Loni Edwards

Illustration and Paintings in Digital, Watercolors and Ink

Perfect Picture Book Fridays – My Uncle Emily

Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday book is about the nephew of the popular poet, Emily Dickinson and the special relationship they had.

TitleMy Uncle Emily

AuthorJane Yolen IllustratorNancy Carpenter

Publisher – Philomel Books (Penguin Young Readers Group)

Year 2009 Ages

Synopsis – This is a semi fictional tale told from the perspective of poet Emily Dickinson’s nephew. It is a warm tale of love, telling the truth, adversity, and loyalty. The classic style of the art pulls you back into time, where the special relationship between an Aunt and a boy is revealed.

Themes – love, telling the truth, adversity, family, loyalty, history.

Activities

Emily Dickinson museum’s kids page http://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/for%20kids

Emily Dickinson museum’s fun & games page http://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/fun_and_games

Poetry lessons for kids http://www.poetry4kids.com/blog/lessons/poetry-writing-lessons/

What I liked about this book – Since I now live in Amherst, MA I have become very aware of Emily Dickinson and the impact she has had on her fans. When we went to the cemetery in which she is buried, we found numerous people at her grave site. Upon reaching it, we saw that many people had left tokens, pencils & pens, tablets, small notes with writing on them, and poems. It was very touching. The community here also has a poetry week in which a couple of the days she is honored. I think this book is a wonderful way to introduce children to this interesting and talented poet.

Perfect Picture Book Fridays are a weekly blog event where participants review some of their favorite picture books. The posts are compiled on author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website. They are categorized by theme to help parents, educators and readers find the perfect picture book easily. To learn more, please visit Susanna’s site where you will find the complete PPBF’s library.

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16 Comments

  1. Wendy Greenley 15/11/2013

    After I read Jane Yolen’s PiBoIdMo post I went to the library to re-read some of her books but I still can’t find this one! Now you’ve re-whetted my appetite.

  2. Patricia Tilton 15/11/2013

    I love Jane Yolen’s work, so I’m sure this is a beautiful read of such a beloved poet and writer. I enjoyed looking at the Museum page and the Poetry page for kids. Nice resources.

  3. Jarm Del Boccio 15/11/2013

    Sounds like a winner to me, Loni. . .I love history-based PBs!

  4. Joanna 15/11/2013

    This is one of Jane’s I don’t know and am very eager to read now.

  5. Julie Hedlund 15/11/2013

    Sounds absolutely lovely!

  6. Julie Rowan-Zoch 15/11/2013

    Love the idea of this book, and Emily !

  7. Rhythm 15/11/2013

    This sounds like a lovely book. I’m a big fan of Ms Yolen. Her books are very popular at our library. But I haven’t seen this one. I’ll have to look for it. Thanks!

    • Loni 18/11/2013 — Post Author

      If you are a fan of Jane’s then you will love this book. You can tell she has much admiration for Emily.

  8. Susanna Leonard Hill 16/11/2013

    Sounds like a very interesting book with a unique angle! Thanks so much for sharing it, Loni! 🙂

    • Loni 18/11/2013 — Post Author

      Yes, it is, Susanna. Thank you for your comment 🙂

  9. Stacy S. Jensen 17/11/2013

    I love books from a different perspective like the nephew twist … I think one of my critique partners moved to your town. 🙂

    • Loni 18/11/2013 — Post Author

      Yes, I do too! It makes it fun and interesting.

  10. Stacy S. Jensen 17/11/2013

    Good grief I’m thinking of the wrong state! 🙂

  11. Penny Parker Klostermann 18/11/2013

    Sounds like a very interesting book. I love reading about writers/poets.

    • Loni 18/11/2013 — Post Author

      It was a great read, and even included a little poetry in it. It also had a note at the end of the book by Jane Yolen which told about the facts the book was based on.

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