During a dismal rainstorm, a lonely boy kicks a ball around a big mansion. To his surprise, he uncovers a mysterious key while dislodging the ball from under a chair. Puzzled by its appearance, the boy’s boredom quickly dissipates as he searches for the object that the key will unlock. Opening an old trunk, the boy finds a ladder leading him downward. Following a winding tunnel and spiraling up a dizzying staircase, he finds himself in an unfamiliar place, yet the precise place he wants to be. This enchanting plot is conveyed wordlessly through Barbara Lehman’s uncomplicated, colorful illustrations. The misery of a rainy day indoors leads to the unexpected discovery of new friends and sunshine in a pleasing story of possibility. (Ages 5–10)

It can be lonely sometimes on a rainy day in a big house with no one else around and there’s only the quiet to keep you company. But if you find a key, a mysterious key, that leads you to an unexpected place . . . chances are your afternoon is about to get a lot more interesting.