In response to an ad in the paper in the early 1900s, three children are sent to take drawing and painting classes with a “Miss M. Emily Carr.” What they find when they reach the art room is a world so different from their parents’ grey, everyday one that they can barely believe it. There is colour everywhere: in the flowers spilling from window boxes, in the squirrels and bullfinches careering around the room, in the feathers of Sally the cockatoo perched on the artist’s shoulder. The children sit and draw while Carr dances around the room, “pointing out, rubbing out,/ ahing, naying or demonstrating,/ getting us to make paint fly/ and paper come alive.” Sometimes they all troop down to the beach to paint and draw. It is always hard to say goodbye and return to “the dimming light/ of our parents’ waiting world.”

Based on a passage from Maria Tippett’s biography of Emily Carr, Vande Griek’s lyrical story-poem provides young readers with a wonderful introduction to one of Canada’s greatest artists. Instead of looking at Carr’s paintings, she wisely chooses to focus on the artist’s love of animals and nature, and her playful approach to life and art. The joy of creating and experimenting comes through here, as does Carr’s eagerness to inspire this joy in others – particularly children. Pascal Milelli’s vibrant illustrations evoke Carr’s love of bold shape and colour without imitating her style too closely. This book is a celebration of art and creativity, designed to inspire a new generation of young artists.