Marilee Heyer

Marilee Heyer, an author/illustrator whose other picture-books - The Weaving of a Dream, Iron Hans, The Girl, the Fish, & the Crown - are adaptations of traditional folk and fairy-tales, delivers an original work of fantasy in The Forbidden Door. The result is a book that absolutely dazzles, when it comes to the artwork, and is fairly engaging, as it concerns the text. I enjoyed the story here - a young girl named Reena, having grown up in an extensive and beautifully-decorated system of show more underground caves, sets out to discover this legendary "Outside" spoken of in an ancestral tale told by her mother, and finds that she must battle an evil being known as the Okira - but it was Heyer's illustrations that really made this book stand out!

Astoundingly beautiful, this artwork makes me regret that I never encountered it as a young girl! The use of vivid and contrasting color schemes - deep blues and reds, rich browns and oranges - and the intricate and detailed depictions of enchanting rooms and landscapes, and fantastical creatures, combine in full and double-page paintings that are simply breathtaking! I was reminded of the work of Kinuko Y. Craft, and - when it comes to fairy-tale art - I really can't pay a higher compliment than that! I will definitely be tracking down more of Heyer's work, and heartily recommend this one to fairy-tale lovers young and old, and to any reader who appreciates beautiful fairy-tale artwork! show less

This is a beautiful picture book telling a traditional Chinese folktale. I love everything about it: the story, the illustrations, and the fact that it still keeps the edge that all folktales started with before they were made "safer" for kids.

This is at least the third time I've read this tale (in different editions & collections). And I still don't get it. Heyer's text and her stunning illustrations just don't help me understand why mom destroys family harmony for a material goal.

I fell in love with this book the very moment I saw it. Drawing on the oft-overlooked power and beauty of the ancient goddesses, Orgel spins wonderful tales from the perspectives of Athena, Aphrodite, and Hera. She provides excellent background in her introduction, and additional information at the end.