more to this sibling relationship than some accidents and bickering. And Naseem Hrab wants us to see all those extras that aren't just in-between but rather the stuff that gives substance and content for the rest.