“The Cherayroos” by S.P. Doran

The Cherayroos

S.P. Doran
Stephen Doran (2025)
ISBN:  978-1764407007
Reviewed by Megan Weiss for Reader Views (01/2026)

The Cherayroos: Underground Rules is a vibrant, intuitive story for young readers set in an underground world known as The Hollowing.  The Hollowing is the home of small, furry creatures known as Cherayroos.  Chie, a young male Cherayroo, dreams of being a warrior someday.  To prove to his parents and the Cherayroo elders that he is brave enough to achieve his dream, he embarks on a harrowing adventure to the Above.  But in The Hollowing, one of the most important rules all Cherayroos follow is that only the Chief and select warriors are allowed to visit the Above.  Armed with a trusty map, his favorite hazelnut pies, and courageous curiosity, Chie sets out.  As he forges his way through eerie tunnels and a beautiful forest, Chie meets many new faces, although some, such as the strange Pookie, may have ulterior motives.  Courage, the magic of nature, and responsibly indulging curiosity help Chie to grow and learn some important lessons along the way.

The Cherayroos was a charming, inventive book.  With breathtaking storytelling and beautiful illustrations, it will instill wonder in children and adults alike.  My favorite part of the book comes after Chie’s foray into the Above, when the Chief – instead of getting angry at Chie for breaking the rules – merely tells him that if he was really that set on seeing the Above, all he had to do was ask.  As a child, I know I had times when I was afraid to ask questions, or even for help, in situations where I wanted to prove something, or achieve a particular childhood dream. 

Children are curious by nature – it’s how we learn right and wrong, harness our emotions, and grow into individuals. Having courage to embark on a potentially dangerous journey seems glorious to a child, but the innocence of childhood often blinds young minds to the grave consequences of such an act could bring, beyond merely being caught or getting in trouble with parents or authority figures.  How many times, as a child, did our parents, teachers, and elders say to us: “All you had to do was ask”? Growing up is as much about exploring as it is about learning how to explore safely and responsibly.

The Cherayroos is a perfect book for parents and children to read together, or in elementary school classrooms.  I loved that the authority figures in the book do not punish Chie for his curiosity but merely remind him that being reckless could not only lead to him being hurt, but to others being harmed, as well. Finally, sometimes rules seem silly or unreasonably restrictive, but if, as children, we take a moment to stop and ask questions, we may learn that those rules help ensure the safety of a home or community. In Chie, readers are gifted a protagonist who is in a similar mindset to themselves, as Chie is at an age where he is becoming more aware – and curious – of the wider world around him. 

I really enjoyed reading The Cherayroos, and watching Chie grow from being impulsive to being more introspective. In the beginning, Chie wants to grow up and be strong. In the end, the adults in his life help him realize that he shouldn’t wish his childhood years away. Instead, he should take this time to safely explore his curiosity by accepting guidance from those who care for him. I am excited to see if more adventures await Chie and his audience in the near future.