The Forbidden Door

by Marilee Heyer

On the smallest star in the sky, in the Valley of the Bao-Bickle tree, live Reena and her parents, who have always resided in a cave. When her mother tells her fabulous stories about a forbidden place called Outside and a golden orb known as Sun, Reena knows she must find the door leading there. Once Outside, however, Reena meets the terrible Okira, a monster who gets her power from beautiful thingsor beautiful people.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 1988

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marilee Heyer, an author/illustrator whose other picture-books - The Weaving of a Dream , Iron Hans , The Girl The Fish and 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 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!

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm. The story’s premise is lovely but somehow the story didn’t grab me. The illustrations are intricate, gorgeous, and lush. Both art and story, especially the art, would have scared me when I was a youngster. Now, the art wowed me and the story alternated between boring me and touching my heart and mind. A real mix. Art 4 to 4 ½ stars, story 2 to 2 ½ stars, premise 4 stars. Perhaps I’m missing something as the average rating at Goodreads is very high.

[Andrea Kneeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel robbed that I didn’t discover this book until 30 years after it was written. This is one of the most beautifully illustrated fantasy picture books I’ve ever read, and the story is gorgeous. Fans of 80s fantasy like Labyrinth and Dark Crystal would particularly enjoy.

[SBC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story begins with one forbidden door and ends with another. It is a strange, magical story set on another planet where human beings, whatever their origins, appear to have dwindled to only three (Reena and her parents). They have lived in a cave for generations, but there is a door that leads to Outside.

Outside is full of all sorts of strange and wonderful creatures, but also the evil Okira, who lusts for beautiful things. She was a very one-dimensional character with no explanation for her evil nature or doings, and corny evil dialogue. I also thought it a bit weird that humans and the things they create were her ideal of beauty, given that she was of quite a different appearance herself, and so were all the rest of the sentient creatures of the world.

I found the story a bit lacking in context and detail. The real drawcard of the book was the wonderful illustrations.

[Katherina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my childhood favorites. Holds up over time, with some plot holes. Beautiful art work

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning art and an exciting original story. Somehow there is only one copy in my whole state's library system.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got lucky and found The Forbidden Door tucked away at the back of an antique store. This book is a mixture of Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theater and Dark Crystal, and I loved it.

[Danielle R · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's one book from my childhood that I loved and was scared of in equal measure. That book is "The Forbidden Door." It has the most beautiful illustrations I've ever seen. Every page is something that I wish I had framed on my wall. (Well, not every page. I'm looking at you, Okina. She's the most terrifying creature I've every laid eyes upon.) 5/5

[Sam Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tied with Ruby the Red Knight for my favorite children's book and wins out on fantastic illustration.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite stories growing up. The pictures are amazing and the story is enchanting. I was heartbroken when our only copy was destroyed in flooding.

[Nephilim Thistle · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING ARTWORK!!! I grew up with this book. I used to make my mother read this to me before i went to bed. I love the pictures. The artwork is detailed and beautiful.

[Ellen Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

These illustrations are luscious.