Door

August 1, 2018
A child finds a key to a mysterious door leading to a colorful, fantastical world full of friendly creatures.Author/illustrator Lee follows up her debut, Pool (2015), with another wordless tale of a child exploring an unfamiliar land. Pencil drawings begin in drab black and white, but once the light-skinned child with little round eyes walks through the door, they collide with a bright red creature in a colorful landscape. The frightened and hungry child then finds a new friend who invites them to join their family for a picnic, activities, and a wedding. Readers will note the child gaining color as the book progresses and other creatures of all different types and sizes enter through numerous magical doors to attend the celebration. The creatures speak in a language that is written in squiggles, and the charming illustrations include details that illuminate the variety of their shapes, colors, and sizes as well as their cultures. Though neither readers nor protagonist can understand the language of these new friends, their welcoming warmth is clearly conveyed, and the child, in full color and smiling broadly, returns home through the magic door--leaving the padlock open.This simple tale of being a stranger in a strange land is not new, but readers will be drawn to its quiet charm and welcoming message of inclusion. (Picture book. 4-8)

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January 1, 2019
A boy in a black-and-white world finds a key and then follows a colorful flying insect to a locked door. The key opens the door onto a full-color Wonderland-style fantasyland full of well-dressed anthropomorphized animals who speak in dialogue-balloon squiggles and include the boy in their festivities. This enchanting wordless book makes a loud-and-clear case for following one's dreams.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from September 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 3-In a dreary world of black and white, a young boy finds a mysterious key and follows a colorful insect through a door to a brave new world full of color and possibility. Though tentative at first, the boy soon meets many unconventional creatures that welcome him with open arms. Their language may be different, but it becomes clear that kindness and open-mindedness are universal and contagious. As the boy works his way through the new world, the illustrations gradually shift from the black and white of his home to the vibrant colors of this new world. Once the first door is opened, there are endless doors and possibilities awaiting. In the end, the boy returns home in full color, leaving the magic door open behind him. As in Lee's debut wordless picture book, Pool, the artist continues to push the boundaries of what a picture book can be. Her light and airy illustrations, made from a combination of colored pencils and lead pencils, ignite the imagination of young readers. Like Pool, this book celebrates the spirit of curiosity and imagination, and showcases the unlimited possibilities that arise when one is willing to encounter the unknown. Lee's message is lasting: in order to begin to live in mutual understanding and harmony, all you have to do is open the door. VERDICT A unique take on meaningful themes of open-mindedness and inclusion make this an instant classic.-Elizabeth Blake, Brooklyn Public Library

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