Emma’s Rug is unsettling. I cringe at the social recognition Emma receives for her artwork. Well-meaning authority figures praise children for their talent and effort, but I think this can become toxic. Perhaps a little recognition goes along way, and how much better it may be for a youngster to nurture personal satisfaction instead of have to cope with external expectations. In this story, Emma’s room “became filled with awards. Her parents were very proud.” Even the mayor meets with her at a reception at the Museum of Art.
Emma's environment is so focused on product that it's blind to process. When her process is disrupted, she crashes. Fortunately, Emma discovers her talent is inherently available. She owns it. Say’s illustration of this revelation walks the line between imagination and hallucination. I’m not familiar with artists’ processes, but this spooked me.
I love Allen Say’s illustrations. I love the large size of this book. It is made be read to a small group of children seated in a circle.
Kayla Hardimon has Emma's Rug, Literacy Centers Activity. Jennifer Barretto has Little Artist Lesson Lawrence Tree Art Project. CodeSpeak Labs has The Little Artist Inside Your Computer.
