Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite Where is your imagination? And what does it do? How can you make your imagination work for you? Well, simply put, your imagination is in your heart and head as it is the key that opens up the world of imaginary places, events, activities and so much more. Why bother? Because imagination is what makes all things possible, real and surreal. It takes you to worlds unknown, created only by you and for you. Imagination creates a safe place where you can do whatever you want and not have to worry about who sees you, who approves of what you’re doing, and who might want to take it away from you. Imagination is yours and yours alone, so use it well and often. Sarah Whalen’s picture book story, The Imagination Key, is a beautifully illustrated book that addresses the simple concept of one’s imagination. The story begins with questions children might ask: “What is your imagination? And where oh where does it live?” The author then leads the young reader through some silly possibilities of where your imagination might be like in your fingers or between your toes. Young readers will certainly chuckle at that and possibly want to check their fingers and toes just like the children in the illustration. Once the author explains that imagination is in your heart and head, she then takes young readers into a realm of imaginative possibilities: all you have to do is close your eyes and imagine the world of your dreams and then anything is possible, as long as you, and only you, make it up. The author concludes by reaffirming the location of the key to your imagination: “The key is in your head and heart. That’s where it will always stay.” And, the final page is left for the young reader to draw their own picture of something they imagined: “Now it’s time to unlock your imagination!” This is a clever and charming little book, beautifully illustrated. It would definitely appeal to young readers and help them understand and appreciate the gift of their own unique imagination.
