Emily Arnold McCully
I knew there was a reason for my special affinity for Emily Arnold McCully. Her birthday year is the same as my husband's, and both were born and spent their early years in Illinois pioneer towns. That aside, McCully has illustrated more than a hundred children's books and won the Caldecott Medal for Mirette on the High Wire, a book that she wrote and illustrated. During one ALA a few years ago, examples of the original art from Mirette were on display at The Art Institute of Chicago. The exhibit of works from recent Caldecott winners showed the transformation of an original work of art to its final form in a book. Not only was it wonderful to see these original pieces , but it was fascinating to see the transformations by art directors as to placement, size, and cropping.
McCully obtained a degree in art history from Brown University. She was active in theater and wrote a prize-winning musical and even acted. She later obtained an MA in art history at Columbia. To earn a living, McCully worked in an advertising agency cutting mats. To further her career, she pulled together samples of her art and took the portfolio to various art directors. First she illustrated book covers and posters, and then an editor at Harper and Row offered a book illustrating assignment. This led to many more. Her artistic talents have been associated with a number of popular and award winning authors. These include Arnold Adoff with Black is Brown is Tan, Thatcher Hurd with I Dance in My Red Pajamas, and several titles by Patricia Riley Giff, Barbara Joossee, Doreen Rappaport, and Marilyn Singer, to name a few.
During this time, McCully also wrote fiction, short stories and two novels. Then she began writing children's books which allowed her to combine her interest in writing and painting along with acting. Among her own books, which our reviewers loved, are Grandmas At Bat, My Real Family, and Little Kit, or The Industrious Flea Circus Girl. A newspaper article noted that Mirette was set to music which harkens back to McCully's college years and the early days of her career.
At a recent event I learned that McCully began reading and writing stories at a very young age. She was reading at three and also drawing. Her mother, ever practical, urged Emily to practice hard to get the drawings just right. Radio was another major influence in Emily's life. As she listened, she drew the pictures that appeared in her head. While a youngster, Emily was allowed time to herself even when she went into New York City-she could sketch, think and be alone (something unheard of for today's children).
All of her early childhood stories featured male heroes, but that changed when she started writing her own books as an adult. Strong female characters abound. Young girls will love Mirette as she stars with Bellini in three delightful books. They also will cheer for Jingyong in Beautiful Warrior and 10-year-old Rebecca, in The Bobbin Girl who with other women spoke out against horrible working conditions. As Emily said, it is almost as if she was doing penance for her earlier efforts.
Her latest book, The Orphan Singer, is typical of her female protagonists. Nina is a brave strong girl who will serve as an inspiration to both boys and girls. The story came about while Emily was undertaking research on Vivaldi. It turned out that he was music master at a number of orphanages, each of which had a different musical focus. Emily began to imagine a story set in Venice of the period.
The concerts at these orphanages were all the rage and were attended by people from all over Europe. Emily was further struck by a painting of a nun's parlor in one of the convents. It showed those who visited the nuns and singers segregated behind a protective screen or grid. Emily actually traveled to Venice to get a feel for the city before she undertook writing the book. The pictures will bring back memories to anyone who has visited that lovely city and offer a wonderful travelogue for those who haven't.
Emily feels strongly that books should stir the imagination, and she abhors those who would make all books merely palliative or instructive. Like Issac Bashevis Singer, she too believes that children's books are the last refuge of storytelling.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
The Ballot Box Battle
Emily Arnold McCully
Cordelia wants to see if she can jump a fence on an old horse. The horse belongs to her neighbor, Elizabeth Stanton. Elizabeth Stanton has her own concerns. It's voting day; she can't vote because of her sex, and she's tired of the prejudice against women that she's endured her entire life. With Cordelia in tow, Stanton pushes into a polling place and powerfully, though unsuccessfully, asserts her Constitutional right. When Cordelia leaves, still affected by the elderly woman's courage, she is mocked by her brother about her sex. In response she mounts the old horse and jumps it perfectly, while Ms. Stanton cheers her on with "Bully for you! The old war-horse has fight in her yet!" 1996, Knopf, Ages 6 to 10, $17.00, $18.99 and $6.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
Beautiful Warrior: The Legend of the Nun's Kung Fu
written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
With a name like Jingyong, 'Quiet Courage,' how could the heroine of this story possibly grow up quiet and quiescent at court? So despite her mother's worries ("Who will marry an educated woman?") it is decided that she must find her own path. Find it she does. Her path leads to the Shaolin monastery. Under the tutelage of a wise nun, the girl learns to still her mind, harness her qi, and summon strength when she needs it. In the end, she decides her own destiny. An author's note provides fascinating material on the background to kung fu. 1998, Arthur Levine/Scholastic, Ages 7 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami
The Bobbin Girl
Emily Arnold McCully
Caldecott Medal winner McCully has produced another outstanding book. She recounts the exploitation of women and girls who worked in the mills of Lowell, Massachusetts. In particular, we meet 10-year-old Rebecca, a bobbin girl, and learn of the long hours and abuse she and her female coworkers faced. The story tells of those who would not be slaves to the factory and its management. For the first time, women spoke out against their working conditions and began the struggle to improve their condition. Rebecca and her friend Judith were among those who would not be silent. This is a fictional account based on real incidents and real people, beautifully illustrated in watercolor and pastel. 1996, Dial, Ages 6 up, $14.99 and $14.89. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Four Hungry Kittens
Emily Arnold McCully
No words are needed to follow these kittens' adventures on the farm. As their mother searches for food, she is accidentally shut in. The exploring kittens escape danger with the help of a watchful dog friend, who alerts the farmer to their plight, frightens off a threatening hawk, and finally brings about the happy reunion with mother. The visual tale is told in impressionistic watercolors, sometimes as rectangles that depict extensive scenes, and otherwise as circles illuminating action closer up. For example, a round illustration showing the dog watching mice run out of a wall is followed by a rectangular scene showing most of the barn, the farmer, and the dog signaling him to open the door. It is a simple story visualized in a lively, appealing manner. Cat lovers will find it hard to resist the kittens starting with the jacket cover. 2001, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Putnam, Ages 2 to 6, $15.99.
Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-8037-2505-1
Hurry!
Liz Van Doren
Illustrations by Emily Arnold McCully
This is an adaptation of Harry Hartwick's Farewell to the Farivox, which was published more than twenty years ago. The story is set in 1916 when a young boy happens upon an unusual creature. As Tom passes the blacksmith shop, he hears a sound coming from a crate resting in the bed of a wagon. A strange animal with yellow eyes peers out from between the slats of the crate. When Tom questions the owner of the wagon, he is told that the animal is a farivox, a rare beast with the ability to speak. Tom strikes a deal to buy the animal and as he rushes away to get the money he hears the farivox say, "Hurry." While the book concludes with a well-intentioned plea for conservation of wild animals, the story just fades away, as does the farivox. This conveys the urgency required to save endangered species and a happy ending would not be expected in this cautionary tale. Nonetheless, although the story is compelling, the language is rich and the illustrations are evocative of a bygone era, the ending may leave the young reader yearning for closure. 2000 (orig. 1972), Browndeer Press/Harcourt, Ages 6 to 10, $16.00. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford
ISBN: 0-15-201579-5
Leo the Magnificat
Ann M. Martin ; illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Come meet Leo, the stray cat who wanders into a church courtyard one day and finds himself a new home. For the next 12 years, he attends Sunday services, the covered-dish dinners, and even participates in the annual Christmas pageants. Based on a real-life Leo from Louisville, Kentucky, this is a wonderful depiction of how a whole community can come to love one another through an unassuming, wandering cat. A great story with colorful illustrations. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 7 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Sheree Van Vreede
Mirette & Bellini Cross Niagara Falls
Emily Arnold McCully
Mirette and Bellini, the two famous wirewalkers are back, in another daring feat that will keep you on the edge of your seat. They have accepted an invitation to travel to America and cross Niagara Falls. Traveling on the ship, Mirette meets Jakob, a young orphaned boy from steerage. Alas, no one is at the Island of Tears for Jakob and he will surely be returned to Poland. Bellini steps in and declares that the young boy is his assistant. After their Niagara Falls engagement, they will help Jakob find his uncle. The roar of the rapids stirs inspiration and excitement. As if crossing the Falls was not enough of a danger, a competitor and sabotage threaten the daring wirewalkers. Jakob proves to a valuable friend. Once again, McCully has created a poignant and compelling story that is enhanced by breezy and vibrant, double-page pastel watercolor paintings. This wonderful story of friendship, courage and adventure would be perfect as a read-aloud. 2000, Putnam Pub Group/Penguin, Ages 4 to 10, $15.99. Reviewer: Laura Hummel
ISBN: 0-399-23348-2
Mouse Practice
Emily Arnold McCully
Monk just loves baseball and one day at the park he gets his chance to play with the big kids. He is terribly happy but soon finds out that he isn't very good and not much help to the team. Defeated, but determined, Monk heads home to practice until he has it right. With the encouragement of his parents, Monk practices and practices the basics. A few weeks later Monk returns to the park and asks to play but is turned away with a bit of ridicule. Undeterred, Monk unleashes a surprise that gets him on the team for good. McCully presents a delightful story about practice, persistence and pride with endearing illustrations to carry the messages. 1999, Scholastic Press, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Trina Heidt
The Orphan Singer
Emily Arnold McCully
Emily McCully has woven suspense, history and a burst of 18th century Venetian feminism into a heart-warming story full of bright, endearing illustrations. Because orphaned girls could receive superb musical training at the ospedalo in Venice, the Dolcis left their daughter Nina in the infant drawer at this institution. Their son Antonio had similar musical gifts3/4but there was no similar opportunity for him, a twist to the more familiar story line which leaves daughters languishing at home. Instead, Antonio sang from the canal so that Nina could hear. Nina was impish and impulsive, but she sang beautifully. The Dolcis were always in the public audience to hear her3/4until one day when Antonio became very sick. Nina made her way to Antonio's bedside and sang him back to health before growing into a world-traveling opera singer. "The Dolcis' dreams for her were now real. And their daughter had long since guessed the truth." McCully's watercolors capture Nina's expressiveness3/4her joy in singing, her defiance of rules and teachers, her concern for Antonio during the somber gondola ride to his bedside. The illustrations are busy with activity and nuance3/4perfect for generating thought-provoking discussion at home or in a classroom. 2001, Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, Ages 5 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett
ISBN: 0-439-19274-9
An Outlaw Thanksgiving
Emily Arnold McCully
In the fall of 1896, Clara and her mother left their home in New York State and boarded the train for California where Clara's father had begun a new job. They were to meet him in Utah, but a snowstorm blocked the railroad tracks, and they had to wait for a plow to arrive. Since it was too cold to stay on the train, Mr. Jones, a fellow passenger, invited them to join him and his friends for Thanksgiving dinner. Although Clara's mother was usually a cautious person, she agreed to go. They traveled to a place called Brown's Hole, and had a wonderful feast. It wasn't until the end of the meal that Clara realized why "Bob" looked so familiar. He was actually Butch Cassidy and she had seen his face on the wanted poster at the railroad station. She didn't dare tell her mother, and decided her father was right when he had said, "Out here, you never know what will happen next." McCully's watercolor illustrations invite the reader into the scenes with their sense of movement and lively facial expressions. A map in the front of the book shows the train route from Omaha to Sacramento. An author's note at the end provides the basis for this story. This picture book makes a fine introduction to western expansion. 1998, Dial, Ages 6 up, $15.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
Popcorn at the Palace
Emily Arnold McCully
The folks in the pioneer town of Galesburg, Illinois frowned upon the antics of the Ferris family. Olmsted Ferris was always planting unusual crops or dreaming up newfangled inventions and he got all sorts of outlandish ideas from the books and magazines he read. The neighbors read only the bible. Maisie was like her father and from her reading she developed a fascination with the English royal family. This story of Olmsted and Maisie traveling across the ocean to sell popcorn to the English is illustrated in watercolors by the author and is loosely based on the adventures of the Ferris family. Olmsted did try to sell popcorn in England and, although the venture was not a business success, he did return home with a treasure for Maisie-a doll from the Queen of England herself. 1997, Browndeer Press, Ages 6 to 10, $16.00. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford
Starring Mirette and Bellini
Emily Arnold McCully
Emily McCully's Starring Mirette & Bellini is a companion to her Caldecott-winning Mirette on the High Wire. Her first book is a hard act to follow, but McCully triumphs and we see Mirette's determination and dedication in a very dangerous situation. Mirette learned tight rope walking in the first story and by the second she's touring Europe with Bellini. She has yet, however to learn the Death Walk, where one walks blindfolded up an inclined wire. Mirette finds the concentration and courage to perform this feat when she rescues Bellini from a Russian jail after he has spoken out about freedom. Viewing the sadness of turn of the century Russian, especially the poverty of body and soul, through the eyes of a young child, McCully also takes her characters from a small community to larger world where they walk the wire showing people "that everything is possible!" 1997, Putnam, Ages 7 to 10, $15.95. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
Ten Go Tango
Arthur Dorros
Pictures by Emily Arnold McCully
This basic counting book with a brief verse for each number has a host of animals dancing, with the rhythm, a variety of moves from ballet and cha cha cha through tap and jitterbug to cancan, waltz, rhumba, and the title tango. This gives McCully a chance to have a ball with this array of anthropomorphic critters-five cats in red jackets and black shoes tap away; a couple of ungainly rhinos enjoy a rhumba; a sextet of very agile crickets jitterbug "'cross the floor." These energized watercolor characters, set against a blank white page, finally all get together in a double foldout that bursts with dancing energy along with counting practice. 2000, HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewers: Ken and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-06-027690-8
Ten Go Tango
Arthur Dorros
Pictures by Emily Arnold McCully
This is a counting book with rhythm and flair and the whirling, twirling characters dance their way through the pages in an exuberant display. The one osprey spins and leaps in a less than dainty ballet while the two toucans two-step and the three bears form a line and cha-cha. What do the foxes do? They fox trot, of course, while some hep-cats tap dance and the crickets jiggle in a jitterbug. The sheep cancan and the walruses waltz. The rhinos bump and rumble in an awkward rumba as the flamboyant flamingos tango. The fact that toddlers would not know the dances may inhibit their appreciation of some of the humor, but they will nonetheless enjoy the colorful pictures and simple text. The illustrations capture the movements and the story ends with a gatefold of all the creatures crowded together on the dance floor. They shake the floor while the band plays on. 2000, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95 and $15.89. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford
ISBN: 0-06-027690-8
ISBN: 0-06-027691-6
Added 12/01/01
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