Wildflower Emily

Starred review from August 15, 2024
A young Emily Dickinson excitedly explores the natural world. As familiar as the American literary giant may be, many are still stumped and stymied by her uniquely phrased poems. Even well-known verses--"'Hope' is the thing with feathers" and "I'm Nobody! Who are you?"--may leave readers with questions. In this beautiful, soft-edged story full of sylvan sprawl, the poet--here an adolescent girl enamored with botany--sets out to study flora on its home turf. With her shaggy dog Carlo in tow, she ambles far from home and sets her sights on woodland wonders. She admires "how soft a caterpillar steps," gazes in awe at an orchid, and converses quietly with a snail. Dickinson's prolific verse is elegantly interposed with equally mesmerizing visual poetry. An image of Emily taking in the summer breeze is paired with the verse "a soft Sea washed around the House / a Sea of Summer Air"; in her imaginings, the waves of a golden ocean engulf a glistening field. As her outing ends, evening approaches and its "Vastness...Wisdom...Peace" are framed by mellow hues of purple-pink twilight. Corry's delight in illustrating botanical imagery with soothing colors and rich textures shines through in every step Emily takes and every specimen she observes. A deeply satisfying, accessible illumination of the green world that inspired Dickinson's intriguing, intimate poems. (more information on Dickinson and Carlo, further reading)(Graphic biography. 7-12)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 15, 2024
Grades 4-7 "I am forever astonished and delighted by all the miniature creatures that accompany the sun." Emily Dickinson was once a miniature creature, just like you and me. Corry's debut graphic novel breathes life into the childhood of Emily Dickinson in this delightful book. Known for her somber musings on life, death, and everything in between, Dickinson has been studied from many angles throughout history. Corry, however, offers a fresh and charming perspective. Using warm, cozy colors and dapperly dressed insects, she captures the wisdom and wonder of Emily's early years. The book cleverly weaves some of Dickinson's poetry into the dialogue between young Emily and her dog, adding depth and authenticity. Corry's reimagining of Dickinson's color palette is particularly striking, bringing a new vibrancy to the poet's world. This enchanting book is perfect for fourth-graders and older, as well as horticulturalists, poets, and anyone with a curious spirit. Corry's imaginative approach makes Dickinson's work accessible to a younger audience while providing a unique and endearing look at one of history's most beloved poets.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2024

Gr 3-5-Corry brings readers along on an engaging, charming, and sometimes surprising introduction to Emily Dickinson. Her early teenage years as a burgeoning and avid botanist are the focus. Dickinson is seen at school with her best friends while they eagerly enjoy science. As wildflowers are her favorite plant, she is determined to head outside, explore, and record. Her family thinks it is not safe for Dickinson to go by herself but they do not stop her. Instead, her father gets her a dog. Carlo, likely a Newfoundland, is very big and very devoted to her. As Dickinson's companion and guard, he will enjoy 17 years of friendship with her. Together they explore fields and forests, and they get lost but save themselves. Sprinkled throughout the day's journey are Dickinson's poems, each fitting perfectly with the setting and mood. Corry brings out aspects of the poet that are not often ascribed to her, such as being adventurous with a mind for science. She is an amazing gardener, baker, and prodigious letter writer. Although Dickinson becomes a recluse in her 20s, she remains surrounded by her loving and supportive family. Soft sepia tones are used for interiors while the outdoors are full of colors and contrasts, especially the flowers and the small creatures she and Carlo encounter. Pressed flowers and intricate borders decorate the added information at the end of the book. VERDICT A beautiful and endearing introduction to Dickinson, her poetic inspirations, and her special bond with her dog. Perfect for a poetry unit or a shelf on women writers.-Elisabeth LeBris

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2025
Corry introduces readers to the young Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) in creative graphic-novel form. "One day Emily would become known as one of the greatest poets who ever lived!" But this is not that story; instead, it is a glimpse of some of the things that helped shape her future as a poet. We learn that she loved studying botany in school and created her own herbarium, gathering plant specimens on her "wildflower walks" with her dog, Carlo ("my shaggy ally"). Most of the book imagines one such walk to "meet the flowers." Throughout, Corry incorporates Dickinson's own words in speech bubbles as well as a selection of her poems. Watercolor, gouache, and colored-pencil illustrations reflect Emily's internal transformation as color transitions from shades of sepia for the school and home scenes to full color as she embarks on her walk. The illustrations also playfully highlight Emily's imagination at work, as insects play instruments, sail the sea, have tea, and more; when she briefly loses track of Carlo in the woods, Emily fearfully envisions what could have happened ("What if...goblins have kidnapped him?"). The varied panel layout is easy to follow, adds momentum, and reflects Emily's passionate and detailed nature. While Corry admits to taking artistic license with the timeline, the book gives readers a sense of Dickinson without overwhelming them with facts. Back matter includes additional biographical information and suggestions for further reading. Cynthia K. Ritter

(Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)