Do Not Go in There

by Ariel Horn, Izzy Burton (Illustrator)

Do Not Go in There! is an encouraging picture book from debut author Ariel Horn and illustrator Izzy Burton that highlights the power of imagination while touching on themes of anxiety, curiosity, and bravery.

Monsters Morton and Bogart are best friends. But they don't always see eye to eye.

So when they encounter a closed door, anxious Bogart wants to keep it closed, because there must be something really bad on the other side. But Morton thinks it'll be something amazing! Which is it?

Through bright, expressive illustrations, readers learn that, while not knowing can be frightening, being brave can lead to new discoveries. And even though your imagination can make it easy to worry, it can also make life better, less scary, and more fun.

An Imprint Book

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Friendship, Monsters, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 14, 2020

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two adorable monster friends have very different ideas of what they might find behind a mysterious red door. There might be something scary! But... what if there's something really wonderful, like a carnival in space full of bunny friends? This book is fantastical and imaginative, full of creative scenarios of what may lie beyond the door-- a debate of worry and curiosity of what comes next.

[Robbi C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun conversation starter with my kids. Cute illustrations, so-so story, but the ending opens up a good discussion.

[Raychelle Legendre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story focuses on two best friends who both see different perspectives of things. One sees the negative and points out all the bad things that could happen, while the other friend sees all the positive, explaining how it could be fun. The illustrations were absolutely stunning, with so much color and cute characters to keep a child's mind engaged. Both characters had their own color font, so a child could keep up with who was talking. The story was an awesome way to show kids that it's okay to be scared and to have thoughts of doubt, but sometimes doing something that scares you can lead to amazing things.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the colorful, kid-friendly illustrations. Two adorable monsters argue about what could be behind a magic red door (one monster thinks it's scary things, the other thinks it contains exciting, fun things!). I probably wouldn't use this for storytime because the stories they imagine get really complicated really fast (and it whiplashes back and forth between one monster's vision and the other, so it might be hard to maintain the thread with an audience), but great for one-one-one reads.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars because the art was amazing, but the story was alright. I didn't like the ending.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

I really wanted to know what was behind the actual door and I was sad and disappointed that we never got to find out. Felt like there was such built up to what's behind the door and then the book ended -_- I'm glad Bogart got the courage to go with Morton to investigate the door...even though we never see what's behind the door..

[Ally Salmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written and illustrated book! This book does a brilliant job at illustrating fear and nerves and anxiety in a way that kids of all ages can understand. I have read this to multiple age groups and all of them can relate to one or both of the characters. With some humor, it opens up a discussion on fear that allows the readers (or listeners) a safe place to be vulnerable.
I love this book and will forever be reading this at storytimes!

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did it. I JUDGED a book entirely by it's cover. But I am happy with that decision because this book is SO. STINKIN'. CUTE.

I wish wholeheartedly that these monsters were real. Such imagination! Way to go Izzy Burton. <3 your illustrations!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morton and Bogart are best friends. they see a bright red door and Bogart warns don't go in there! there's probably a wolf in there. morton says look how red the door is-maybe it's scratch and sniff and it smells like candy. they go back and forth. bogart thinking there's something bad behind the door and morton thinking it's something good. it ends without the door being opened.

[Marcyjo Chachakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been faced with a decision but didn't know what answer was the best? these two monsters are best friends but look at situations differently. One is brave, the other scared but together they find the courage to look "in there". My grandson was fascinated by this story and the accompanying illustrations. A welcome addition to bedtime story reading.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Monster friends Morton and Bogart encounter a closed door. Bogart is convinced something bad must be on the other side. Morton dreams of something new and exciting. Will they open the door? Which one is right?

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is definitely a story about one character helping another overcome anxiety, but there is also an element of peer pressure I didn't like. It also has a very dated feel to it. I was surprised it was 2020.

[Dylan Teut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting ending, great prompt for further thinking/talking/writing....

[Kelly]

Cute story. Interesting how it ends with...no ending. Only our imaginations can provide what might be behind the red door.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book to read a loud to kiddos.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable. Loved the art and the wonderful expressions of a monster who is a bit more pessimistic versus his/her optimistic friend.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bogart doesn't want to open the door until Morton convinces him to.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute picture book that illustrates optimism and pessimism.

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little story about anxiety and the unknown in a fun, interactive format.

[Christopher Lepage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable banter and display of optimism.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, LOVE!

[Adeline Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are so many cute things about this book. I love the illustrations and the idea about pespectives but the ending is lackluster.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some people may enjoy an unresolved story but I’m not one of them, and I never have been. I would have hated the cliffhanger ending as a child.

[Y.Poston]

a cute exploration of curiosity

[Sandra Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book might be helpful for an audience who needs some help weighing pro's and con's in trying something new. It's a conversation starter.

[Rolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is cute, but the unresolved ending was really unsatisfying for my kiddos.

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My two moods: anxiety and chaos.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Do Not Go In There!, written by Ariel Horn and illustrated by Izzy Burton, a delightful fantasy about the power of possibility.

Morton and Bogart, two colorful, oddly-constructed creatures, are playing with blocks when they encounter a most curious thing: a red door. A red door with a SHINY gold doorknob. A very TEMPTING door, to the excitable and optimistic Morton. A very FOREBODING door, to the nervous and fretful Bogart. The two begin to concoct a number of theories as to what could be behind the door: “Fireworks and party balloons!” insists Morton. “Bunny-eating wolves!” cries Bogart. Yet, as the two craft ever-more preposterous theories, the question remains: to go, or not to go?

A blast! Written primarily in conversational text, delineated by two different typefaces for Morton and Bogart, this wildly entertaining tale also teaches a sweet lesson in overcoming uncertainty, and thrill of possibility. The escalating fantasizing by the two monsters is hilarious and charming, as well as a delight to read aloud, and little bookworms will identify with how overwhelming both excitement and dread can feel in the face of anticipation. The art is just as engaging, from the unique and adorable design of the central characters and of their imaginings full of candy castles, astronautical wolves, and much more. The length is perfect for a quick storytime, but it’s appeal is endlessly repeatable (JJ has requested many readings already) – always a treat when a book has such a universal message as well. Simply put, this one’s great. Emphatically Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Ember Moto · Rating 3 out of 5]

book that teaches kids about facing the unknown