Synopses & Reviews
Review
Lehman's creation recalls old-fashioned English adventure stories that use charmed means to bring coddled children outdoors for healthy fun. Now even nonreaders can have a magic adventure story of their very own; they'll treasure it.
Publishers Weekly, Starred
This wordless story is straightforward but not predictable. . . . This appealing rainy-day tale will stir the imagination of those who have ever looked for something to do on a gloomy day.
School Library Journal, Starred
Lehman compacts a wealth of storytelling into her wordless narrative. . . . Another surrealist triumph from a vigorous emerging talent.
Kirkus Reviews, Starred
Once again, Lehman provides purely colored, precisely rendered artwork that capably captures both adventures and emotions.
Booklist, ALA
This wordless book is close kin to Lehman's 2005 Caldecott Honor, The Red Book: again, clean, rectilinear compositions connote confinement of place and spirit, though the heavy, rough-edged drafting has a softer effect here, lightened by vistas of sea, sky, and happy children. The motif of an imaginative journey to a place virtually the opposite of the one escaped also recurs, though with significant differences: except for the not-quite-impossible tunnel and mood-reflecting weather, this is a realistic tale of finding friendship--or, perhaps, of overcoming sadness. . . . And there are plenty of significant visual details and connections to mull over as viewers put these curious events into words.
Horn Book
Review
Once again, Lehman provides purely colored, precisely rendered artwork that capably captures both adventures and emotions.
Synopsis
It can be lonely sometimes on a rainy day in a big house with no one else around and thereand#8217;s only the quiet to keep you company. But if you find a key, a mysterious key, that leads you to an unexpected place . . . chances are your afternoon is about to get a lot more interesting.
About the Author
Barbara Lehman has illustrated many books for children. Born in Chicago, Barbara attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where she earned a BFA in communication design. A full-time illustrator, Barbara says, and#8220;Books and art have always held the strongest attraction for me. I have always felt drawn to and#8216;commercial artand#8217; because of its ability to reach many people. I like the idea of being part of the media in a meaningful and thoughtful way, especially with children as the audience.and#8221; She now lives in Philmont, New York.