Coraline is a dark fantasy novella written by British author Neil Gaiman, first published in 2002 by Bloomsbury Publishing in the United Kingdom and HarperCollins in the United States. Illustrated by Dave McKean, the story follows a curious young girl named Coraline Jones who moves into an old house with her parents. Bored with her mundane life, she discovers a mysterious door leading to an alternate version of her home, where everything seems perfect—including her 'Other Mother' and 'Other Father' who have buttons for eyes. As Coraline explores this alluring parallel world, she uncovers its sinister underbelly and must use her wits and courage to escape and rescue her real parents.
The novella masterfully blends elements of horror, adventure, and fairy tale, drawing on gothic traditions while appealing to both children and adults. Gaiman's narrative explores themes of neglectful parenting, the dangers of escapism, bravery, and the value of appreciating the imperfect real world over deceptive perfection. Critically acclaimed, it won the Hugo Award for Best Novella in 2003, the Nebula Award in 2002, and the Bram Stoker Award, cementing its status as a modern classic in children's literature with enduring cultural impact.
