Emily Arnold McCully

  • 20

    Catalog books

  • 34

    Works

  • 1992 to 2017

    Strongest span

Who This Author Is

Emily Arnold McCully writes and illustrates picture books that blend close observation with gentle humor. Her work ranges from the acrobatic tale Mirette on the Highwire to historical and nature-minded stories like The Pirate Queen and Squirrel and John Muir, all notable for lively line work and clear, compassionate storytelling.

McCully’s pages favor curious protagonists, textured pen-and-ink drawings, and quiet moments that reveal character. Whether capturing a child learning to balance, a community choosing its leaders in The Ballot Box Battle, or a squirrel’s forest life, her books invite readers into carefully framed scenes and thoughtful, accessible narratives.

Best Place To Start

Starring mirette & bellini

Penguin Group USA • 2000 • quick commitment

It stands out because it asks for less time than many of the longer volumes on this page.

Author At A Glance

Best known for: Mirette on the Highwire (picture book) • Historical and biographical picture books • Gentle, detailed watercolor illustrations

Genres and themes: Children's picture books • History & biography for young readers • Nature and adventure

Who this author is best for: Great for adults seeking beautifully illustrated, quietly theatrical stories to read aloud to preschool and early-elementary children.

Start with Mirette on the Highwire for her signature storytelling and illustration style, then explore her historical and nature titles for variety.

Top Books To Start With

  1. Starring mirette & bellini

    Penguin Group USA • 2000 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2000 • 32 pages.

  2. The Pirate Queen

    Penguin Group USA • 1998 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1998 • 32 pages.

  3. Mirette on the High Wire

    Penguin Group USA • 1997 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1997 • 32 pages.

  4. My Real Family

    Harcourt Childrens Books • 1999 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1999 • 32 pages.

  5. The Ballot Box Battle (Dragonfly Books)

    Random House Childrens Books • 1998 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1998 • 32 pages.

  6. Mirette on the Highwire (Caldecott Medal Book)

    Putnam Pub Group • 1992 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1992 • 32 pages.

  7. Squirrel and John Muir

    Farrar Straus & Giroux • 2004 • commitment varies by edition

    It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.

  8. School

    Bt Bound • 1999 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: year signal: 1999.

  9. Beautiful Warrior

    Scholastic • 1998 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: year signal: 1998.

  10. Popcorn at the Palace

    Harcourt Childrens Books • 1997 • commitment varies by edition

    UPB note: year signal: 1997.

How The Picks Compare

  • The Pirate Queen gives you an earlier look at this author’s shelf, while Starring mirette & bellini leans later in the catalog.

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