Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Plucky middle schooler finds magic in superb eco-fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As THE WORLD BEHIND THE DOOR, GREENWILD, BOOK 1 opens, Daisy Thistlebottom's journalist-adventurer mother is missing on assignment somewhere in South America. Daisy believes she's still alive, as numerous suspicious people are looking for her all over London. Daisy is running into Kew Gardens trying to escape one of these people when she stumbles into a portal that takes her to the Greenwild, a supernatural realm where everyone seems to be able to perform magic -- except her. She's introduced to a community of activists, botanists, and magicians, and begins to find clues about her mother's disappearance.
Is It Any Good?
Fantasy trilogies are all the rage, and this epic is off to a fine start. Author Pari Thomson displays a lot of ambition in The World Behind the Door, building a world that feels both new and familiar. The magical plant world is beautifully drawn in black-and-white illustrations by Elisa Paganelli. Readers will be pulled in and taken for a wild ride, with memorable characters and complicated problems to solve. Fight scenes are well choreographed, and the dialogue is smooth and natural. There's plenty of action and food for thought in this impressive series starter, and much to look forward to in coming Greenwild books.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The World Behind the Door addresses climate change. How does the author mix fact and fiction to present this fictional world? Did this work for you?
Daisy's mother and father are both missing. Why do authors sometimes choose to feature absent parents?
How has journalism changed since Daisy's time? How would modern technology change this story?
How does Daisy work as part of a team? What role does communication play in how the characters work together in this story?
Describe how Daisy shows courage. Where do you think she finds her courage? When have you been brave?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Elisa Paganelli
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Gratitude , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date : June 6, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 380
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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