Emily Dickinson's beloved poem is beautifully brought to life by bestselling artist Tim Hopgood in this beautiful picturebook that champions poetry and shows that, even in the darkest times, there is always hope.
In Hope is the Thing with Feathers, readers follow the story of a little bird who brings joy to everyone through his song. When a storm hits, the little bird's song is diminished, but he never gives up, and when the storm passes he is there to give joy again as people rebuild.
Backmatter includes information on Emily Dickinson, as well as an activity idea for budding poets.
HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS
By Emily Dickinson; illustrated by Tim Hopgood
School Library Journal
April 2024
Dickinson, Emily. Hope Is the Thing with Feathers. illus. by Tim Hopgood. 32p. (Picture-a-Poem). Paw Prints. Mar. 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781223188164.
Gr 1-5-Unlike humor poets Shel -Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky, who have wide appeal to the school-age set, romantic poetry can be tricky for young readers who prefer a tidy narrative. Dickinson's "Hope Is the Thing with Feathers" offers a just-right sojourn for children into the metaphoric language of -poetry. Its subject has a modern-day relevance that will inspire engaging discourse, both in classrooms and at home. Hopgood's interpretations of the classic poem provide consistent visual mooring for Dickinson's text, depicting the resilience of hope in the form of a songbird whose song survives the many -obstacles life puts in the way. In Dickinson's parting stanza, "Yet - never - in -Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me," provides a -fruitful -opportunity for -meaningful exchange between little ones and their grown-ups. -VERDICT A fine foray into -canonical poetry for young learners.-Sarah Simpson
--Sarah Simpson