Set in 1883 London, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion invites readers into the clever, observant mind of a young woman navigating life in St. Crispian’s—with its eccentric relatives, peculiar neighbors, and all the small absurdities of polite society.
With her sharp wit and sideways amusement, Emma records her days at Lapis Lazuli House, offering readers a journal that is at once self-incriminating, perceptive, and utterly charming. It’s no wonder readers often compare the series to other homeschool family favorites Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, L. M. Montgomery, and Louisa May Alcott.
This is the kind of book that begs to be read slowly—with a teacup nearby—and paired with thoughtful writing that allows students to practice observation, voice, and humor.
There are 8 volumes so far, and they make wonderful reading material for a mother-daughter book club, or a preteen reading group.
In later volumes some of the content becomes more mature- a stolen kiss, family trauma, but the bulk of the eight volumes is charming and clean, with many references to classic literature which is sure to inspire your budding authors.
Why Emma M. Lion Works So Well for Literature Study
Unlike many modern stories, Emma’s journals:
- Value careful observation over constant action
- Celebrate voice, restraint, and irony
- Offer rich models of first-person narration
- Invite students to notice character through detail
This makes the series an excellent choice for upper elementary, middle school, or gentle high school literature based learning, especially for students who enjoy language and character-driven stories.
Hosting an Emma M. Lion–Inspired Homeschool Book Club Tea Party
A tea party sets the tone for this book—civilized, slightly whimsical, and intentionally slow, and when you finish a literature unit with a celebration, like we do in so many of the Peaceful Press resources, you help your children remember their learning forever.
Tea Party Staging and Food Ideas
Include Black tea, Earl Grey, or herbal tea
Make scones, shortbread, or oat cakes (we've got great recipes for these in the Peaceful Press Cookbook)
Add jam and buttered bread
Cover the table with a simple tablecloth or cloth napkins
Use real tea cups if possible
Include a small bouquet or single flower in a jar
Place small gifts at each place setting such as a handkerchief, pen, watercolor paints, tea ball, tea cup, or miniature portrait frame
Encourage students to dress simply but thoughtfully—perhaps a ribbon, flowing dress, or cozy cardigan—to enter the spirit of 1883 London.
Check out our Emma M. Lion Book Club Shop Here!
Craft: Make a Bound Journal
Creating a handmade journal helps students step into Emma’s world and gives them a meaningful place to record their own observations.
Simple Bound Journal Tutorial
You will need:
- Several sheets of paper (folded in half)
- One piece of heavier paper or cardstock for the cover
- A needle or push pin
- String, embroidery floss, or yarn
- Optional: decorative paper, stamps, or pressed leaves
Instructions:
- Stack the folded pages inside the folded cover.
- Carefully poke three holes along the fold with a skewer or awl (top, middle, bottom).
- Sew through the holes using a simple pamphlet stitch.
- Tie off the string securely.
- Decorate the cover if desired.
Encourage students to write their name and the year on the front, just as Emma might have done.
Activity: Take Portrait Photos Near a Window
One of the main characters in the books makes his living as a portrait photographer.
Take portraits of each guest and print on a photo printer such as this one.
Activity: Make Custom Tea Blends
Enjoy a sensory activity of mixing your own custom tea. Purchase bulk herbs and give each guest a small mason jar.
Let them scoop a spoonful or two of each herb into the jar.
Some herbs and aromatics we love: chamomile, lavender, mint, licorice, hibiscus, orange peel, etc.
Game: A Victorian-Style Dart Game
After reading and writing, invite children to play a simple game that echoes the parlor amusements of the era.
Dart Game Ideas
Use a felt dartboard with Velcro darts or paper darts for safety. Create sections labeled with:
- Describe a character
- Write a journal entry
- Recite a quote
- List the books you own
Take turns throwing darts and completing the prompt where they land.
This keeps the day lighthearted and playful while reinforcing language skills.
Writing Prompts Inspired by The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion
Journal Writing Prompts
- Write a journal entry about an ordinary day, but make it amusing.
- Describe a family member using kindness, wit, and restraint.
- Write about a place in your home in great detail.
- Record a frustrating moment, but with humor rather than complaint.
Style & Craft Prompts
- Rewrite a short event twice: once plainly, once with Emma-like wit.
- List five small details you noticed today that others might miss.
- Write a journal entry that gently pokes fun at yourself.
A Living Education Reminder for your Homeschool
Books like The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion remind us that education does not need to be loud or hurried. There is deep value in learning to observe, reflect, and write with intention.
When students are invited into good literature—and given time to think and respond—their writing becomes richer, their thinking more nuanced, and their delight in learning grows.
Sometimes the most formative lessons begin with a journal, a teacup, a quiet afternoon—and perhaps a game of darts.
Want to curate a homeschool that is always this engaging? Check out the Peaceful Press resources!
If you love British History, you will love the Kind Kingdom
If you love pioneer history, you will love Playful Pioneers Volume 1
If you love the ancient world, you will love Precious People.
Homeschooling should be fun, because when we are having fun, we remember what we learn!
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