Daniel Nayeri Discusses His Award-Winning Book 'This Is a Door'

In an interview with Bookselling This Week, Nayeri elaborated on how *This Is a Door* began as a personal challenge to create a picture book that incorporated elements of the Hero’s Journey without traditional illustrations. He shared that he enjoys writing by hand, which often leads him to doodle while he contemplates the story’s direction. He was inspired by the phrase “This is a door,” commonly used to encourage young readers, and began combining text and doodles into a linear narrative.

Nayeri discussed the design challenges he encountered while structuring the book. He focused on principles of visual storytelling, considering how readers engage with text and images on a page. He aimed to create a cohesive beginning, middle, and end rather than a fragmented collection of words.

Throughout the creative process, he realized the need for a strong outline and found that the Hero’s Journey structure provided the clarity he required. When asked about future projects, he expressed interest in exploring different interactive storytelling mechanisms and expanding into various genres, particularly in nonfiction children’s books.

The conversation also touched on the deeper themes of purpose that resonate throughout his work. Nayeri highlighted a shift in how children are asked about their future aspirations, noting that adults no longer routinely pose the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” He expressed concern that many kids feel unsure about their futures, which often weighs heavily on them.

Nayeri concluded by emphasizing the importance of bookstores in fostering a love for learning and personal development. He sees bookstores as vital spaces where individuals can explore their interests and find inspiration in various subjects, thus aiding them in uncovering their purposes.