Picture a storyteller whose vibrant watercolors and daring tales whisked young readers to tightropes and comet-filled skies—meet Emily Arnold McCully! This American author and illustrator, celebrated for her Caldecott Medal-winning Mirette on the High Wire, has spent decades crafting children’s books that spark curiosity and courage. With over 200 works, McCully’s stories blend history, heart, and spunky heroines, inviting kids to explore the world with wide-eyed wonder.
Born in Galesburg, Illinois, and raised in Garden City, New York, McCully’s artistic flair and love for storytelling bloomed early. Her tales, often rooted in historical events, reflect a lifelong passion for American history and strong, curious characters—qualities that have made her a beloved figure in children’s literature.
The Making of Emily Arnold McCully
Emily Arnold McCully was born on July 1, 1939, in Galesburg, Illinois, a town steeped in history, including its role as a stop on the Underground Railroad. At five, she moved to Long Island, where her daredevil spirit shone through tree-climbing and fort-building with her sister. Her mother, a former actress, spotted her knack for drawing and urged her to hone it, planting the seeds for a creative career. By age three, Emily was sketching and binding her own storybooks, a habit that followed her to Brown University, where she acted, wrote musicals, and earned a Phi Beta Kappa key. After graduating in 1961, she pursued an M.A. in art history at Columbia University, later diving into freelance illustration—a path that led to her first children’s book gig in 1966.
Emily Arnold McCully’s Unforgettable Stories
McCully’s books are a delightful mix of vivid illustrations and stories that celebrate courage and curiosity. Her 1992 masterpiece, Mirette on the High Wire, follows a Parisian girl who helps a tightrope walker conquer fear, earning the prestigious Caldecott Medal for its luminous watercolors. Inspired by real-life daredevil Charles Blondin, the story reflects McCully’s knack for weaving historical nuggets into engaging tales. Another gem, Caroline’s Comets (2017), chronicles astronomer Caroline Herschel, the first woman to discover a comet, showcasing McCully’s love for spotlighting trailblazing women.
Ida M. Tarbell: The Woman Who Challenged Big Business—and Won! (2014) marks her venture into young adult biography, detailing the investigative journalist’s battle against the Standard Oil Trust. With dynamic pen-and-ink drawings and rich narratives, McCully’s style brings history to life, often focusing on girls who defy expectations. Her Wonder Horse (2010), about a remarkably intelligent horse, blends humor and heart, proving her versatility across genres.
McCully’s illustrations—whether sweeping watercolors or lively sketches—pulse with energy, capturing the spirit of her characters and eras. Her stories, grounded in research, stir the imagination, echoing her belief that children’s books are the last bastion of pure storytelling.
Why Emily Arnold McCully Matters
Emily Arnold McCully’s impact lies in her ability to make history accessible and inspiring for young readers. Through spunky heroines like Mirette and real-life figures like Ida Tarbell, she champions resilience and curiosity, encouraging kids to question and explore. Her awards, including the Caldecott Medal and a Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, reflect her influence, while her extensive body of work—over 200 books—cements her as a pillar of children’s literature. McCully’s stories continue to inspire generations to embrace adventure and empathy.
- Born: July 1, 1939, Galesburg, Illinois
- Key Works: Mirette on the High Wire, Caroline’s Comets, Ida M. Tarbell, Wonder Horse
- Awards: Caldecott Medal (1993), Christopher Award, Jane Addams Award
Ready to swing across a tightrope or chase a comet? Grab Mirette on the High Wire or Caroline’s Comets and dive into Emily Arnold McCully’s enchanting world of history and heart!