Door
A Wordless Picture Book

Door

Door is a wordless picture book by JiHyeon Lee, published by Chronicle Books in 2018. It is designed for children aged 3 to 5 and has received acclaim, including being selected as a New York Times Editors' Choice Book.

Overview

  • Concept: The story begins with a curious boy who discovers a long-unopened door. As he unlocks it, he transitions from a drab environment to a vibrant, magical world.
  • Themes: The book emphasizes curiosity, open-mindedness, and the importance of friendship and adventure. It encourages children to embrace new experiences and face their fears.

Artistic Style

  • Illustrations: JiHyeon Lee's artwork is characterized by delicate and intricate drawings that evolve from grayscale to vivid colors, symbolizing the journey from the mundane to the extraordinary.
  • Magical Realism: The narrative employs elements of magical realism, enhancing the sense of wonder and discovery.

Educational Value

  • Learning Messages: The book teaches children valuable lessons about keeping their minds and hearts open. It serves as an excellent tool for parents, teachers, and librarians to engage young readers in discussions about exploration and acceptance.
  • Gift Potential: It is also considered a lovely gift for those who appreciate art, including artists, designers, and collectors of unique picture books.

Overall, Door stands out as a visually captivating piece that invites readers to explore themes of adventure and friendship without the use of words.

Author: Jihyeon Lee

Lee Jihyeon is a celebrated South Korean illustrator and author, born on October 20, 1981, in Seoul. She studied Media Art at Kaywon School of Art and Design and pursued illustration at Hankuk Illustration School. Jihyeon's debut picture book, Pool, garnered significant acclaim, winning the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal for Original Art in 2015 and being recognized as a New York Times Notable Children's Book of the Year. Following this success, she published Door, a wordless picture book that continues to explore themes of curiosity and imagination. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and have received numerous accolades, establishing her as a prominent figure in contemporary children's literature. Jihyeon currently resides in Seoul and actively participates in literary festivals, sharing her artistic vision with a global audience.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 56 pages
  • Dimensions: 23.62 x 1.4 x 31.12 cm
  • Reading age: 3-7 years old
  • Publication date: 2 Oct. 2018
  • ISBN: 978-1452171425

Read alongside these topics:

How can the wordless book "Door" help in teaching a Year 1 English "Tell Me A Story" Lesson?

Author: JiHyeon Lee

Using the wordless book "Door" by Jihyeon Lee in a Year 1 English lesson focused on "Tell Me A Story" can be highly effective for several reasons.

Engaging Visual Storytelling

Rich Illustrations: "Door" features vibrant illustrations that invite children to explore the narrative without relying on text. This allows students to engage with the story visually, fostering creativity and imagination as they interpret the images.

Multiple Interpretations: The absence of words encourages children to create their own versions of the story. They can discuss what they see, speculate about the characters' feelings, and predict what might happen next. This promotes critical thinking and comprehension skills.

Developing Language Skills

Story Structure Understanding: By examining the sequence of illustrations, children can learn about story elements such as beginning, middle, and end. Teachers can guide discussions about what happens at each stage, helping students grasp narrative structure.

Vocabulary Building: As students describe the images and share their interpretations, they naturally expand their vocabulary. This practice is particularly beneficial for English Language Learners (ELL) and struggling readers, as it allows them to engage with language in a low-pressure environment.

Encouraging Creativity

Creative Expression: After exploring "Door," students can be encouraged to create their own stories based on the illustrations. They might draw their own doors and describe where they lead, or write a short narrative inspired by their interpretations. This activity promotes both writing skills and imaginative thinking.

Collaborative Storytelling: Students can work in pairs or small groups to share their interpretations of the book. This collaborative approach not only enhances social skills but also allows them to hear different perspectives, enriching their understanding of storytelling.

In summary, "Door" serves as an excellent tool in a Year 1 English lesson by enhancing visual literacy, fostering language development, and encouraging creative expression through storytelling.

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