Teaching Children about Mental Health
Lynn Haller writes warm, affirming stories that help kids understand big feelings. Her picture book, The Hallway of Doorknobs, invites young readers to open a series of doors and meet emotions as friendly characters, blending simple social-emotional learning with imaginative play. Vivid, inclusive art and clear, gentle language make it a useful read for families and classrooms.
Come learn about The Hallway of Doorknobs.
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The Hallways of Doorknobs launches May 4, 2026
What if the voices inside your child weren't problems to fix, but protectors waiting to be understood?
Grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and brought to life with luminous, painterly illustrations, this picture book gives kids ages 6-10 a language for what's happening inside them, and the reassurance that all of their parts belong.
“This story is more than a book. It is a gift that gives people of all ages permission to meet themselves with kindness and extend compassion to others.”
—Angela Waibel, M.ed, Kindergarten Teacher, 25 years
Frequent questions
Answers
Five diverse kids discover a magical hallway filled with doors, each with a unique doorknob. Behind every door lives a different part - the protective voices inside us that show up when we need them. Some parts get prickly to keep people away. Others hide. Some perform or caretake or freeze. The story invites children to meet these parts as characters they can get to know, talk to, and understand. It's based on Internal Family Systems therapy, but you don't need to know the framework to use it. The book simply shows kids that all their parts have a job, and all of them belong.
The book works best for ages 6-10, but we've heard from parents who read it with younger kids (around 4-5) and older ones (up to 12) depending on the child. Younger children connect with the colorful characters and magical setting. Older kids appreciate the deeper emotional concepts. If your child is curious about feelings or struggling to name what's happening inside, the book meets them where they are.
Start simple. Ask which door they'd want to open first, or which part felt familiar. You might notice your child bringing up the book later - "I think my Cactus part is here right now" or "My Vanish part wants to hide." Let them lead. The book plants seeds; conversations grow at their own pace. If you want more structure, the back of the book includes a note for grown-ups with gentle guidance on connecting the story to the parts we all carry inside.
Yes. The book isn't therapy, but it offers language for what's happening inside. Kids dealing with trauma, anxiety, grief, divorce, or major life changes often feel alone with their protective parts. Hallway of Doorknobs shows them that parts - even the ones that feel scary or overwhelming - make sense, have a job, and can be understood. When a child can name their Cactus part or their Freeze part, they're one step closer to working with those parts instead of being taken over by them. Many therapists and counselors use it as part of their work with children.
Absolutely. Teachers use it to introduce social-emotional learning concepts. Therapists use it to help kids externalize their emotions. School counselors read it in small groups. If you're ordering multiple copies or want to discuss bulk pricing, reach out through the contact page. The book works well as a shared read-aloud or as part of a feelings curriculum.
Yes! More books are already in the works. Future stories will explore the hallway further, introducing concepts like the 8 Cs - qualities like courage, calm, curiosity, and compassion that help us connect with our parts. The same five kids will continue their journey, and readers will discover new doors, new parts, and new ways of understanding themselves. The hallway has just opened.
