A Home for Mr. Emerson
Author: Barbara Kerley
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2014
ISBN: 978-0545350884
Genre: Children's Picture-book Biography
Topic: Biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson
(19th Century American Philosopher)
5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
"Insist on yourself; never imitate."
~~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Critical Analysis
Accuracy: Barbara Kerley is a well-known children's author. She has written quite an interesting and diverse collection of books for children.
“The team
behind creative picture-book biographies The Extraordinary Mark Twain (2010)
and What To Do About Alice? (2008) turns its attention to 19th-century American
philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson.”
~~ Kirkus Reviews
Organization: The book is laid
out with bright, whimsical illustrations and short text. The images
seem to leap off the page at times. It reminds
me of a comic strip in many ways.
“A small,
inviting window into the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson and an inspiring tribute
to a life’s dream realized (author’s note, philosophical prompts, source notes,
acknowledgments).”
~~ Kirkus Reviews
Design: The design of the book is very much like her other books, The Extraordinary Mark Twain and What To Do About Alice? I think she found a rhythm and flow that she liked and knew a good thing when
she found it. The arrangement makes it easy to follow along and understand
the information.
Style: I think the quotes are what separate her style into a distinctive
category. They add a touch of wisdom and
depth that will engage even the older readers and adults.
"Quotes from his writings are liberally used to illuminate
moments of his life, allowing readers to get to know the man through his own
words.”
~~ School Library Journal
Oregon Spirit Book Award for Nonfiction
Connections:
One last quote for the road!
"All life is an experiment.
The more experiments
you make
the better."
~~Ralph Waldo Emerson
