Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/15/2020 Berne (On a Beam of Light, 2013) focuses on the writer’s inner experience in this lyrical picture-book biography of the enigmatic poet Emily Dickinson. The author doesn’t delve too deeply into the details of Dickinson’s life, instead weaving in relevant snippets of her poetry and leaving more of an impression of some of the major events. The back matter includes an exploration of the meaning of poetry and how to read, write, and share it. Stadtlander adds to the dreamy nature with fanciful illustrations of Dickinson communing with nature and flying on the wings of butterflies, an homage to “Hope is the thing with feathers.” Deep blues and violets reflect the poet’s moodier verses, while warm yellow and bursts of green and pink hint at her joyful work. An artist’s note explains the research conducted in order to ensure visual accuracy; it also explains the approach to capturing Dickinson’s abstract ruminations. A biography for poetry lovers and a perfect choice for writing prompts. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/01/2020 K-Gr 3—The author uses lyrical text, direct quotations, and illustrated metaphors to capture the life and mind of Emily Dickinson. This picture book biography illuminates the poet's life and creativity in an accessible way for young poetry enthusiasts. Berne covers Dickinson's early years and development as a writer and truth seeker. Dickinson's fascination with nature, books, people, and religion is emphasized. While some of the details surrounding her life events are vague (such as the sorrows she encountered or her experience with her very religious school principal), the text offers a compelling and reflective affirmation of the literary icon. Dickinson's own words are interspersed among the expressive narrative; there is an appropriate delineation between Berne's words and Dickinson's by using different fonts for each author. The font representing Dickinson mimics handwriting. Stadtlander's striking gouache and watercolor illustrations are as dreamy and enigmatic as the subject herself. An afterword offers more information about Dickinson's poetry, an early introduction to the genre itself, and additional resources. VERDICT A fine addition to most biography or poetry collections for libraries in search of resources on Dickinson for young readers.—Jamie Jensen, Wayne Cox Elementary School, Roanoke, TX - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.