ABOUT THE BABEL CORNER SERIES
Every night, Sofia, Max, and little Lily step into their bedroom tent - a magical place that receives messages from children who need help around the world. When they whisper Wanderlustria, the tent sends them to a real country for a new mission filled with clues, culture, and adventure.
THE SECRET CODE OF THE MAGIC DOOR (ITALY)
Tonight, the tent carries the siblings to Italy, where their cousin Matteo asks for help solving the mystery of an ancient door. The clues lead them through Pompeii, Venice, Pisa, San Siro Stadium, and Rome. Along the way, they make pizza in Naples, fly in Leonardo da Vinci's flying machine, and decode symbols inspired by real Italian legends - all before morning.
Younger readers enjoy the magical mission and rich illustrations. Older readers can explore deeper cultural clues, hidden details, and bonus pages that link the fiction to real Italian history. The story was shaped with input from Italian families, native speakers, and the author's own Italian ties for accuracy and warmth.
BONUS EXTRAS INSIDE
Printable Passport - Italy Stamp - Illustrated Travel Dictionary - Curated videos and music - Trailer access - Optional AR-enhanced cover - Free companion space with printables.
WHY THIS BOOK WORKS FOR FAMILIES
Kids love the adventure, puzzles, food scenes, and illustrated pages. Parents appreciate the cultural learning, geography, simple Italian words, teamwork, and gentle mystery that encourage problem-solving and reading confidence.
Perfect for ages 8-12 who enjoy travel adventures, culture-rich stories, and fully illustrated chapter books set in real countries. Begin the journey today!
Gale, Teresa: - "Teresa is an editor with over 10 years of experience in the book industry, most recently as Senior Editor for Macmillan Children's Books in the UK, where she currently works, specialising in writing, editing and project managing books for children aged 0-12. She has worked across a wide range of formats, including picture books, novelty and activity books, licensed publishing and illustrated non-fiction.Prior to working in publishing, she was a children's bookseller for 2.5 years, running a busy children's department, merchandising and hand-selling a wide range of books from picture books all the way through to middle grade and young adult, and she was always keeping an eye on the latest releases to ensure my market knowledge is up to date.She is also an accomplished and experienced proofreader and is known by my colleagues as having 'eagle eyes' for the tiniest of details - perfect for helping make sure your book is as perfect as can be before you send it into the world!"
Hasan, Maruf: - Maruf is a talented graphic designer and illustrator, known for his vibrant, whimsical style. With over ten years of experience, he creates breathtaking illustrations that make young readers feel like they're travelling alongside Sofia, Max, and Lily. His joyful and colourful artwork brings the siblings' adventures to life, immersing children in the beauty and culture of each country as if they were truly there. As the main illustrator for over 50 children's books, Maruf's playful, imaginative illustrations are sure to captivate young minds.
