The Expressive Adventures of Emily

    By Mayar Hussien

    The Expressive Adventures of Emily cover image

    11 Apr, 2024

    a painting of a little girl on a swing set in a park with a swing set and swings in the background, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Bob Byerley, high detail illustration

    Emily was a quiet girl who loved to observe the world around her. She had a lot of thoughts and feelings, but she struggled to express them clearly.

    a painting of three children sitting on a bench in a park with flowers and trees around them and a man and woman smiling, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, David Park, official art

    One day, Emily was sitting alone when Liam, a friendly boy from her school, came over. He noticed her silence and asked if she wanted to join him and his friends to play.

    a cartoon of a group of children walking down a sidewalk with a woman holding a purse and a man holding a purse, harlem renaissance, a comic book panel, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, comic cover art

    Emily wanted to join them but didn't know how to say it. She just nodded and followed Liam to the group.

    a woman walking down a sidewalk with a group of children behind her on a sunny day in a neighborhood, vancouver school, a storybook illustration, Elinor Proby Adams, comic cover art

    As they played, Emily had fun but struggled to express her joy. She often stayed quiet, even when she wanted to join the laughter and talk.

    a girl sitting on a bed reading a book in a bedroom with a teddy bear on the wall and a teddy bear on the bed, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Clarice Beckett, storybook illustration

    At home, Emily thought about her day. She wished she could express her feelings like other kids. She decided she would try harder the next day.

    a couple of kids sitting on a bed in a room with pink walls and a pink bed spread and a pink wall, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Constance Gordon-Cumming, official art

    The next day, Emily tried to express her thoughts more. She told Liam how much she enjoyed playing with him and his friends. Liam was surprised but happy to hear her speak up.

    a cartoon girl is writing in a classroom with other children in the background and a chalkboard with a chalkboard on it, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Bob Byerley, storybook illustration

    In class, Emily tried to participate more. She answered questions and shared her ideas. Her teacher was pleased to see her making an effort.

    a painting of a girl in a pink dress standing in front of a chalkboard with drawings on it, naive art, a storybook illustration, Bob Byerley, highly detailed digital painting

    Emily felt proud of herself. She realized that expressing her thoughts and feelings made her feel happier and more connected with others.

    two children walking down a path in a park with trees and flowers on either side of them and a church in the background, afrofuturism, a storybook illustration, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, comic cover art

    Back in the park, Emily played with Liam and the other kids. She laughed, cheered, and talked, expressing herself freely.

    a girl in a pink dress standing in a field of flowers with trees and flowers in the background and a pink sky, naive art, a character portrait, Alice Prin, character portrait

    Emily learned that expressing her thoughts and feelings was important. It made her feel good and helped her connect with others.

    a girl sitting on a bed reading a book in a bedroom with a window and stars on the wall, space art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    That night, Emily reflected on her journey. She realized that it was okay to express her thoughts and feelings, and that it was an important part of connecting with others.

    a girl's bedroom with pink walls and a doll on the bed in the corner of the room, naive art, a storybook illustration, Annabel Kidston, storybook illustration

    Emily slept that night with a smile on her face, ready to face another day filled with opportunities to express herself and connect with others.

    The Expressive Adventures of Emily