Our Personal Bubble: A Thoughtful Guide to Boundaries for Young Minds

Introduction: Why This Book Matters

Teaching children about personal space and boundaries can be tricky. How do you explain something so abstract in a way that’s engaging, memorable, and age-appropriate? Stephanie Chan’s Our Personal Bubble: A Children’s Book That Helps Young Children Learn About Boundaries, Respecting Personal Space, and How to Interact with Others tackles this challenge with warmth, clarity, and creativity.

As a parent, educator, or caregiver, you’ve probably encountered moments when a child struggles to understand why someone doesn’t want a hug or why they shouldn’t interrupt. This book provides a gentle yet effective way to introduce these concepts, making it an invaluable resource for early social-emotional learning.

In this review, we’ll explore the book’s plot, characters, writing style, themes, and impact—helping you decide if it’s the right fit for the young readers in your life.

Plot Summary: A Journey Through Personal Space

Our Personal Bubble follows a group of diverse children as they navigate everyday interactions—playing at the park, sitting in class, and spending time with family. The story introduces the idea of an “invisible bubble” around each person, representing their personal space.

Through relatable scenarios, the book illustrates:

  • What personal space means (e.g., standing too close vs. giving room)
  • How to recognize when someone is uncomfortable (body language cues)
  • Ways to ask for permission before touching or entering someone’s space
  • Respecting different comfort levels (some friends like hugs; others prefer high-fives)

Without heavy-handed lessons, the narrative flows naturally, making complex social skills digestible for young minds.

Character Analysis: Relatable and Diverse

One of the book’s strengths is its diverse cast of characters, ensuring that children from various backgrounds see themselves represented. Each child has distinct preferences regarding personal space, reinforcing that boundaries are personal and valid.

  • Liam loves hugs but learns to ask first.
  • Maya prefers quiet conversations over physical contact.
  • Javier is still figuring out how close is “too close.”

These characters aren’t just teaching tools—they feel like real kids, making their lessons more impactful.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Simple Yet Effective

Chan’s writing is clear, rhythmic, and interactive, perfect for read-aloud sessions. The language avoids being overly didactic, instead using:

  • Playful metaphors (the “personal bubble” concept)
  • Repetition for reinforcement (e.g., “Ask first!”)
  • Engaging questions (“How does your bubble feel today?”)

The illustrations (assuming they’re vibrant and expressive—common in children’s books of this genre) likely complement the text well, though since this is a text-based review, we’ll focus on the writing.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just Space

While the book focuses on physical boundaries, it subtly introduces broader themes:

  • Consent (“You get to decide who enters your bubble.”)
  • Empathy (“If someone looks uncomfortable, take a step back.”)
  • Self-awareness (“Notice how your body feels when your bubble is full or empty.”)

These lessons extend beyond childhood, laying the foundation for healthy relationships later in life.

Personal Reading Experience: Why It Resonates

Reading this with my niece, I was struck by how quickly she grasped the concept. When she later told her friend, “You’re in my bubble!” instead of shoving, I knew the book had done its job.

The emotional impact comes from its non-shaming approach. Instead of scolding kids for boundary mistakes, it encourages curiosity and adjustment—a refreshing perspective in children’s behavioral literature.

Comparison to Similar Books

Compared to other boundary-focused children’s books like Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook or Hands Off, Harry! by Rosemary Wells, Our Personal Bubble stands out for its:

  • Diversity in representation
  • Subtlety in messaging (no overt “punishments” for mistakes)
  • Interactive elements (questions that prompt discussion)

It’s less about “rules” and more about understanding and flexibility.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Engaging, relatable scenarios
✅ Inclusive characters
✅ Strong visual metaphor (the bubble)
✅ Encourages dialogue between kids and adults

Potential Weaknesses:

❌ May require adult follow-up (some kids might need real-life examples reinforced)
❌ Simplistic for older kids (best for ages 3–7)

Target Audience: Who Should Read This?

Ideal for:

  • Parents of toddlers/early elementary kids
  • Teachers introducing classroom boundaries
  • Therapists working on social skills
  • Caregivers navigating shy or overly affectionate children

Not as suited for:

  • Older kids (7+) who may need more nuanced discussions

Memorable Quotes

While reading, these lines stood out:

“Your bubble can grow or shrink—it’s yours to choose!”
“If you’re not sure, just ask: ‘Can I come close?’”

These phrases stick with kids, becoming mental shortcuts for real-life interactions.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Early Social Learning

Our Personal Bubble is a delightful, necessary book that fills a gap in children’s behavioral education. It’s not just about personal space—it’s about respect, empathy, and self-advocacy, all wrapped in a child-friendly package.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this book belongs on your shelf. It’s the kind of resource kids will return to, and adults will appreciate for its gentle effectiveness.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • How do you currently teach boundaries to kids?
  • What’s your favorite children’s book about social skills?
  • Have you noticed kids applying lessons from books like this in real life?

Let’s chat in the comments! 📚💬

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