Author John Adam

Illustrator Barbara L. Gibson

Publisher: Feather Rock Books

ISBN 13: 978-1-934066-12-6

Author John Adams decided to write The Dragonfly Door after he learned about the Dragonfly project, a non-profit organization started by an 11-year-old. His book gained much praise and a group actually performed The Dragonfly Door as a play.

The front cover of this delightful children’s picture book is absolutely beautiful and reminds me of the freshness of spring. 

This story begins by telling the tale of two small nymphs called Lea and Nym. They love to play tag in the reeds under the water and are having so much fun.

They love each other very much and although they are only very young, Nym almost 2 years old and Lea 3, they live together in a nest of leafs and twigs under a rock.

However sometimes despite their closeness, Nym grows tired of her friend always telling her she must keep mud out of their nest. On and on Lea tells her about keeping their little home clean, making Nym feel so mad.

“I wish you would just leave me alone.” Nym snaps at Lea and dashes off to play tag with the newborn tadpoles.

The story tells how Lea then goes out in search of Nym’s favourite flower to try and put things right. She grows tired and feels very unwell and isn’t sure why.

The tale then goes back to little Nym and how she returns home to find her friend gone. Where can she be? Nym learns Lea has been out swimming very slowly toward the tall reeds. Nym is worried and hunts for her dear friend until very late. She returns home to her bed of soft leaf and cries herself to sleep.

The following part of this book is moving and yet peaceful too. It teaches children that even though we may die we’ll see each other again in a brand new place or as the author says “a beautiful new world”.

Included is a section on the re-production of dragonfly and nymphs. This should also help to teach youngsters about the life of these beautiful insects and how nature plays a key role.

I loved The Dragonfly Door which reaches out to those who are grieving and offers children a gentle way of understanding life and death in a way they will enjoy.

Adams has done a brilliant job and the illustrations in this book are amazing, colourful and full of life.