Emily Carr: At the Edge of the World

by Jo Ellen Bogart, Maxwell Newhouse (Illustrator)

Shortlisted for the 2005-2006 Red Cedar Book Award, Nonfiction

Selected as Honour Book by the Children's Literature Roundtable Information Book of the Year

The brilliant artist Emily Carr lived at the edge. When she was born, in 1871, Victoria, British Columbia was a small, insular place. She was at the edge of a society that expected well-bred young ladies to marry. For years, she was at the edge of the world of artists she longed to join.

Emily Carr’s life was not an easy one. She struggled against a family that did not approve of her art and against poor health. She found her pleasures in her many pets – a Javanese monkey named Woo, parrots, and many beloved dogs. Later, she would meet the artists of the Group of Seven and among them find her soul mates.

When illness put a stop to her painting, she found expression and comfort in her writing. Her book Klee Wyck received Canada’s highest literary honor – the Governor General’s Award.

Emily Carr: At the Edge of the World is an introduction to this remarkable artist and her paintings.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Biography, Canada, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 23, 2003

About the author

Jo Ellen Bogart has written 20 books for young readers, including The White Cat and the Monk, which was named a Best Poetry Book by the National Council of teachers of English. Her bestselling books include Jeremiah Learns to Read, Daniel's Dog, and Gifts. Jo Ellen has won the Ruth Schwartz Award and has been shortlisted for the Mr. Christie's Book Award.

Reviews

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this picture book. It would be perfect to use in a teaching setting for elementary or middle school aged students. The story of Carr's life was easy to understand, and the illustrations by Maxwell Newhouse were completely charming. They worked very well in contrast to prints of Carr's work that were liberally added throughout the text.

You don't need to be a kid or a teacher to enjoy it though. Pure pleasure in a nutshell!

[reveurdart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've long wanted to know more about Emily Carr and this was a well made picture book that gave me just the introduction I was looking for. I do, however, want to dig deeper and read more by and about her in the near future. If you have an interest in female artists and Canadian history like me, you'll enjoy this I believe. Emily Carr had a great passion for nature, animals and native peoples, so this may also be of interest to future readers.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine introduction to the magnificent work of artist Emily Carr.

[Leanne Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about painter/writer Emily Carr who lived much of her life on the edge of society. Born in the late 1800s at a time women were not encouraged to explore art she did so. I admire anyone going against the "norm" of their time. Though she struggled against her own illnesses and lack of support or acceptance she later became one of the greatest artists of her time and later in life wrote books that were highly acclaimed. I find her art compelling both in content and style and found her story well worth my time.