Emily Writes: Emily Dickinson and Her Poetic Beginnings, by Jane Yolen with illustrations by Christine Davenier. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2020. $25.99 ages 8 and up

"She scribbles curlicues
and circles,
though not actual letters,
some round like the moon,
or a summer peach,
some the spiral of a hanging vine.
A year and a half older,
Austin already knows
how to write his ABCs."

Putting her words on paper begins early for the young Emily Dickinson. She picks up scraps in her father's study and uses discarded pencil stubs. Though she can not form the proper and accepted letters of the alphabet as her brother can, she believes that she is putting on paper what she wants to say about the natural world she so loves. Though Austin tries to teach her proper form, she prefers to use curved lines to bring her ideas to paper.

On this particular day when the story is told, her father is not responsive to his young daughter's desire to share her new poem. So, Emily takes it to Mrs. Mack in the kitchen. Mrs. Mack knows exactly how to encourage her young charge.

"Mrs. Mack studies the paper with great care.
"What does it say?" she asks.
"I don't have my glasses."
Emily giggles and points.
The glasses are on the top of Mrs. Mack's head.
"Oh, those aren't my poetry glasses," says Mrs. Mack.
"Those are my cooking glasses."

Would that all aspiring writers had such encouragement. The two spend time together sharing words, enjoying Emily's initial attempt, and eating delicious treats. Her mother, confined to bed each afternoon, cannot listen, nor can baby Lavinia whose task is to get lots of sleep. Emily must find attention elsewhere.

In the garden her senses are awash with the sights, the sounds, the touches and the smells of the world she so loves. It is perfect place to test her poem once again. On her way indoors, she finds an envelope on the floor and wonders aloud what word with it. Mrs. Mack offers the advice Emily  needs, hinting at Emily's future work. This early experiment with finding the right words for her thoughts is an apt beginning for a life spent writing. It is a lovely introduction, while also being warm and inviting.

Ms. Davenier's watercolor ink artwork is lovely, and provides a historical setting for the story being told. An author's note is both engaging and informative. A few of  Emily's poems are included, as well as a list of the three books where they are found, and a selected bibliography.