A young girl who lives across the street from the reclusive Emily Dickinson gets her chance to meet the poet when her mother is invited to play the piano for Emily. The girl sneaks up to Emily's room and exchanges a small gift for an authentic poem, which is included in the book.

Michael Bedard has written several novels and picture books for young readers, including Emily, a picture book about Emily Dickinson illustrated by Barbara Cooney. He lives in Toronto with his wife and children.Emily Arnold McCully is the author and illustrator of more than twenty books for young readers, including Starring Mirette and Bellini, The Ballot Box Battle, the Bobbin Girl, and Mirette on the highwire, which won the Caldecott Medal. She has also illustrated more than a hundred books by other authors. She lives in New York City and Chatham, New York.From the Hardcover edition.