Poetry For Kids: Emily Dickinson

Poetry For Kids: Emily Dickinson

Let your children discover the works of poet Emily Dickinson in Poetry for Kids: Emily Dickinson.As the premier title in the Poetry for Kids series, Emily Dickinson introduces children to the works of poet Emily Dickinson. Poet, professor, and scholar Susan Snively has carefully chosen 35 poems of interest to children and their families. Each poem is beautifully illustrated by Christine Davenier and thoroughly explained by an expert. The gentle introduction, which is divided into sections by season of the year, includes commentary, definitions of important words, and a foreword.From School Library JournalGr 3 Up-This winning collection pairs 35 poems from Emily Dickinson's canon, arranged by season, with Davenier's rich, expressive artwork. The book opens with a biographical introduction to Dickinson by Snively, who is a guide at the Emily Dickinson Museum. Snively emphasizes Dickinson's fascination with science and the natural world, presenting her as a poet with a life "both quiet and busy"-a refreshing characterization. Pen and watercolor illustrations accompany each poem, vividly highlighting its subject while cleverly evoking less tangible imagery. For instance, a child dressed as a juggler leaps gracefully in the air amid spotted colors of gold and purple ("Blazing in gold and quenching in purple," reads the first line of the corresponding untitled poem). The child dances within a circular orb that emulates the sun, helping readers to see the riotous sunset that is alluded to in the rest of the poem. Definitions unobtrusively appear underneath each poem in small italics, as warranted. A helpful index, bibliography, and brief poetry analysis section, "What Emily Was Thinking," are included. Although the title of the poetry analysis is slightly misleading, since no one knows what the poet was thinking when she wrote certain lines, it is a useful guide for independent readers. While there are previously published volumes of Dickinson's work available (Frances Schoonmaker Bolin's Poetry for Young People: Emily Dickinson), this is a far superior selection. VERDICT A beautiful introduction to Dickinson for upper elementary poets.-Rachel Zuffa, Racine Public Library, WIReview?A beautiful introduction to Dickinson for upper elementary poets.? - Rachel Zuffa, Racine Public Library, WI, for School Library Journal ?Thick, creamy paper and a clean but vivacious design, combined with Davenier's friendly, thoroughly charming ink and watercolor illustrations make this fine collection of Dickinson's poetry an appealing gift for children or adults.? - Karin Snelson, children's & YA editor, Shelf Awareness"This arresting edition makes for a wonderful introduction to Dickinson's poetry that's sure to captivate all ages." -Kirkus Reviews (starred)"It?s a solidly good book in a promising new series - and one I was happy to stumble upon this week, as Dickinson is so much balm for one?s soul." - Julie Danielson, kirkusreviews.com"I?m already a HUGE Emily Dickinson fan so the poems, to me, are wonderful. But, what sets this book apart are the whimsical illustrations. They bring the poems to life! Especially for children." - Melissa Taylor, Imagination SoupAbout the AuthorSusan Snively, PhD, is the author of four books of poetry: From This Distance (Alice James, 1981), Voices in the House (Alabama Poetry Series, 1988), The Undertow (University of Central Florida, 1998), and Skeptic Traveler (David Robert Books, 2005). She has taught at Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and Amherst College and has received fellowships from the NEA and the Massachusetts Artists Foundation. For 27 years, she directed the Writing Center at Amherst College and is the Associate Dean of Students. She earned her BA from Smith College and her MA and PhD from Boston University.Dr. Snively has given readings and lectures at the Salem Athenaeum, Marlboro College, University of Louisville, Wesleyan University