Sunday, November 14, 2021

More, more, more: On Wings of Words















On Wings of Words, the Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson is a beautiful presentation of the poet's life and words. Jennifer Berne captures Emily's experiences, and Becca Stadtlander's art sets a perfect tone for the setting. At times, illustrations are historically accurate, but the work flies even farther when she is free to render Emily's thoughts and emotions. 

The weaving of portions of poems with the author's text is organic and well-weighted: 

"But everywhere she looked,
she was told to obey without asking,
to believe without knowing why. 
  
        So she began to put her faith in
        what she could see and understand.

                    In the name of the Bee-
                    And of the Butterfly-
                    And of the Breeze-Amen!"

Add this tribute to our beloved poet to your library for your totz. 

"The World is sleeping...we must
be crowing cocks, and singing larks,
and a rising sun to awake her." 

by Jennifer Berne
illustrated by Becca Stadtlander
Chronicle Books, 2020