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Emily Saw a Door
In this story about inclusion and acceptance, a girl goes from door to door, hoping to find one that will welcome her inside. But when each one turns her away, Emily realizes that the only door that will open for her is the one she creates herself.
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
It's me, Emily. May I come in?
And so begins Emily's search for a door that will open. The first door is blue, and the voice behind the door tells Emily that she doesn't sound very bluish. The second door says it only opens for tigers, crocodiles, and snakes. But she is a girl named Emily-- and the animals are hungry--and so she moves on. The third is only for people who speak very quietly, and the door can hear Emily.
Finally, Emily comes to a place without a door. She gets out her chalk and draws one, then adds a doorknob, and goes right in. And when someone knocks on her door, she says, "The door is open!"
Here is a wonderful book about inclusion, acceptance, and opening doors for others.
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
It's me, Emily. May I come in?
And so begins Emily's search for a door that will open. The first door is blue, and the voice behind the door tells Emily that she doesn't sound very bluish. The second door says it only opens for tigers, crocodiles, and snakes. But she is a girl named Emily-- and the animals are hungry--and so she moves on. The third is only for people who speak very quietly, and the door can hear Emily.
Finally, Emily comes to a place without a door. She gets out her chalk and draws one, then adds a doorknob, and goes right in. And when someone knocks on her door, she says, "The door is open!"
Here is a wonderful book about inclusion, acceptance, and opening doors for others.
40 pages, Library Binding
First published June 1, 2023
About the author
Mel Rosenberg
5 books3 followersAfter my scientific career studying bad breath (halitosis) and microbial hydrophobicity and adhesion, I'm now doing what I dreamt of since I was 21 - writing children's books. My debut picture book in North America, EMILY SAW A DOOR is due out in February (Penguin Random House) and I am excited. The book can be pre-ordered on their website. You can find out more about me at "https://www.authormel.com"
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 5, 2026
nice story, but it kind of fell flat for littles and pres. Not enough in the pictures to talk about, and the central idea is better for those older pres and elementary kids.
December 11, 2025
I'm writing this based on an ARC I received, with the book not due to be published for a few monthes, but author Mel Rosenberg's debut picture book, "Emily Saw a Door" (Feb 2026), is well worth the wait.
With a narrative and visual structure reminiscent of Einat Tsarfati's brilliant "The Neighbors: A Picture Book" (2019), but with a very different underlying perspective, it tells the story of curious Emily, who encounters door after door, wondering which of them will be the one she is welcome to enter, and what she'll find there.
As she encounters challenges and reluctance from the voices behind the doors, though, Emily realises that it's not just about being invited in ... that there is also the option of simply shrugging and creating your own door, your own path. It's a beautiful rumination on individual agency and self-acceptance. And there are some good giggles in there as well.
Fun fact: Rosenberg's late mother (z"l) was my own very beloved kindergarten teacher, nearly 45 years ago, and a huge influence on my love of words and language that eventually led me to a career in children's publishing (and I'm assuming his as well)!
With a narrative and visual structure reminiscent of Einat Tsarfati's brilliant "The Neighbors: A Picture Book" (2019), but with a very different underlying perspective, it tells the story of curious Emily, who encounters door after door, wondering which of them will be the one she is welcome to enter, and what she'll find there.
As she encounters challenges and reluctance from the voices behind the doors, though, Emily realises that it's not just about being invited in ... that there is also the option of simply shrugging and creating your own door, your own path. It's a beautiful rumination on individual agency and self-acceptance. And there are some good giggles in there as well.
Fun fact: Rosenberg's late mother (z"l) was my own very beloved kindergarten teacher, nearly 45 years ago, and a huge influence on my love of words and language that eventually led me to a career in children's publishing (and I'm assuming his as well)!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Providing a different slant on the notion of doors that are closed to someone, this picture book follows Emily as she tries to persuade various doors to open. When none of them do or those that do seem to offer only danger, she does the only thing she can. She draws her own door, complete with a doorknob and various floral embellishments and goes inside. And when someone comes knocking, she is quick to welcome them inside. The book's message and protagonist are good examples to youngsters, and the artwork, created with paint and paper textures combined with digital media, is laid out against abundant white space, featuring different views of Emily and those recalcitrant doors. While Emily saw a door, she didn't let it stop her from going onward.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An absolutely gorgeous book, entertaining and full of subtle humor, but also with a poignant message about belonging and a not-quite-as-subtle social commentary about people's resistance to accepting and including those who are different from themselves. The main character’s desire to connect is so relatable, as is her disappointment when she is turned away again and again. The illustrations are stunning with tons of bright colors and white space and the ending (which I won’t give away) is perfect, reminding kids that they don’t always have to fit in to find a place where they belong. A truly special book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an early copy of this wonderful concept picture book, Emily Saw a Door written by Mel Rosenberg and illustrated by Orit Magia. Imagine knocking on door and door looking for a place to belong…and being kept out? It is a feeling that children and adults have experienced in many different situations. The way Emily solves this problem is imaginative & opens the door for others.
What’s great about a picture book like this is that you can share it with readers of any age and have rich discussions about its message.
What a powerful concept and reminder packed in a small book. I highly recommend it.
What’s great about a picture book like this is that you can share it with readers of any age and have rich discussions about its message.
What a powerful concept and reminder packed in a small book. I highly recommend it.
February 25, 2026
Remember Goldilocks and her porridge? Well, she's got nothing on Emily!
In this enchanting picture book, Emily goes in search of a door she can open. She encounters a variety of strange, silly, and incredibly specific doors on her adventure.
Unfortunately, none of the doors are quite right... Until, Emily uses her creativity to find just the right solution. She even invites another friend along with her.
A sweet and funny story of inclusion, a great read for families and classrooms alike.
In this enchanting picture book, Emily goes in search of a door she can open. She encounters a variety of strange, silly, and incredibly specific doors on her adventure.
Unfortunately, none of the doors are quite right... Until, Emily uses her creativity to find just the right solution. She even invites another friend along with her.
A sweet and funny story of inclusion, a great read for families and classrooms alike.
March 9, 2026
Originally published in Hebrew, Mel Rosenberg’s Emily Saw a Door is a young girl’s journey from loneliness to inclusion and acceptance and a beautiful message to young learners. If doors all around are closed to you, create your own and make what’s behind it the kind of place that fits you. Orit Magia’s art is simple, yet effective, with a lot of white space initially that finally takes over the page and bursts into color when Emily realizes her own Emily-ness. Highly recommend.
April 26, 2026
Emily Saw a Door is a beautiful book uniquely told. It is deceptively simple yet leaves readers with a poignant message of inclusion. Knocking on different doors, Emily receives various discouraging responses. In stunning illustrations with stark use of white space, Emily perseveres despite the disappointments she faces, with creativity. This book makes for a great read-aloud that kids will be asking to re-read. I highly recommend it!
May 7, 2026
This picture book is about a girl named Emily who finds some doors and is eager for them to open to her. But they all have various reasons for not letting her in. How will she find where she belongs? This is a sweet story about inclusiveness that kids will love. The art is amazing. Don't miss this book!
June 3, 2026
Pleasant illustrations, but one of those picture books that has a good message but isn't really on a kids' level of understanding. The elementary school aged kids I read it to didn't understand the message at all, and thought it was a frustrating book. Pick it up if you need a little encouragement yourself when it comes to finding your people, though!
November 15, 2025
Omg so cute. This story is all about carving out your own space or your own “door” in a world that does not always make room for you. I loved its message of opening doors for others even when none were opened for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVE this book! It is amazingly complex, simple, and profound at the same time and allows the reader, of ANY age, to connect emotionally. This will spark conversation, sharing, and empathy in homes, schools, libraries, and any where else the book is shared. Ingenious!
March 2, 2026
Emily looks for a door that will let her in. But each door doesn't quite fit her. She will have to make her own door. I think it's about finding your onw way and making a place you belong..but it was abit unclear. I like the concept alot though.
April 16, 2026
What a gorgeous, child-appropriate allegory for finding your right space in the world. Trying, trying and trying again. And if you don't find your perfect fit, you create your own space and open it to others. Just lovely.
April 20, 2026
Emily is knocking on doors, but they aren't opening. This was unique. All the doors either have a reason for why they are not opening or wind up being unappealing. I think maybe this was a metaphor? So I guess I liked it?
March 3, 2026
Love the minimalist illustrations.
March 6, 2026
The story of a girl who after many tries, makes her own path.
March 18, 2026
Finding a door to be creative and opening it and doing what you want to do.
March 30, 2026
Totally delightful text and illustrations in this picture book about exploring who you are and finding where you belong.
April 13, 2026
Very sweet and lovely book about finding where you belong, and inviting others to join you.
May 14, 2026
This is a great example of a picture book that might lead to some really interesting conversations with upper elementary students.
April 9, 2026
Knock Knock! Emily's Here!
Mel Rosenberg has penned a charming tale of inclusion and acceptance that any youngster can understand. Little kids are always being told no, they aren't old enough or big enough. They will certainly empathize with Emily, who keeps trying to open doors that are locked to her. She isn't the right color, species or height. She can't climb high enough or speak soft enough. Emily just isn't enough to open any of the doors. Finally, Emily draws her own door and creates a place where anyone is welcome.
Rosenberg's simple story and the bright colorful illustrations by Orit Magia will appeal to young children. The artist used paint and paper textures combined with digital media. The pictures show only Emily and the doors without any other background. This use of white space focuses all of the reader's attention on Emily. That choice works well with Rosenberg's words to show young children Emily's frustration at being excluded. This story offers the perfect opportunity to discuss how it feels when they are excluded. From there, children can be encouraged to create their own group of friends where any other kid is welcome to join in.
Emily Saw a Door provides a concrete story for the abstract concept of doors that are closed to people. Although a picture book aimed at children, older readers will see the allegory of the closed doors that we all may face. Two doors refuse to open because she is the wrong color. There is a sly reference to religion; One of the doors state "you don't look Bluish." One of the doors never lets you reach the top. This seemed to be a hint at the glass ceiling many people face.
It is difficult to believe that this is Mel Rosenberg's first traditionally published children's book, but is is easy to understand why this book was such a success when it was initially published in Israel. I was lucky enough to read an electronic advanced reader's copy of this book. I can honestly recommend this book to kids of all ages, and I can't wait to see what the author has in store next.
Look for my author interview on the storybooklady,net book blog.
Mel Rosenberg has penned a charming tale of inclusion and acceptance that any youngster can understand. Little kids are always being told no, they aren't old enough or big enough. They will certainly empathize with Emily, who keeps trying to open doors that are locked to her. She isn't the right color, species or height. She can't climb high enough or speak soft enough. Emily just isn't enough to open any of the doors. Finally, Emily draws her own door and creates a place where anyone is welcome.
Rosenberg's simple story and the bright colorful illustrations by Orit Magia will appeal to young children. The artist used paint and paper textures combined with digital media. The pictures show only Emily and the doors without any other background. This use of white space focuses all of the reader's attention on Emily. That choice works well with Rosenberg's words to show young children Emily's frustration at being excluded. This story offers the perfect opportunity to discuss how it feels when they are excluded. From there, children can be encouraged to create their own group of friends where any other kid is welcome to join in.
Emily Saw a Door provides a concrete story for the abstract concept of doors that are closed to people. Although a picture book aimed at children, older readers will see the allegory of the closed doors that we all may face. Two doors refuse to open because she is the wrong color. There is a sly reference to religion; One of the doors state "you don't look Bluish." One of the doors never lets you reach the top. This seemed to be a hint at the glass ceiling many people face.
It is difficult to believe that this is Mel Rosenberg's first traditionally published children's book, but is is easy to understand why this book was such a success when it was initially published in Israel. I was lucky enough to read an electronic advanced reader's copy of this book. I can honestly recommend this book to kids of all ages, and I can't wait to see what the author has in store next.
Look for my author interview on the storybooklady,net book blog.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews