Emily Dickinson

fringed tulip

February is the shortest month but by golly, it sure feels like the longest one! We haven’t had as brutal of weather here as many across the country have but it’s still been cold and dreary and well, to be honest, I’m over it! So, welcome March! I’m so glad you’re here! And here’s a lovely little verse from Emily Dickinson to say it better than I could.

Dear March – Come in –

How glad I am –

I hoped for you before –

Put down your Hat –

You must have walked –

How out of Breath you are –

Dear March, how are you, and the Rest –

Did you leave Nature well –

Oh March, Come right upstairs with me –

I have so much to tell –

I got your Letter, and the Birds –

The Maples never knew that you were coming –

I declare – how Red their Faces grew –

But March, forgive me –

And all those Hills you left for me to Hue –

There was no Purple suitable –

You took it all with you –

Who knocks? That April –

Lock the Door –

I will not be pursued –

He stayed away a Year to call

When I am occupied –

But trifles look so trivial

As soon as you have come

That blame is just as dear as Praise

And Praise as mere as Blame –

~Emily Dickinson

No comments yet

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

We’re still gray and gloomy in my little corner of the world so we’ve got a few more bright and shiny books to perk up the atmosphere.

The Book of Mistakes

Written and Illustrated by: Corinna Luyken

Number of Pages: 56

Age Range: 4-8

Rating: 5/5

An unbidden blob of ink on the first page morphs from a mistake into a unique girl’s face. The smudges and misshapen things that happen along the way all get incorporated into the illustrations (or hidden behind bushes!) to create something unexpectedly magical. This is a fantastic illustration of how life is just not perfect, but with a little ingenuity and a positive attitude everything can be used for something good even if it doesn’t fit into our original plan. The text is anything but preachy though the message is obvious and the illustrations are quirky and endearing.

One of my favorite reads of the year! Check out my Instagram feed for a few more images from inside.

My Uncle Emily Book Review

My Uncle Emily

Written by: Jane Yolen

Illustrated by: Nancy Carpenter

Number of Pages: 32

Age Range: 6-10

Rating: 3.5/5

Gilbert’s “Uncle” is none other than the poet Emily Dickinson who wears dresses like a girl but writes poems and studies nature like a man. When she gives him a dead bee and poem to take to his school teacher it leads to Gilbert’s getting into a fight and telling a small lie. Emily encourages him to “Tell all the truth, but tell it slant” and eventually all becomes clear.

Written in free verse (similar to Dickinson’s poems) and based on true events and the poet’s own words, this is a lovely little episode that would fit in nicely as part of an author study or poetry unit.

Papa's Backpack Book Review

Papa’s Backpack

Written and Illustrated by: James Christopher Carroll

Number of Pages: 32

Age Range: 4-8

Rating: 3/5

When a parent or loved one leaves to serve in the military it can be challenging for everyone left behind, but especially for children. Here, a small bear cub imagines being taken along when Papa leaves, staying safe and providing comfort and support from inside a special backpack. The text is sing-songy and repetitive, almost like a chant or mantra. The illustrations are bold and cheerful. The emphasis is on the emotions of missing someone rather than the realities of the dangers they face while they’re gone.

I have a few more sunny yellow volumes to share to keep the gloom at bay so stay tuned!

1 Comment

Welcome March

Picture Book Review ~ Yellow Favorites Part 2

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.