The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before

Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod present a whimsical and thought-provoking picture book about facing the unknown, The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before. With hints of Shel Silverstein and Edward Gorey, it is beautifully illustrated and has a strong read-aloud appeal for families, libraries, booksellers, and educators.

Format: Hardback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Union Square & Co.

Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod, the acclaimed authors of How to Eat a Book, present a whimsical and thought-provoking picture book that delves into the realm of the unknown. Beautifully illustrated and lyrically written, The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before captivates readers of all ages with its strong read-aloud appeal.

The Grunions' house boasted numerous doors, but there was one that remained unopened throughout the years. This door, built with a sturdy lock and sealed shut, had never been opened for a reason that remained a mystery to everyone. However, Geraldine, a curious and adventurous soul, had a habit of opening every door she encountered. She explored every nook and cranny, met countless people, and experienced everything life had to offer. Yet, there was one thing she had yet to do—open the Door that had NEVER been opened before.

For years, Geraldine had wondered what lay behind that mysterious door. She had tried to push and pull it, but it remained steadfastly closed. She had even asked her parents and friends about it, but they had no idea what it could be. Determined to unlock the secrets of the unopened door, Geraldine embarked on a quest to find the answer.

She searched high and low, asking everyone she met if they knew anything about the door. Some laughed and dismissed her, while others offered vague suggestions or warnings. But Geraldine was undeterred. She continued her search, even going to the library and asking the librarian for help.

Finally, after months of tireless effort, Geraldine discovered the key to the door. It was hidden in a small crevice behind a bookshelf, where it had been forgotten for years. With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, Geraldine inserted the key into the lock and turned it. To her surprise, the door creaked open, revealing a dark and mysterious passageway.

Without hesitation, Geraldine stepped into the passageway, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she walked deeper into the darkness, she could feel the cool air on her face and the sound of her footsteps echoing off the walls. Suddenly, she heard a soft rustling sound, and she turned around to see a small creature staring back at her.

The creature was unlike anything Geraldine had ever seen before. It had large, piercing eyes, a long snout, and razor-sharp teeth. Geraldine was terrified, but she didn't run. Instead, she stood her ground and watched as the creature slowly approached her.

To her surprise, the creature didn't attack her. Instead, it spoke in a soft, melodic voice. "Greetings, young adventurer," it said. "I am the guardian of the Door that Had Never Been Opened Before. I have been waiting for someone like you to come and unlock my secrets."

Geraldine was amazed. She had never expected to meet a creature like this, and she was even more surprised that it had spoken to her. She asked the creature what secrets it held, and it told her a story that had been passed down through generations.

The story was about a magical world hidden behind the door, a world filled with wonders and enchantments that had been lost to the world for centuries. The creature had been guarding the door for years, waiting for someone brave enough to enter and discover the secrets of the magical world.

Geraldine was captivated by the story, and she asked the creature if she could visit the magical world. The creature agreed, and it led her through the passageway, showing her the wonders of the magical world.

Geraldine saw trees that glowed with a soft, ethereal light, flowers that bloomed in colors that didn't exist on Earth, and creatures that flew through the air with wings made of pure magic. She met a wise old wizard who told her about the history of the magical world and showed her how to use its powers.

Geraldine spent weeks in the magical world, exploring every inch of it and learning everything she could. She made new friends, discovered new abilities, and had countless adventures. But eventually, it was time for her to return to the real world.

As she stepped back through the door, Geraldine felt a sense of sadness. She knew that she would never forget her adventures in the magical world, but she also knew that she would never be able to return. She thanked the creature for showing her the way and promised to always remember the secrets of the magical world.

Years passed, and Geraldine grew up to be a wise and adventurous woman. She continued to open every door she encountered, but she never forgot the lessons she had learned in the magical world. She passed the story of the magical world down to her children and grandchildren, and they, in turn, passed it down to their children and grandchildren.

And so, the legacy of the magical world lived on, even though the Door that Had Never Been Opened Before remained closed shut. Geraldine knew that there were still secrets waiting to be discovered, and she hoped that one day, someone would be brave enough to unlock them.

The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before is a contemporary masterpiece that blends elements of Shel Silverstein and Edward Gorey. The talented Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod have created a visually stunning masterpiece that is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

The book is presented in hardcover format, with 48 pages and an impressive 8.5 x 10.9-inch size. The illustrations are meticulously crafted with dipped pen-and-ink cutout art, photographed in a three-dimensional stage diorama, and hand-colored. The result is a visually stunning masterpiece that transports readers to a world of wonder and imagination.

The story itself is a whimsical and thought-provoking exploration of the unknown. It follows the adventures of Geraldine, a curious and adventurous girl who discovers a mysterious door that has never been opened before. Despite her fear and trepidation, Geraldine embarks on a journey to unlock the secrets of the door, and she is rewarded with an unforgettable adventure in a magical world.

The book is filled with memorable characters, including the wise old wizard who guides Geraldine through her journey, the magical creatures that inhabit the magical world, and the challenges that Geraldine must overcome to reach her destination. The story is filled with humor, adventure, and heart, and it will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

In conclusion, The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, imagination, and the power of the unknown. The talented Mrs. and Mr. MacLeod have created a masterpiece that will captivate readers of all ages and leave a lasting impression. Whether you are a child or an adult, this book is sure to inspire and delight you. So, why wait? Pick up a copy of The Door That Had Never Been Opened Before today and embark on a journey of discovery and adventure!

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 283 x 226 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781454945451