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Imagination Took Over
The Attic Door follows a little boy in a new bedroom that has a strange door where strange and scary sounds come from who works up the courage to investigate what is behind the door. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for The Attic Door came from my experience in second grade when I lived in Chicago, Illinois. My family moved into a new house, and my sister, brother, and I each got to choose our own bedrooms. Unfortunately, I picked the one with a large door that led into the attic. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but that quickly changed once night fell—especially during Chicago’s windy winters. The attic door would rattle and shake, and I began having nightmares. Eventually, my younger brother and I switched rooms, since the attic didn’t bother him at all. But as fate would have it, his old room—now mine—had a window that opened onto the roof. Of course, my imagination took over once again. I had to endure the rooftop window for another year until we finally moved!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I loved writing the story, and the completed illustrations made me love the picture book even more.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator David Barrow?
All communication went through the publisher. She shared the illustrations as David completed them, and I provided feedback. It was an easy process because David captured everything just as I had envisioned.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I submit directly to publishers and currently have three stories out on submission. No takers so far, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Scary noises are coming from the creepy attic door in Eduardo’s bedroom. His imagination goes wild!
When Eduardo (and his stuffed alligator) finally gather their courage to go investigate, is it a ghost? Or a monster? Or something unexpected?
The Attic Door
The Attic Door is a delightful and touching story about a little boy named Eduardo who faces a mysterious and creepy door in his new bedroom. Strange noises in the night send him into a panic, clutching his stuffed alligator, Russell, for protection. What follows is a sweet mix of fear, bravery, and humor as Eduardo musters the courage to investigate with the help of his mom. The book closes on a gentle note of honesty and resilience as Eduardo blames his bedwetting on poor Russell, all while asserting his bravery.
I found the writing charming and real. Tayloe taps into a very honest childhood fear—the unknown creaks and groans of a new home—and brings it to life with warmth and humor. The dialogue is simple but full of personality, especially Eduardo’s conversations with Russell, which made me smile. I appreciated how Tayloe handled bedwetting without shame, turning it into a small moment of tenderness and trust between a child and a parent. There’s a genuine affection in every sentence. The pacing was smooth, and the sounds were fun to read aloud and added a playful layer of tension that kids will enjoy.
David Barrow’s illustrations are just as memorable. They have a soft and cozy quality while still capturing the spooky tension of the attic door. There’s a touch of whimsy in the way he draws Eduardo and Russell that made me feel nostalgic. The art is expressive but not overwhelming, which gives room for the words to breathe. It’s a perfect pairing. I absolutely adored the scene where Eduardo and Russell are peeking out from under the covers.
The Attic Door is about facing fears, learning what’s real and what’s imagined, and growing just a little bit braver. I’d recommend it for kids ages 4–8, especially those dealing with new routines, big changes, or nighttime worries. It’s a warm hug of a story with a wink and a giggle tucked inside. Parents will love reading this one aloud, and kids will see a bit of themselves in Eduardo.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DDLJ4165
LITERARY TITAN 