Emily Writes: Emily Dickinson and Her Poetic Beginnings

In the spirit of biographies for children that focus on acquainting young readers with the character of a person rather than on ensuring every known fact is presented, Emily Writes introduces readers to how Emily Dickinson may have been as a young girl. Emily “writes” a poem on a “chance slip” of paper in “curlicues and circles,” and shows it first to her father (who dismisses her), Mrs. Mack (who encourages and shares “the crumbles of last night’s coconut cake” with her), her mother (who entreats her “Not so loud,” as she reclines in bed) and finally the great outdoors. Inspired by another “chance slip”—an envelope this time—Emily is again encouraged by Mrs. Mack with a rhyme Dickinson aficionados (or reader’s of the author’s note) will find special significance in. Yolen’s note at the end is insightful and adds historical substance to the framework of the story for aspiring Dickinson fans, providing a sense for the real history conveyed in this glimpse of an afternoon, which is of itself delightful. The focus on sibling relationships, busy adult and loving mentors, a poem that a child could perhaps write themselves and an understanding of emotions that is still developing (“Mother, who made her feel rainy,” “The garden makes her feel all sunny.”) is utterly relatable. Davenier’s illustrations are simultaneously realistic and dream-like, with crayon-like scribbles for shadows, and fit beautifully with Dickenson’s personal smudgy and messy handwriting style.