When Emily Carr Met Woo

A picture book biography of an extraordinary painter with a most unusual pet

Emily Carr is one strange bird. She makes paintings nobody wants, keeps a houseful of animals, and often disappears into the woods in a tiny house on wheels. But even those used to Emily’s eccentricities are surprised when she comes home from a trip to buy birdseed with a small, lonely monkey. In Emily’s rambunctious household, Woo the monkey is not lonely for long. She snatches at the parrot’s feathers, chases the dogs and cats – and completely wins Emily’s big heart. But when Woo’s mischief turns dangerous, Emily fears she may lose the little friend who brings her so much joy. Will the strength of Emily’s love, and Woo’s own strength, be enough to save her?

In When Emily Carr Met Woo, BC illustrator Dean Griffiths‘ watercolours capture the mood of the 1920’s with historical details of Victoria and its surroundings. Monica Kulling, using prose as simple and expressive as Emily’s own brush strokes, retells the true story of one of Canada’s most beloved artists—and of her most beloved pet. The book includes historical photos throughout and concludes with a biography of Emily Carr.

“Through simple, accessible text complemented by bright, engaging watercolors, Kulling has written a charming story about an exceptional woman.”—School Library Journal