Emily's Blue Period

by Cathleen Daly and Lisa Brown

For young Emily, who is learning about Pablo Picasso in school, the painter’s... read more

For young Emily, who is learning about Pablo Picasso in school, the painter’s work is a perfect metaphor for what is happening in her life. His mixed-up, abstract paintings echo her life outside of school, because her dad has moved out. As for Picasso’s Blue Period? Emily’s in a blue period, too. Picasso’s work in collage inspires a breakthrough, however, as Emily begins bringing the disparate parts of her life in two homes together in an art project that symbolizes her new, expansive understanding of what “home” can be. Cathleen Daly’s picture book is so much more than clever, although it’s certainly that. It’s emotionally rich and resonant, capturing with humor, warmth and honesty a family navigating a difficult transition. Lisa Brown’s illustrations perfectly echo the shifting emotional landscapes of the story. (Ages 4–8)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2015

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