Emma

I read this book to a 4th grade class during Literacy Week after giving them a brief art lesson at their school. Everyone loved the book, including me! There was some doubt as to whether these 10 year olds would think the book was too childish, but it fit right into the art theme and held their attention. I highly recommend this book.

Emma is a seventy-two year old lonely woman who reaches a crossroads in her life after receiving a painting of her little village across the mountains. Emma doesn't feel that the painting represents the village as she remembers it. After a period of sadness and reflection, Emma decides to paint her village the way she remembers it. This opens a whole new door to creativity and purpose in her life. 3-8 year olds will enjoy the great illustrations, and the warm story.

I have always been a fan of Barbara Cooney's books. They are often poignant, charming, engaging and historically accurate. I have also enjoyed the books that Cooney illustrates for others, which have introduced me to many new authors. Working as the illustrator for Kesselman's book, Cooney shines once again. The story is equally admirable, even inspiring. While reading it, I imagined how much Cooney must have related to Emma, who lived a long, blessed life and expressed herself through art. Kesselman and Cooney's collaboration was a true success.

This is a very sweet picturebook. I do enjoy reading it. Kesselman's simple but powerful text leds me into the lonely life of Emma in the beginning of the story, then discover the wonderful things happen when Emma gets her tools to show her talent in painting. Barbara Cooney's elegant illustrations give this book more spaces to enjoy.