What Is a Safe Space?

by Stevie Bees, illustrated by Carrie Schneider

🎉 Preorder through Barnstormer Publishing

Coming to Bookshop.org and others with ship dates in early February. See Bookfunnel for updates!

Did you know that being a Safe Space is something you can learn to do, and that no matter what, you deserve a Safe Space, too?

WHAT IS A SAFE SPACE? responds to the growing need for genuine inclusivity by giving picture-book readers of all ages an alphabet of ways to become a safe space for others and identify safe spaces for themselves – whether at home, or as far away as the book’s whimsical outer-space setting. While centering marginalized 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, the book’s message is open to a broad, diverse readership, and backmatter pages about boundaries, consent, diversity, and more provide further opportunities for reflection and discussion.

Kindness incarnate: Stevie teaches us all to be kinder and to actively look for folks we can support and uplift. — Kate Reynolds, founder and director Storytime Solidarity Ltd and Lavender Librarian Inc

The book…

is a gentle, space-themed exploration of kindness, boundaries, diversity, and more
is accessible for young children, meaningful for all ages
has, for every letter of the alphabet, a character who embodies an aspect of being a safe space for others — and ourselves
authentically represents 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled, and other marginalized identities — as well as neopronouns — without ‘othering’ or a need for explanation
has Backmatter ‘ABC’s’ including Ally, Boundaries, Communication, Consent, Differences, and more
has a hidden bumblebee on every page!

Ah wow how cool! Well done, what an achievement! This looks amazing! And so touched at the dedication. The illustration is beautiful too! — Georgia Tennant

With this book, radical kindness and trans-rights activist Stevie Bees teaches empathy in the simplest terms and depicts real world examples which can be emulated by today’s youth. It’s also written in Dr. Seuss’s anapestic tetrameter, making it feel cozy and familiar. The illustrations by artist Carrie Schneider are bold, yet soft, with bumblebees hidden among the pages for readers to find. This book is a perfect fit for your family’s bookshelf and will quickly become a bedtime favourite.

This is a book we all need – kids and adults alike – and I can’t wait to share it with everyone I know. — Andra Olaveson

WHAT IS A SAFE SPACE? is a thoughtful book that encourages compassion and kindness. Much needed! Carrie Schneider’s colorful illustrations are out-of-this-world! —Heidi Yates, children’s book author

As a trans man, parent and parent to a trans kiddo, work like yours is absolutely changing the landscape for us, and for our children. — Reader

Stevie Bees Brocksom (they/he) (author) is an artist, author, queer/trans activist, gender doula, and active community member. When they are not busy with their advocacy work and StevieSafeSpaces.com, they can be found making art or spending time with their family in Ontario. See more: https://steviesafespaces.com/

Carrie Schneider (she/her) (illustrator) is a queer, neurodivergent artist and writer who works for a kinder and more inclusive world. When not creating, she loves learning languages, collecting dragons, enjoying nature and more with her family in California. See more: https://carrieschneiderauthorillustrator.com/

Watch our launch video here!

I am a parent who knows that children’s literature has true power to change the world. If we can empower each generation to know what it means to accept their own and others’ identities, hear others’ needs and speak their own, respect and hold boundaries, and more, then there is true hope for safe spaces in tomorrow’s world. —Stevie Bees

Safe Space Curriculum

*in development — check back soon for more!*