A Home for Mr. Emerson

The team behind What to Do About Alice?, The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy), and Those Rebels, John & Tom continue their tradition of excellent and exuberant studies of historical figures with a theatrical story about writer Ralph Waldo Emerson's relationship with his beloved Concord, Mass., home and community. Fotheringham pours visual variety onto the pages: in one image, Emerson contentedly reads while encircled by a whirlwind of books; on an especially powerful wordless spread, Emerson stands in shadow before the burning ruins of his estate, which caught fire in 1872. Well-sourced quotations appear throughout the story (and fill the endpapers), both contextualizing Emerson's life and standing as testament to the value of an open mind and a generous heart. Appended materials offer additional details about Emerson and encourage readers to "choose the life you create for yourself," as he did. Ages 8-12. Illustrator's agent: Pat Hackett. (Feb.)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-4--This introduction to the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson will help readers begin to understand the thoughts and values of this great American thinker. Emerson grows up in Boston, but yearns to make a life closer to nature where he can surround himself with books and friends. He finds a perfect home in Concord, Massachusetts, where he and his wife raise a family. Emerson eagerly becomes a part of the community, even playing the role of hog reeve, gathering up the town's runaway pigs. After collecting his thoughts in journals, Emerson begins traveling across the country to lecture, attracting visitors from around the world to his doorstep. A house fire later in his life devastates Emerson, but allows the town to demonstrate their affection for him as they rebuild his home. Emerson, who is likely little known to younger students, is brought to life in an approachable biography. The colorful depictions of Emerson are warm, cheerful, and full of movement. Children will love the cartoonlike illustrations that make Emerson seem like a superhero as he dives into oversized books and flies through the sky on another giant tome. 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. The author's note provides further information about Emerson and his philosophy of thought. An eye-catching, kid-friendly biography that is a wonderful addition to any collection.--Marian McLeod, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?

Sibert Honor Book
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

"Kerley reveals the essence of Alice in an upbeat account of her life."—THE NEW YORK TIMES

*"Spectacular art."—BOOKLIST, starred review

*"A gleeful celebration."—KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review

Praise for THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY)

Washington Post Best Book for Young Readers
New York Public Library Best Children's Book

*"A masterfully perceptive and largely visual biography . . . dynamic and lovely . . . a joy to peruse."—SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review.

"A great new book."—THE NEW YORK TIMES

*"Accessible and inventive."—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review

Praise for THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM

NCTE Orbus Pictus Honor Book
NAPPA Gold Award Winner

*"Witty and wise."—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review

*"Fun, energetic . . . clever . . . skillful . . . a terrific book to lead the charge in learning about the Revolution."—BOOKLIST, starred review