Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Doors of AfterLater by Gary Pyle is a perfect read for fourth to sixth graders and grownups with the sense of adventure of the children they once were. It is a heartwarming and entertaining story of young Jack, a kid who is tired of living in a stressful, busy city. He always looks forward to summer with his grandmother on the farm. But his grandmother has disappeared and no one knows where she is. Jack thinks he knows where to find her, even if no one is going to believe him. Now he has to find the special door to the AfterLater. Follow him on this adventure filled with an unexpected twist and emotionally strong moments.

Gary Pyle’s book is beautifully written and well-illustrated. The dialogues are great and they introduce the element of intrigue into the story. I particularly enjoyed Jack’s conversation with the mice. The relationship between Jack and Gran is defined by a shared sense of adventure and exciting secrets. The author uses the epistolary style to introduce suspense into the story while expanding the plot. The letter that Gran leaves behind offers clues that only Jack can understand. As the readers read on, they want to find answers to the question: Which door has Gran opened this time, and what happens beyond that door. What is most interesting is what happens when Jack takes a deep breath and opens The Doors of AfterLater. This story is the perfect treat for young readers and I enjoyed the ingenuity with which the author explores themes of family and friendship. Character development is impeccable and the skillful use of anthropomorphism enriches the characterization. Even after the last page is turned, readers will still think about the young boy and the special bond he has with his Gran…— Romuald Dzemo, for Readers’ Favorite

And from the Amazon book store, I have these reviews to share.

J. Adkins wrote: “An enchanting tale that reminds us to exercise our imagination and nourish our sense of wonder. Mr. Pyle captures his readers with vivid imagery and beautiful illustrations. As a teacher of preteen students, I would definitely use this novel as a literature study to teach the elements of fiction, develop vocabulary, and expose children to the joy of reading.”

SpEdster4Life wrote: “I love the focus on creativity. I don’t feel that this is just a children’s book. I found myself questioning how I’ve lost all of my imagination as an adult. Great illustrations.”

DsneFan wrote: “Excellent story that should spark the imagination of all who read it. Although it is aimed for grades 5 and up, as an adult I did not feel talked down to. Would make an excellent read-aloud.”

Mrs. N wrote: “This book opens the doors to the world of AfterLater and invites all to join in Jack’s many magical adventures. The rich language used creates strong images where each character and event come alive within the reader. The artwork is magnificent and reflects the minute details given each scene and character in the story. Imagination abounds with each chapter and I can’t wait for the next installment of Jack’s life, in both of his farmhouses.”

And, Michelle Lavelle wrote: “I enjoyed visiting The Doors of AfterLater through Jack’s eyes and ears. It was a journey of self-discovery, of imagination, creativity, and perseverance - maybe even a coming of age story. The characters come alive through the author’s own creativity and imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would highly recommend it to readers both young and old. Thank you Gary Pyle for your wondrous story.”