Pajama Press

“…In this charming picture book we see how one of Canada’s great painters shared her life with a naughty monkey who could not seem to keep out of trouble. Often creative people develop a special relationship with the animals who keep them company as they compose music, write, paint, or sculpt. Children will appreciate why Emily loved her little monkey friend so much, even though she was often a nuisance.

At the back of the book the reader will find more information about Emily Carr’s life.”

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A read aloud that will fascinate younger students as it focuses on Emily Carr’s love of animals and her eccentricities, while older readers may notice some of her artistic techniques and her love for the outdoors. Emily discovers a small monkey at the pet store in Victoria and takes [her] home to be part of the menagerie that lives with her, but Woo’s inquisitiveness and habit of collecting stray items gets [her] into trouble. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending for both the artist and Woo.

Emily Carr was trusted and respected by the First Nations people of the West Coast and this book misses the opportunity to present that aspect of her life. However, it is mentioned in the short biography and an adult sharing this lovely book may be able to bring this part of her life into the conversation.

“…Dean Griffiths brings Woo and Emily to life with mixed-media paintings. Illustrating the story of another artist must surely be an intimidating task, but Griffiths captures Carr’s emotions clearly. Anyone who has visited Victoria will happily recognize some landmarks that Griffiths deftly includes.

When Emily Carr Met Woo will appeal to children who love animals, as well as art lovers. As an introduction to Emily Carr, who is often depicted as “a strange bird” or otherwise odd (even for an artist), the use of her mischievous monkey Woo will delight children and adults alike. When Emily Carr Met Woo is a definite addition to any home or classroom which values Canadian heritage. Highly Recommended.”

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“…It’s wonderful that children can learn about Emily Carr, a Canadian woman with such an interesting and eccentric life. When Emily Carr Met Woo opens the door to discussion about dealing with rejection. Emily’s story teaches readers about being resourceful too, and also that each of us should celebrate whatever it is that makes us unique.

Artist Dean Griffiths does a wonderful job depicting Emily Carr and Woo with his watercolor illustrations…He also does a great job interpreting her paintings.”

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“Emily Carr is one of Canada’s most celebrated painters and poets. Born in 1871 in British Columbia, Carr spent most of her life as a starving artist. This picture-book tells the story of Carr’s love of animals, her struggle to fit into mainstream life and make ends meet, and her adoption of a lovable monkey that she named Woo. For 15 years, Woo lived in Carr’s household, making mischief, providing companionship and accompanying Carr on artistic expeditions into the Canadian forests. However, when Woo takes her mischievous behavior too far, she puts her life in danger and leaves Carr desperate for his quick recovery. Full-color illustrations bear an uncanny likeness to the actual people and places they represent and are a perfect complement to the storybook-style narrative. Back matter includes photographs of Carr and Woo and a bibliography. This sweet story of friendship and love will spark interest in the art and poetry of a Canadian national treasure.”

– Erin Anderson

“Gr 1-3–Internationally renowned Canadian artist and writer Emily Carr (1871–1945) painted the Pacific Northwest landscape and its indigenous culture at a time when these subjects were unfamiliar outside of this region. Kulling briefly describes how the fiercely independent and eccentric Carr lived during a period when opportunities for women were limited: few people bought her paintings, and she often had to find other ways to support herself. Carr loved animals and owned several dogs, cats, a parrot named Jane, and a rat named Susie, but her most unique pet—and the focus of this title—was her monkey, Woo. Woo loved pranks and caused havoc in the household, but one day, she ate a tube of paint, becoming incredibly sick. Through simple, accessible text complemented by bright, engaging watercolors, Kulling has written a charming story about an exceptional woman. While the author touches upon Carr’s work and art, the emphasis of this slim volume is on Carr as an animal lover. A short biographical sketch along with a historical photo is included at the back of the book. Pair this book with others about women who loved animals and who made a difference, such as George Ella Lyon’s Mother to Tigers (S. & S., 2003), Jane A. Schott’s Dian Fossey and the Mountain Gorillas (Carolrhoda, 2000), and Patrick McDonnell’s Me…Jane (Little, Brown, 2011).”
—Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN

“Award-winning author Monica Kulling’s When Emily Carr Met Woo offers a glimpse into the world of an iconic Canadian artist…Dean Griffith’s watercolour and pencil crayon illustrations capture Woo’s mischievous antics, from chasing dog’s tails, to plucking artificial cherries from the hat of an unsuspecting visitor….

This captivating picture book biography, written with elegance and straightforward simplicity, artfully captures Emily Carr’s passion for her craft, as well as her love for animals. End notes and an archival photograph add depth and historical details and provide a great introduction for young artists.”

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“A young girl springs forth from a giant peach declaring she is here to make the world a better place. Dressed in peach attire, she heads off with her three animal friends to confront the local ogre. Vivid pictures and fun characters remind the reader that looks can be deceiving. This quirky Japanese tale will appeal to ages five to eight.”
—Barbra Hesson

“This true story follows the famous painter Emily Carr as she struggles to make a living from her art. In addition to her dogs, cats, a parrot, and rat, she gets a mischievous monkey and names [her] Woo. This touching story will appeal to adults who want to share art and Canadian history with young readers ages five and up.”
—Barbra Hesson

Click here to visit the Calgary Herald website.

Today Quill & Quire and 49th Shelf both shared lists of Spring 2014 books they are eagerly anticipating from Canadian publishers.

Quill & Quire says, “This season, shelves will groan under the weight of titles from some of kidlit’s most beloved Canadian authors. Fresh off her Norma Fleck Award win for her non-fiction title Kids of Kabul, Deborah Ellis will release a novel in April with Pajama Press. In Moon at Nine ($19.95 cl.), Ellis reaches back to 1988 Iran to tell the story, based on true events, of Farrin and Sadira, two teenaged girls whose love for each other is illegal – and punishable by death…

Two books featuring the doomed ocean liner Empress of Ireland will arrive this spring. In February, Sylvia McNicoll’s Revenge on the Fly ($12.95 pa.) will be released by Pajama Press. Leaving behind England (and the graves of his mother and baby sister) 12-year-old William sails to Canada with his father, where he joins the campaign to eradicate flies in cities and stop the spread of deadly diseases.”

Click here to read Quill & Quire’s full Spring preview 2014: fiction for young people.

49th Shelf’s list features Moon at Nine as well as the newest title from Monica Kulling and Dean Griffiths: “When Emily Carr Met Woo (April)…is the story of painter Carr’s relationship with her famous pet monkey.”

“Award-winner Deborah Ellis’s latest, Moon at Nine (April), is a novel about two teenage girls’ illegal romance in 1980s’ Iran.”

Click here to read 49th Shelf‘s post “Most Anticipated: Spring 2014 Kids’ Books Preview” and get excited about this new season in publishing!