"Davenier’s ink and watercolor illustrations capture a sunny, spirited moppet whose outdoor world is rife with inspiration . . . Winningly portrays a young writer who appreciates approbation but takes genuine, confident delight in her own accomplishment." —The Bulletin, starred review

"Yolen’s love of language and her knowledge of the poet’s life and work as well as her understanding of young children. . . An imaginative portrayal of the poet as a young child."—Booklist

"The imagined events of one day in the early life of Emily Dickinson foreshadow her future creations. The text moves along smoothly with plenty of appealing turns of phrase and engaging images. A warm portrait that even those unfamiliar with the iconic poet will likely enjoy."—Kirkus Reviews

"Yolen and Davenier portray Dickinson as a small child . . . Yolen conjures appealing possibilities. Davenier’s loose-lined, color-washed ink illustrations capture childlike joy and curiosity."—Publishers weekly

"Yolen’s cleverly constructed scheme will intrigue adult Dickinson fans. Davenier’s multimedia sketches provide simple, deft views of characters and settings. Some parents might share this with children learning to read and write. It could also spark good discussion with older students studying Dickinson in poetry units." —School Library Journal

"From Emily’s youthful vantage point, Yolen indirectly explains a good deal about her life and interests, allowing readers to think—just as Emily does—”about the real and the unreal” and while lies in-between (it’s poetry, according to Emily). . . The pastel-hued watercolor and ink illustrations reflect Emily’s precociousness and curiosity." —Horn Book