Customer Reviews

The Forbidden Door (Viking Kestrel picture books)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an exceptionally beautiful story book with large detailed illustrations of an alien world that is located on the smallest star that can be seen in our skies, in the Valley of the Bao-Bickle tree. It is about the quest of a young girl whose home is in an intricate labyrinth of caves and who has never even heard of a world outside of those caves. It is forbidden to go outside. She is very happy with her parents and lives in splendor within the caves where even lush exotic fruit trees are plentiful. One night the little girl learns about Outside from a story her mother tells. She begins to secretly search for this mysterious place and eventually learns the terrifying truth about why her family lives in the caves. With the help of another strange species of beings she sets things to rights. The story is well told and has a decidedly alien feeling of enchantment, danger, courage, hunger and liberation. It is simple enough that little ones will find it an exciting adventure tale and complex enough that adults will find it an atmospheric and moody allegory. The illustrations are INCREDIBLE and like none you have ever seen outside of dreams, visions or hallucinations. Please find a copy of this book and treat yourself to splendor.

Extremely well done. A treasure to keep forever

I have to agree with the editorial reviewers, above. The story disappoints, but the art is exceptional. Note: The page count given above is incorrect. It has 32 pages, not 320.

The Forbidden Door is a great book for children of all ages. It was given to me as a young girl and I hope to be able to give it to my niece and my daughter. The pictures are amazing and the story is great.

I remember reading this book when I was a child and was having a bit of trouble finding it in stores or libraries. Love that I was able to get it here. The book was in great condition and my daughter loves it as much as I do.