"Open the Doors to You" - a bookwrap

Unwrapping some quotes for you...

"It's rare to see a picture book about love that begins with easy admonitions that focuses on how to identify acts of love in the world and how to 'pay it forward'- but Open the Doors to You is such a read, and is so well done that it lends to both parental read-aloud and pursuit by picture book readers who already have basic reading skills under their belts, and the maturity to understand the wider concept of understanding generosity and giving." 

                                                           - D. Donovan, Senior Book. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Unwrapping today's book...

 "Open the Doors to You"

Authored by Casey Rislov

Illustrated by Allie Strom

Ages: 5-10 
Grade Level: K-5

Unwrapping some amazing illustrations for you

"So if you ever find yourself stuck and upside down, ask:

What am I going to do? Is there something else to learn?

Can a friend show me something new?

Which door is the one I haven't visited in awhile?"

About the Book

This is the author's third children's book.  This picture book is all about love and how to identify acts of love in the world.  It is written to encourage kids not to be afraid but to go ahead, open up the doors before them, walk through, and try new things.  

Throughout their lives kids will come face to face with many doors that will either block them, if left unopened,  or allow them to pass through thus becoming more knowledgable, creative and free.  Should they be fearful and leave them closed or should they boldly swing them  wide open and go where they have never gone before?  Kids are encouraged by the message to go ahead, be courageous, open up those doors and see what exciting adventures and possibilities lay ahead. 

"Open the Doors to You is an unique and comforting book that will take readers through many metaphorical doors to explore all the different aspects that make up each of our lives: family, neighbourhood, charity, friendship, education, creativity, sports, and nature."

The book highlights many life lessons and lends itself to both parental read-aloud and pursuit by picture book readers who already have some basic reading skills.  By exposing and engaging in their world kids wrap their minds and hearts around brand new positive and exciting experiences.  Just to give you a flavour of the story here are some excerpts from the book:

"The door to home opens to comfort, love, and fun."

"The door that leads to helping others is a door that needs to be opened more."

"Old friends and new friends are waiting behind every door! 
  Friends are the ones you can share with and dream with.
  How are you a good friend to others?"

"The school door leads to knowledge, growth, and so much more."


The author then goes on in more detail to explain the significance of opening up those doors in one's life.  Her  inspiring message encourages kids to make a decision to be fearless and discover new and very interesting adventures in their lives by passing over the threshold and stepping into something unfamiliar to them. 

By being exposed to numerous novel experiences children gain a deeper understanding of others and themselves.  Child development studies show that sensory experiences shape how a child's brain develops and grows. Children who are exposed to a variety of new experiences have increased confidence, feelings of security, and learn how to deal better with challenges later on in life.

Casey received the 2015 Silver Medal in the Living Now Book Awards for, "Open the Doors." 

Storywraps Rating:  5+++ HUGS!!!!!

About the author

Casey Rislov holds a master's degree in elementary education and is endorsed in early childhood and special needs. She taught for many years at a local developmental preschool and currently stays home with her two young children. Casey's first book, Time Together, Time Well Spent! (November 2011), allowed her to share her love of reading and teaching with many local students. And she is excited to now share a tender side of herself through her new book, Love is Forever. 

Casey lives with her family in Wyoming, where she enjoys spending time in the mountains, downhill skiing, boating, and water skiing- and reading and writing, of course!

About the Illustrator

Allie Strom has spent her entire life drawing things. Her work has appeared in Wiseturtle Publishing's roleplaying guide OVA (2005), LowOrbit Anthology (2006), and on the covers and pages of Rachel Robert's Avalon Web of Magic series (2006-2010). 

Most recently, she finally graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a degree in Illustration.

Allie uses a whole lot of different things in making her artwork. You can follow along with whatever she's up to on her process blog - http://alliebirdseed.tumblr.com/

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It's a wrap.