I love My Uncle Emily!
The illustrations are reminiscent of turn of the century children’s literature in color, tone, and texture, and much to the overall charm of the book. The writing is easy and unhurried, as if inviting a reader to sit back and relax while reading this tale of family and loyalty, right and wrong, truth and untruth.
It’s around 1880, and six-year old Gib is given a poem for his teacher by Uncle Emily. Of course, she is not really an uncle; it’s a family joke. They share a special bond and he doesn’t want to offend her, but he doesn’t want kids to laugh at him either, or say mean things about his somewhat reclusive relative, Emily Dickinson.
It’s a beautiful tale of a boy struggling with big issues, and how the love of his family brings him along to a good place. Timeless and well-done.
My Uncle Emily by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter, Philomel, 2009.
