Join Emmie, a clever inventor living in her attic kingdom, as she battles a mischievous interloper with her ingenious creations, discovering that true friendship can emerge from even the most unexpected challenges. The Rube Goldberg-meets-David Macaulay art style brings a lively energy to this comic cat-and-mouse caper
In the enchanting world of Emmie, the attic is more than just a storage space—it’s her kingdom! Surrounded by dusty forgotten treasures, Emmie is a clever inventor who transforms ordinary objects into extraordinary machines, each one a testament to her creativity and engineering prowess. But when a mischievous black-and-white cat intrudes upon her realm, Emmie must put her skills to the test. Determined to reclaim her domain, she devises increasingly inventive contraptions to outsmart her furry foe.
As she navigates this playful battle, Emmie discovers that sometimes the best solutions come from unexpected friendships. With stunning illustrations reminiscent of Rube Goldberg and David Macaulay, Emmie Builds Something New is a captivating tale that celebrates innovation, resilience, and the power of kindness.
This delightful story not only entertains but also inspires young readers, especially girls with a passion for STEM. Join Emmie on her roller-coaster journey of discovery, where every challenge is an opportunity to create, learn, and ultimately build a bridge of understanding with her newfound companion. Ultimately Emmie finds a way to coexist with the cat and discovers that empathy is the pathway to peace and friendship.
About the Author :
Marjorie Crosby-Fairall has published over 20 children’s books that have been named to numerous awards and reading lists, including Summer Blue by Trudie Trewin, which was a 2023 CBCA Notable book. She is the 2022 recipient of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Don Freeman Illustration Award and SCBWI Work of Outstanding Progress Award for Emmie when it was in development. She is the regional illustrator coordinator for SCBWI Australia East and lives in Sydney, Australia, though she originally hails for the United States. Visit her at crosby-fairall.com.
Review :
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
★ "This charming tale about unlikely friends will offer a fresh discovery with every reading."
"Delightful and visually inventive, . . The illustrations brim with mechanical marvels and visual riddles, and the story hints at broader ideas: that even long-held assumptions, like cats and mice being enemies, can be reimagined through curiosity, creativity, and a little kindness. Shelf Talker: Inventive, detailed, and unexpectedly tender, Emmie Builds Something New celebrates the power of imagination and the surprising places it can lead."
“A welcome reminder that it’s just as important to be kind as it is to be smart. . . A sweet social-emotional book that’s the cat’s (and the mouse’s) pajamas.”
"Playful alliteration and repetitive prose give this plenty of storytime potential, but the intricate art, rich with visual humor and intrigue, make this just as fun . . . little viewers will appreciate the multitude of Emmie’s innovative inventions on display."
