Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) was a famous American poet, known for being a recluse and having nearly 1,800 poems (including “Because I could not stop…”) published posthumously. I’ve reviewed one picture book about Dickinson in the past, but now here are four more, showing many facets of her life and writing. I’ve arranged them according to recommended audience from toddler to middle grade.
In Emily’s Garden by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Carme Lemniscates (Gibbs Smith, 2019)
This board book in the BabyLit series begins, “What’s in Emily’s garden?” Each simple, colourful two-page spread then lists one thing, such as sunlight, bees, or grass, accompanied by a quote from one of Dickinson’s poems. As you can imagine, the vocabulary and meaning of the lines are advanced for toddlers, but poetry-loving parents may enjoy introducing little ones to phrases like “A Route of Evanescence / With a revolving Wheel…” Recommended for ages 2 to 3.
Emily Writes: Emily Dickinson and Her Poetic Beginnings by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Christine Davenier (Henry Holt, 2020)
This picture book for younger readers is a slice of Emily Dickinson’s life as a young child. She finds discarded papers and practices drawing shapes and curlicues. Her parents are too busy or indisposed to pay attention but she shares her “poem” with Mrs. Mack in the kitchen. This simple story conveys the joy of words, quiet contemplation, and a fresh-baked doughnut! A detailed author’s note describes what we know and don’t know about Dickinson’s life and family, including the poems her sister found after she died. There are also a few poems and excerpts included at the end of the book. Recommended for ages 4 to 6.
Emily Dickinson’s Letters to the World by Jeanette Winter (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2002)
Narrated by Dickinson’s sister Lavinia, after she has died, this short picture book describes how Dickinson was thought strange, read the dictionary, and dressed only in white. Then Lavinia discovers her stash of 1,775 poems and the rest of the book is an assortment of the poems themselves – Dickinson’s “letter to the world.” The book is illustrated in Winter’s signature colourful style. It ends with a brief historical note. Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
My Uncle Emily by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter (Philomel Books, 2009)
This peek into the life of Emily Dickinson is narrated by her six-year-old nephew Thomas Gilbert (“Gib”) and based on a true story when Emily gave Gib a poem and a dead bee to take to school. The story is thoughtful rather than action-packed and teaches lessons about loyalty, honesty, and family. It shows that poems can be difficult to understand but also powerful. The text is presented in lines like poetry and the illustrations have an old-fashioned feel. An author’s note explains what is true about the story. This book tells the most about Dickinson’s extended family and how she was viewed by outsiders, from a child’s perspective. Recommended for ages 5 to 10.
On Wings of Words: The Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander (Chronicle Books, 2020)
Describing Emily Dickinson’s childhood, Berne writes, “It was clear Emily was becoming a person – in many ways like other people – only more so. Her happys were happier. Her sads were sadder. Her thoughts were deeper, Her desires were stronger. And oh, there was so much that Emily loved.” As she tried to find answers to the sorrows of life she turned from church and school to her own observations and was soothed by writing poetry. I love the way this biography includes so many of her poems. It could definitely open up discussion of deep topics like truth and hope. I also appreciate how the author includes notes about understanding Dickinson’s poetry, her own definition of poetry, suggestions for reading, writing, and sharing, and a short bibliography. Finally, there is an artist’s note about the historical accuracy of the illustrations and the joy of depicting the abstract ideas found in Dickinson’s poems. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.