Coraline

Story

While exploring her new house, Coraline Jones discovers a secret door to another world. There is an Other Mother, who cooks delicious food, and an Other Father. Her toys can fly and animals can talk. However, this magical world becomes more sinister when the Other Mother asks Coraline to stay with her forever.

Why we chose it

Coraline is a haunting and mysterious page-turner that is much enjoyed by readers of 11 years and over who like being a little bit frightened. Coraline is a great heroine - quirky, adventurous and imaginative, with a strong sense of right and wrong. Gaiman’s writing is vivid and original, and this creepy, funny, touching tale will linger in the memory.

Where it came from

Neil Gaiman is an English writer and comic creator. His daughter, Holly, used to tell him terrifying tales of witches impersonating people’s mothers, inspiring him to write Coraline’s story. Coraline’s parallel world, accessed through mysterious passageways and mirrors, has been likened to Lewis Carroll’s stories of Alice in Wonderland, and Gaiman was also influenced by a Victorian horror story, The New Mother by Lucy Clifford.

Where it went next

The book was a great success, winning numerous awards including the Hugo Award for Best Novella in 2003. It has been illustrated by Dave McKean and Chris Riddell and adapted as a graphic novel. In 2009, animation studio Laika released a film adaptation, directed by Henry Selick, which received multiple nominations for Academy Awards. The story also prompted several theatrical adaptations, an opera, and even an episode of The Simpsons.

Associated stories

Gaiman’s dark fantasies draw readers across all age groups. His other notable children’s stories include The Graveyard Book and Fortunately, the Milk.

In the museum find the portrait of Neil Gaiman dressed as his favourite story character, Badger from The Wind in the Willows, from The Story Museum’s 26 Characters exhibition.