Ages 3-5 yrs old
No Awards

The action is easy to follow in this wordless picture book; color draws the eye to important figures, starting with the tiny bug on the title page (who has just dropped a key that a young boy picks up). Pencil gives way to colored pencil as the boy follows the bug and uses the key to open a spiderweb-covered door; he passes through and discovers a world peopled with unusual creatures who speak an unfamiliar language. At first the boy is frightened, but the creatures are friendly. This world is full of doors, and people come and go from all over; it's a happy world, full of picnics and even a wedding. When the boy (now in color, with rosy cheeks) waves goodbye, he leaves the door open and unlocked behind him.

See also: Beekle by Dan Santat, The Lost Book by Margarita Surnaite, Chirri & Chirra by Kaya Doi, Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis, Journey by Aaron Becker ( )

beautiful, wordless, yet complex story of adventure and friendship ( )

This is a wordless picture book about a boy entering into a fantasy world. It's good for kids who want to have a creative 'read' where they fill in the blanks. However, it would not work for a storytime or readaloud. The illustrations are of a lovely ethereal style. Personally, there are other wordless books I prefer though. ( )

A breathtaking story about how if open up our heart, aka a door, there are endless possibilities to what will happen. There are no words, but they aren't needed, the illustrations speak so clearly. The slightest line drawn with a pencil you can create an entire world of imagination. I can not believe this book was not awarded an illustration honor, it conveys such a strong message to children that it does not matter where you come from or what you look like. ( )