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.
Erick Flaig –
Well-written and beautifully illustrated. Not just an excellent tool for helping children understand their emotions, but also a fun read!
Gemma Bott –
Great, clear, fun book for children and adults to help with their feelings and emotions!
Even I could relate then explain to self as an adult some feelings in the book in a different way.
Julie Espiritu –
The Hallway of Doorknobs is mesmerizing. The teaching came through the perfectly worded text and the magical illustrations kept me focused. The book is one of a kind – perfect for children and adults to share.
Nicole Glass –
Many books focus on how to fix a problem, but the importance is for the reader to relate to the problem and be able to identify it first for themselves….this does does exactly that!!
Stan Winslow –
What a delightful book! Lynn Haller, author, and Justyna Nowosadko, illustrator, have created an entertaining and enlightening book to explain some very important concepts. The dialogue is natural and engaging, the artwork is breathtaking. This is a book that can be read and reread, not only to generate needed discussions, but also for pure enjoyment. Well done!
melissa osburn (verified owner) –
This is my favorite book of all time . My children and I both struggle with understanding our emotions and through years of therapy , this book has answered so many of my questions about myself and has helped with my teenagers! The illustrations are spectacular and I love all of the characters! This book has changed my whole perspective on raising children and identifying my own trauma in a way that isn’t so heavy! I can now understand!
David Haller –
My experience in working in a group home for emotionally abused children. The Hallway of Doorknobs is a great read with the potential to allow children to understand and process their emotions within themselves through this well-crafted read with colorful illustrations.
Gina Edwards –
The book is just fabulous! I really enjoyed reading it, and I can see how it can help children. I think the book was a great idea. The illustrations are absolutely fantastic, it makes you believe there is really such a place. I highly recommend this book.
Regina Belt –
What a wonderful book! I found myself totally engaged from 1st page to last. This will help a lot of children to identify their feelings and open up honest communication between child and parent. Well done!
Ellen A Black –
This book is a wonderful surprise. Lynn lets her creative energy shine, offering a fresh and imaginative way to talk about feelings through the parts inside of us, parts we can all recognize. With beautiful illustrations and a clear, engaging approach, this book helps adults support children in sharing what’s happening on the inside. It opens the door to real conversations about feelings and the ways they shape our lives.
Karen Smithmyer –
I thought this was a great children’s book! Lynn Haller did a fantastic job at trying to relate the sometimes difficult idea of feelings to topics that make sense to young people. Justyna Nowosadko did an amazing job with illistrating as well! I would recommend this to parents of younger children! Good job Lynn and Justyna!
Kas Da Bull –
This book is a gentle introduction for people of all ages to a form of therapy that involves something that we all possess, “parts”. I believe that anyone can relate to the characters in it. The illustrations are very detailed and beautiful and I love that children represent such diversity. It covers inclusion,self worth, acceptance, and love all in one book.This is a must buy because I believe that it can be helpful to all people to understand that we are made up of many parts and they are here to help us. Also, Cozy is my spirit animal, just saying!🤷🏾♀️😜
Great job to Lynn and Justyna! 🖤🤘🏾
Kadle A Krezby –
I will be reading this book to my own inner child, and asking myself about my different parts.
Parts work with a therapist has helped me, immensely, and this book will help me think about old awarenesses in a new light.
Such a lovely book.
Oh, I will read it to children and teens also.
John Helwig –
Lynn Haller’s “Hallway of Doorknobs” is a wonderful book that is a must read by parents and adults to children. The simple message of opening doors as a way to discover one’s emotions or “parts” is very well written and clear. It also gives children an understanding of empathy, that other children have parts that they don’t fully understand, and it’s ok to be their friend.
Chasity Lovett –
Lynn wrote a wonderful book that will help children and adults to understand their feelings and emotionss.
Deborah Menenberg –
After reading and enjoying “The Hallway of Doorknobs,” I couldn’t help but remember the many days of my career. For 36 years I taught children with learning, behavioral and/or emotional difficulties. This book would have been a staple part of my teaching toolbox. I wish it had been available then. For those in the Special Education field now, I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated and highly creative story. Deborah Menenberg, author of UNIQUELY STELLA
Dana F. –
Not only is this book adorably illustrated, it also teaches emotional intelligence in an accessible way. It shows how to recognize different ways we protect ourselves, as well as how to manage each when it shows up in ourselves or others. I even think this book would be helpful to both parent and child.
Pat Fintland –
In her note for grown-ups about “Parts”, Lynn reinforces that “inner feelings are explored as parts, each with its own way of trying to help. We all have them, grown-ups included.” This captures the essence of why this book is so very appropriate for all ages. While the beautiful illustrations and content depict children exploring and uncovering what each door represents, these are precious insights on how to understand, decode and develop different ways of managing and expressing inner feelings. Invaluable reading for children and those who are still children at heart.
Mrs. Julie Hamilton (verified owner) –
This book is amazing! I would have loved to have had this as a resource to turn to when my 2 boys were young. Adults could certainly learn some things through Lynn’s book too. It has such a warm feel to it too, through the colours, the illustrations and the story. Everyone should read this.
Mark Mahoney –
The book “Hallway of Doorknobs” is a wonderful read for kids and adults alike. We all have “parts” and the author, Lynn Haller touches on many of them with her characters – Cactus, Blazer, Vanish, Disco, Balloon & Bolt and all the others. Everyone can relate to one or more of those characters. Reading the book to your kids will give both of you the opportunity to talk about “parts”. It will let you discuss their feelings with understanding & compassion and help them realize they’re not alone with those feelings. I loved the diversity of the kids in the book as they explore what’s behind the doorknobs. Their diversity provides an added dimension to the book. And of course, the graphics were phenomenal. A must read for you with your kids! And with more doorknobs to explore, I’m hopeful this book is one of a series.
Jenny B –
Such a beautiful book! Lynn has captured the emotions that young people often struggle with and voiced them in a clear and comforting way. The book sensitively brings an instant sense of relatability. I recognised many of the young people I know! Congratulations on achieving something very special, Lynn!