Hope is a thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson illustrated by Tim Hopgood

“Hope” is the thing with feathers

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -

And sore must be the storm -

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me.

There is a level of controversy to this book between two of my friends both of whom are children's literature experts. One thinks this book is perfect for a young audience as way to introduce this famous poem to children aged 5-7 and the other is horrified that someone would 'impose' images on the listener - children and adults, in her view, should read or hear this poem and form their own mental images from the lyrical words.

You can see inside this book here. Look for the gold foil in the book cover. I imagine this book will be part of a series - 'Picture a Poem' from the publisher Magic Cat - but so far only one title seems to have been released. 

As for the controversy - I think this book is beautiful. Tim Hopgood (see more books by clicking the label below this post) has added his delightful illustrations and I would happily add this book to any Primary school library collection. IBBY Australia members should note we will soon present a discussion about famous poems presented in single picture books and this new book will be one we discuss. 

Publisher blurb: Follow one brave little bird as it flies around the world, giving hope to people everywhere through its beautiful tune. Even a terrible storm can’t dampen this little bird – like hope, it continues unabashed, never asking anything from the people who take comfort from it. This stunning book, illustrated by best-selling artist Tim Hopgood, celebrates Emily Dickinson’s original poem and makes it accessible for pre-schoolers.

Emily Dickinson (1830 - 1886) was an American poet known for her simple works about love, death, and nature. Living in seclusion for most of her life, she wrote over 1,000 poems, but only 11 were published during her lifetime. Today she is considered one of the most famous and beloved poets of all-time.

Here is another picture book version of this poem for younger children: