The Magical Doorway

    By Tiffany Phylicia

    The Magical Doorway cover image

    13 Sep, 2024

    a boy in glasses standing in a room full of toys and books on the floor and a window with a light shining in, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, cgstudio

    Jacob, a curious boy with a keen sense of adventure, was inspecting his room when he stumbled upon a large mysterious wooden door. He had never seen it before.

    a boy in a library with a backpack and glasses on, looking at the camera and smiling at the viewer, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Intrigued, he cautiously approached the door. With a deep breath, he turned the brass knob and slowly pushed the door open, revealing a swirling vortex of colors.

    a boy in a green shirt and brown pants is standing in a doorway with flowers and butterflies around him, magic realism, a storybook illustration, Aaron Jasinski, rossdraws global illumination

    Stepping through the door, Jacob found himself in a magical forest, where tiny fairies floated around glowing flowers. He felt a sense of wonder and excitement.

    a boy sitting on a mossy ground surrounded by butterflies and flowers in a forest with a light shining on him, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Brad Kunkle, promotional image

    A fairy flew up to Jacob and introduced herself as Lily. She explained that he was in Fairyland, and the only way back home was to complete a challenge.

    a boy with glasses and a backpack in a forest with butterflies flying around him and a butterfly in the air, magical realism, poster art, Alejandro Burdisio, key art

    Jacob was nervous, but he was also excited about the prospect of an adventure. He agreed to take on the challenge, determined to find his way back home.

    a boy and girl walking through a forest with butterflies flying around them and a light shining through the trees, magical realism, poster art, Aaron Jasinski, promotional image

    The challenge was to navigate through a labyrinth of towering hedges filled with puzzles and riddles. Jacob, with Lily's guidance, bravely entered the labyrinth.

    a boy with glasses and a bird in a forest with flowers and butterflies around him, with a light shining through the leaves, magic realism, poster art, Cliff Childs, promotional image

    As they ventured deeper into the labyrinth, the puzzles became more complex. Jacob was stumped many times, but with Lily's encouragement, he didn't give up.

    a painting of a boy with glasses and a butterfly on his shoulder in a forest with flowers and butterflies, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Brad Kunkle, official art

    Jacob realized that the puzzles were testing more than his intelligence. They were also testing his kindness, bravery, and determination.

    a boy with glasses standing in a doorway with flowers around him and a light coming through the doorway behind him, magical realism, poster art, Aaron Jasinski, key art

    Finally, Jacob and Lily reached the center of the labyrinth. A large door stood before them, locked with a riddle that Jacob needed to solve.

    a boy with glasses and a butterfly on his head in front of a doorway with flowers and a butterfly, magical realism, poster art, Cliff Childs, key art

    The riddle was tough, but Jacob thought carefully, using everything he had learned. With a final answer, he unlocked the door, and it swung open.

    a boy with glasses and a backpack walking through a garden with flowers and butterflies on it, with a butterfly archway in the background, magical realism, poster art, Drew Struzan, promotional image

    Inside, they found a beautiful garden with a portal shimmering in the center. Lily explained that this was the portal back to Jacob's world.

    a boy with glasses and a butterfly wings on his head in a field of flowers and daisies with a forest in the background, magic realism, a character portrait, Aaron Jasinski, rossdraws global illumination

    Jacob thanked Lily for her help. He was sad to leave Fairyland, but he was also eager to return home and share his adventure.

    a boy holding a crystal ball in his hand in a circle of fireflies and stars in the sky, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Brad Kunkle, rossdraws global illumination

    Jacob stepped into the portal. The world around him swirled, and then everything went dark. When he opened his eyes, he was back in his room.

    a boy standing in front of a tunnel with a dog looking at him and a dog looking at him, magical realism, poster art, Aaron Jasinski, promotional image

    He looked around, the mysterious door was gone, and everything was back to normal. But he knew he had gone on a real adventure.

    a boy with glasses and a backpack standing in front of a doorway with a forest scene behind him and a golden egg in his hand, photorealism, a character portrait, Aaron Jasinski, promotional image

    Jacob learned many things from his adventure in Fairyland. He had grown braver, kinder and more determined. This made him feel proud.