The Rural We: Jacque Lynn Schiller
Her book "Space Matters" helps kids understand the concepts of negative space and the power in a pause.
From Texas, to New York City, to North Cornwall, Conn., Jacque Lynn Schiller has expressed her curiosity and creativity in many ways. A copywriter turned jewelry designer, party planner, community volunteer and self described “gadabout," she has recently launched her third book (but first by a major publisher, Clarion). “Space Matters” is a children’s book that encourages kids (and grownups) to appreciate the gaps and pauses in space and life. Kirkus Reviews called it “Beautifully brilliant in its simplicity.” She lives in the woods with her husband, Tom Schiller.
A few years ago I went to a lecture about architecture that I thought would be about making a greenhouse. Instead, it focused on the importance of space…giving breathing space in a lobby, the emotional and physical importance of space, why you feel uncomfortable in some spaces. Sometimes, what’s missing becomes the important part.
I started seeing more articles about space and gaps and started collecting all those concepts. I thought about how a park is a pause in an urban landscape. In music, a rest can make you well up emotionally. Pauses were everywhere. I thought, how can I explain that concept simply on a kid’s level? Why don’t I make a kids book out of it?
As I began writing, my agent, who has children, reminded me to think about space from a child’s perspective, what their day would look like. I want kids to have the same ah-ha moment of getting the concept, and to get them to slow down, be mindful and notice things.
Finding an illustrator took the longest time. Pauses are built into the book, and I didn’t understand how someone could illustrate a pregnant pause. The editor at Clarion took her time finding someone. For me, it was an exercise in trust and the illustrator, Lydia Nichols, did a great job bringing the characters into the story. It looks like vintage kids book to me.
In the time of the pandemic, this book has taken on a whole new meaning. There’s safety in space, and we’re in a pause right now. I’m looking forward to next year, when I can go back to my home town in Texas. I got the sweetest note from my little hometown library — they’re excited that they have my book there. I’m appreciating the pause now, and anticipating being with kids and their grownups when the pause is over.
