The Tunnel

Preview:

The Tunnel tells the story of two siblings who couldn’t be more different — a quiet, book-loving girl and her boisterous, adventurous brother. When they discover a mysterious tunnel, the brother rushes in and disappears. The sister must overcome her fears and follow him, leading to a surreal and transformative journey. With haunting illustrations and symbolic depth, Anthony Browne explores themes of sibling conflict, courage, and emotional growth.

Perfect for readers, who:

• Enjoy emotionally layered stories with fantasy elements
• Like picture books that invite interpretation and discussion
• Are developing empathy and critical thinking through narrative
• Prefer stories that blend realism with surreal, symbolic imagery

Why You'll Love It:

✅ Rich visual metaphors that deepen the emotional impact
✅ Encourages reflection on sibling relationships and personal growth
✅ Clear, accessible text paired with psychologically complex themes
✅ Ideal for classroom discussion, emotional literacy, and visual storytelling

Also consider the below aspects before you select:

❌ Surreal imagery may feel unsettling for very sensitive readers
❌ Symbolic storytelling may require adult guidance for full interpretation

Verdict:

A powerful and thought-provoking picture book perfect for emerging and junior readers who enjoy emotionally resonant stories, symbolic art, and narratives that explore fear, family, and transformation.