Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Christine Davenier
Jane Yolen is well known for her “How Do Dinosaurs…” picture books as well as her many poetry books, so it’s only appropriate she would write a picture book about America’s most well-known female poet, Emily Dickinson. Not much is known about Emily’s childhood but Yolen takes the few facts that are known and weaves a lovely tale of how Emily’s poetic impulses may have begun. At the end Yolen leaves the reader with an Author’s Note giving us more details about Emily’s life and after that showcases some of Emily Dickinson’s poems. This would be a fabulous book to read to young children to inspire and encourage them to try writing poetry and to show them that they can start small, with just a few words, as Emily may have done.
Reviewed by Jennifer Porter, Media Clerk, Crestview Elementary
Review shared in April 2020
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-2
Emily Writes: Emily Dickinson and Her Poetic Beginnings
Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Christine Davenier
Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company
40 pages
Release Date: February 4, 2020
ISBN: 9781250128089
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
