Emma Jo's Song - Hardcover

Faye Gibbons was born in the mountains of northern Georgia where storytelling played a large role in everyday living. She is the author of several books, including the Mountain Wedding series; Night in the Barn; and Hook Moon Night. Ms. Gibbons lives in Deatsville, Alabama, with her husband.

Sherry Meidell lives with her husband and five boys in West Bountiful, Utah. She has illustrated The ABC's of Uniforms and Outfits, written by Barbara Williams, and When Pioneer Wagons Rumbled West by Christine Graham. Just like Emma, Ms. Meidell enjoys singing a song or two.

Ages 5-8. On the day of the Puckett family reunion, Emma Jo's music-loving family doesn't wait until they get to the party to start making music. They sing, yodel, whistle, and hum as they tend to the farm chores. Emma Jo just sings quietly to herself because she doesn't think she has the gift for music the rest of her family has. As if to prove her right, the family dog always starts howling whenever Emma Jo sings, and today is no exception. Emma Jo is so angry, she insists that the dog stay behind. At the reunion, with the whole Puckett clan gathered in the parlor, Emma Jo's brother teasingly suggests she sing a solo, and she impulsively agrees. After a shaky start, she suddenly finds herself in a strange duet as the old hound dog she thought they'd left behind leaps through the window and begins howling along. The humorous climax comes at just the right moment, breaking the tension of Emma Jo's awkward stand in the spotlight. Meidell's watercolor illustrations nicely capture the spirit and excitement of this special day with sprawling double spreads filled with interesting details. A pleasant slice-of-life story that will work equally well in a group or a one-on-one setting. Lauren Peterson
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