Description
Five children discover a hallway with doors unlike any they’ve seen before. Behind each one lives a part. Not just an emotion, but a protector with a purpose. A cactus. A fire. A disco ball. Some get prickly. Others hide. Some perform. Each one trying its best to keep someone safe. All they needed was someone willing to listen, because every part has a job, and every part belongs.
The story invites children to meet these parts as characters they can get to know, talk to, and understand. It’s based on Internal Family Systems therapy, but you don’t need to know the framework to use it. The book simply shows kids that all their parts have a job, and all of them belong.
The book works best for ages 6-10, but we’ve heard from parents who read it with younger kids (around 4-5) and older ones (up to 12) depending on the child. Younger children connect with the colorful characters and magical setting. Older kids appreciate the deeper emotional concepts. If your child is curious about feelings or struggling to name what’s happening inside, the book meets them where they are.
Chandra Ingram –
I loved this book because not only is it good for adults, but it helps children understand their parts of feelings and thoughts. It helps children to understand where their parts come from and how to express their feelings. ~Chan
Misty Gephart –
This book is both brilliantly written and illustrated to show children and adults that there is nothing wrong with having emotions. She uses the metaphor of doors to show how a person’s emotions are a part of themselves just like a doorknob is part of a door.
Angela Wyland –
I absolutely adored this book. I am super excited to purchase so I can read it to my children. The illustrations bring the words meaning and really showcase the message conveyed about feelings and acceptance.
Katy Shumaker –
This book is filled with very important information that can help people better love themselves and live a happier life. I had the pleasure of having Lynn as my therapist for a few years. She did this concept of Parts Therapy with me and I have never felt more at peace, happier, and as excited for the future as I do now after accepting and understanding all my parts. It’s a lovely read for children and adults alike.
Maya Bairey –
The Hallway of Doorknobs is the kind of children’s book I wish I’d had as a kid, and honestly, the kind I needed as an adult too. Lynn Haller has created a luminous, tender adventure where every door opens onto a different part of ourselves worth meeting with curiosity instead of fear. The illustrations are painterly and warm, the five children at the heart of the story feel real and beautifully drawn, and the whole book carries a quiet message that every kid (and grown-up) deserves to hear: none of your parts are bad, and you don’t have to walk the hallway alone. A genuine gift.
Lori J Karageanes –
I really loved this book. The pictures are beautiful—it felt like stepping into a fairytale walking through the hallways and opening each door. The idea of “parts” representing feelings is so simple and easy to understand.
As a behavior specialist working with adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, I can really see how helpful this could be for people who struggle to express emotions. I also appreciate that Lynn created a PDF explaining how to use the book with this population.
I’m really looking forward to getting my own copy and using it in my work.