I really hate picture books that start with a forward or a message telling you ahead of time how great the book is going to be. Because nine times out of ten the book does not live up to the forward. In this book, Sally is alone and anxious and worried. To help with this, her parents build her a magical door that by opening, it will help change everything. Opening the door is symbolic of giving everything a chance. Opening the door changes nothing, it just gives Sally a moment to see things differently. Overall, the book is nice, but feels more preachy than story related. I wanted to like it but it’s just OK.

I wasn’t a massive fan of this book as I would rather have a more positive book but I do understand the approach taken by the author – it might be that the book needs a slight tweak for it to be pitched at an older age group.

The illustrations were really lovely and the book was written with a good flow but it wasn’t a book that I would read to my daughter if she was feeling like this (she is only 5 at the moment so I have reviewed this as a parent), I would want to take her mind off everything, have something more upbeat and positive.

It is 3 stars from me for this one

I was interested in reading this, but the story fell a bit flat for me. The main character is full of anxieties and a magical door is supposed to fix them all.

The concept of this was very cute. I loved the representation of the words and trying to simplify it for the kids. This book was enjoyable to my daughter.

I loved this book and then entire concept.

It was light and colorful but still addressed a heavy topic.

This would be good to read in classrooms of elementary children.

Sally is like many children who hear so about the negativity in the world & is then filled with so many fears and anxiety. Her parents make her a magical door to help her to find ways to feel less anxious and see more positives in the world.
I do think this book could of had a little more to the plot - but the artwork is incredibly beautiful!
I love the story behind this book though, with a child who does have intrusive thoughts and anxiety. I just wish there was a little more at the end about more ways or actions to help cope through those emotions.
I would recommend this for children over the age of 7 - since some parts could make the younger children more anxious.

This is a good book for introducing ideas and practice around mental health to children. I think especially in today's climate it's definitely a kind of book that's needed. I do think that this book used language that is not really kid geared and also was a bit lacking in terms of plot/story.

Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!

The Marvelous Magical Door is just what children and parents need in this high stress time we are living in. Sally is a young girl struggling with anxiety and fears about how scary the world can be at times. Like so many children today, Sally is bombarded with negativity from social media, the news, and what she sees on television. Sally's parents build her a magical door and when she walks through she learns about many helpful ways to deal with the current challenges of growing up during these difficult times. Sally's parents help her to develop strategies to use when she is feeling anxious and she is better able to see the positive aspects of life. The story is highly engaging and also will provide children and parents alike with strategies they can utilize in their own lives. In times of such uncertainty, The Marvelous Magical Door is just what children and families need! The author, Leo Perry's, background as a social worker, clearly shines through in the text, and will be beneficial for all those who read the book. As an educator, I am excited to use this book with children to teach social emotional learning, which is something that is lacking in the education field today. I can't recommend this book enough!

I think this book had promise, but it fell a little short for me. I loved the cover and was looking forward to how Sally would deal with her anxiety, but the text wasn’t engaging. If anything I think the book as giving my son anxiety. I like the idea of self care though and teaching that early.

Sally has anxiety and it is starting to affect her normal life. So her parents paint a bright colored door and the whole family embarque in a self-care journey.
The premise got me tentatively curious but this book defeats itself by focussing on the things it wants to avoid.
In a world where we are bombarded with negativity, kids do not need a book about self-care, they need fairy tales, escapism and going outside to touch grass.