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Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder
This lyrical picture book biography of beloved American poet Mary Oliver shows young readers ages 7 - 10 how her love of nature and sense of wonder inspired her art.
Young Mary Oliver was enthralled by nature. In the forest, she wondered about the birds and the lilies and the water in the stream—about all the things that cannot speak yet somehow spoke to Mary. She wondered, too, about poetry, about how words pieced together filled her with light and how some poems felt like they were written just for her. How could this be?
Author Erin Frankel shows how Mary Oliver held on to that sense of wonder from her childhood, channeling it into some of the most beloved poems of the past hundred years. Illustrator Jasu Hu’s lush nature scenes beautifully complement Frankel’s soulful writing about the creative process. Together text and art honor Mary Oliver and her astonishing poetry.
Young Mary Oliver was enthralled by nature. In the forest, she wondered about the birds and the lilies and the water in the stream—about all the things that cannot speak yet somehow spoke to Mary. She wondered, too, about poetry, about how words pieced together filled her with light and how some poems felt like they were written just for her. How could this be?
Author Erin Frankel shows how Mary Oliver held on to that sense of wonder from her childhood, channeling it into some of the most beloved poems of the past hundred years. Illustrator Jasu Hu’s lush nature scenes beautifully complement Frankel’s soulful writing about the creative process. Together text and art honor Mary Oliver and her astonishing poetry.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published October 14, 2025
2 people are currently reading
2612 people want to read
About the author
Erin Frankel
27 books22 followersErin Frankel is a children’s book author. She loves telling stories of empathy and wonder. Her picture books include A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen, which is an Orbis Pictus Award Recommended Title and a Texas Blue Bonnet Award Nominee, as well as Remembering Barkley, and the Weird! series. Forthcoming titles include Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder (2025) and Piece by Piece: How Stephen Sondheim Made Musical Puzzles Come Alive (2026). Erin lives with her family in Pittsburgh, where she writes, teaches, and hopes. She is represented by Lindsay Auld at Writers House. You can also connect with her on Instagram @erinfrankelwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 24, 2025
I was really happy to see a picture book biography of Mary Oliver, and hope there are more to come! This was a solid first entry. After reading the back text, I respect the author's decision to leave out some biographical details of Oliver's life in respect for her private nature, but I also think something was lost in only sharing, particularly about her childhood, Oliver's love for nature. While I appreciate the inclusion of Molly Malone Cook in the story, it would have been a stronger choice to name that Mary and Molly were in love, rather than the more vague phrasings opted for by Frankel (the two "met," and had "a life together"--not untrue, but part of how we show children that there is nothing shameful in lesbian/queer relationships is to name them clearly). All this being said, this is a decent book and I certainly hope it serves as a bridge in introducing more young readers to Oliver's poetry.
Age range: Elementary
Age range: Elementary
July 26, 2025
This book is a truly beautiful and heartfelt homage to Mary Oliver. Readers who admire her insightful poetry will undoubtedly be drawn to this loving tribute. The thoughtful inclusion of accompanying materials and author's notes at the end provides valuable context and deepens the appreciation for Oliver's work. Moreover, the stunning illustrations perfectly complement the text, creating a visually rich experience. It's evident the author holds Mary Oliver in the highest regard, and this book serves as a wonderful reminder of her enduring impact. My thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
October 22, 2025
Lovely book and illustrations
March 12, 2026
This book serves as an introduction to the life of Mary Oliver, but unfortunately, not actually to her poetry. I found myself wishing that the author drew more direct links between what Mary observes and wonders about in the book and the poems she created as a result. Instead, we have constant mention of the poems Oliver was writing, but no quotes or excerpts from them (it’s possible these permissions were not granted by publishers or Oliver’s estate). Adults readers of the book who are familiar with Oliver’s poems will catch passing references to dogs, geese, streams and rocks, but unfortunately those references are so small and underdeveloped, they might not mean much to those who haven’t read her poetry. And because this is a picture book, meant for children, the likelihood is that most, if not all, of them will have not yet experienced Oliver’s poetry for herself.
The book moves from one event in Mary Oliver’s life to another: enjoying nature as a child, reading the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay, working for St. Vincent Millay’s estate, meeting Molly Malone Cook, moving to Cape Cod, winning the Pulitzer, teaching, continuing to write until her death. But the tone of the book is very one-note; it fails to convey much emotional range or depth. Granted, Oliver was intensely private and not too many details of her personal life are available to the public. But to my mind, that means the author should have taken a different approach to the text, in order to create a more engaging story for children.
In my experience, for a child to be captivated by a biography of a person who is as-of-yet unknown to them, the story of their life itself must be compelling. I’m not arguing that Mary Oliver did not lead a compelling life, and one that might indeed be interesting to children. But I don’t think it’s conveyed in this book.
A more generous reading is to see how the book focuses on Mary Oliver’s insistence on wonder, joy, and attention. In so doing, children might make the connection that they, too, wonder at the world, and perhaps they might be a poet. But this idea is conveyed primarily through the author’s note and other end matter, and not through the story itself.
I found myself asking, “Who is this book for?” Ultimately, I think it’s written for adults who love Mary Oliver, and might enjoy having a beautifully illustrated account of her life on their shelves. Those adults might want to share the book with the kids in their lives, but I doubt the children will find it particularly interesting.
The book moves from one event in Mary Oliver’s life to another: enjoying nature as a child, reading the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay, working for St. Vincent Millay’s estate, meeting Molly Malone Cook, moving to Cape Cod, winning the Pulitzer, teaching, continuing to write until her death. But the tone of the book is very one-note; it fails to convey much emotional range or depth. Granted, Oliver was intensely private and not too many details of her personal life are available to the public. But to my mind, that means the author should have taken a different approach to the text, in order to create a more engaging story for children.
In my experience, for a child to be captivated by a biography of a person who is as-of-yet unknown to them, the story of their life itself must be compelling. I’m not arguing that Mary Oliver did not lead a compelling life, and one that might indeed be interesting to children. But I don’t think it’s conveyed in this book.
A more generous reading is to see how the book focuses on Mary Oliver’s insistence on wonder, joy, and attention. In so doing, children might make the connection that they, too, wonder at the world, and perhaps they might be a poet. But this idea is conveyed primarily through the author’s note and other end matter, and not through the story itself.
I found myself asking, “Who is this book for?” Ultimately, I think it’s written for adults who love Mary Oliver, and might enjoy having a beautifully illustrated account of her life on their shelves. Those adults might want to share the book with the kids in their lives, but I doubt the children will find it particularly interesting.
August 12, 2025
Featured in a reads with Grandma session. . .
Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder was shared today with two of my grandkids - we read books and worldle together twice a week via zoom since our homes are thousands of miles apart (so glad we live in these times!). I was pleased to have this ARC in my TBR, and had read and gone through the exquisite illustrations myself a number of in the last few weeks, and decided this was one to put to the test with the experts.
I went through the usual spiel when introducing a book I want them to consider critically - focusing on the text - words and phrases chosen by the author, and to take longer looks at the illustrations chosen to pair up with that particular set of words, and then vote at the end, using the five star scale. It was a delight for this grandmother to wander with purpose through this book with my own people who I know so well, to see and learn how their minds were working while processing the engaging plea of Mary Oliver as translated/echoed by Erin Frankel the author - to consider poetry as a means of accessing that mindblower (Wonder!). Masterfully done, I must say.
I often find in children's picture books that I'll quickly determine that either the text or illustrations will be preferred over the other (if it is an author/illustrator they usually strike a closer balance). But for me, and for my own kidlets, the illustrator's artistry was exactingly done - in watercolor! not usually an exact medium. . .still this was so perfectly paired with the words/worlds on the page we were entranced. . .me for the fourth or fifth time, and my guys for this first time. We loved this book. The words-to-art balance is Harmonic in this book. We talked about Mary Oliver, and granddau suggested we read poems as part of our reading sessions - and so I will begin this week with one of Mary Oliver's poems to present them.
Choosing this for your read will prove an exquisite way to introduce yourself or your youngers to Mary Oliver, to poetry, to writing, to nature, to art, or just to enjoy something different than you usually read. All three of us recommend this book to you with our 15 stars, hands extended and fingers widespread!
*A sincere thank you to Author Erin Frankel, Illustrator Jasu Hu, Astra Publishing House | Calkins Creek, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* MaryOliverHoldingontoWonder #NetGalley 25|52:3e
Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder was shared today with two of my grandkids - we read books and worldle together twice a week via zoom since our homes are thousands of miles apart (so glad we live in these times!). I was pleased to have this ARC in my TBR, and had read and gone through the exquisite illustrations myself a number of in the last few weeks, and decided this was one to put to the test with the experts.
I went through the usual spiel when introducing a book I want them to consider critically - focusing on the text - words and phrases chosen by the author, and to take longer looks at the illustrations chosen to pair up with that particular set of words, and then vote at the end, using the five star scale. It was a delight for this grandmother to wander with purpose through this book with my own people who I know so well, to see and learn how their minds were working while processing the engaging plea of Mary Oliver as translated/echoed by Erin Frankel the author - to consider poetry as a means of accessing that mindblower (Wonder!). Masterfully done, I must say.
I often find in children's picture books that I'll quickly determine that either the text or illustrations will be preferred over the other (if it is an author/illustrator they usually strike a closer balance). But for me, and for my own kidlets, the illustrator's artistry was exactingly done - in watercolor! not usually an exact medium. . .still this was so perfectly paired with the words/worlds on the page we were entranced. . .me for the fourth or fifth time, and my guys for this first time. We loved this book. The words-to-art balance is Harmonic in this book. We talked about Mary Oliver, and granddau suggested we read poems as part of our reading sessions - and so I will begin this week with one of Mary Oliver's poems to present them.
Choosing this for your read will prove an exquisite way to introduce yourself or your youngers to Mary Oliver, to poetry, to writing, to nature, to art, or just to enjoy something different than you usually read. All three of us recommend this book to you with our 15 stars, hands extended and fingers widespread!
*A sincere thank you to Author Erin Frankel, Illustrator Jasu Hu, Astra Publishing House | Calkins Creek, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* MaryOliverHoldingontoWonder #NetGalley 25|52:3e
October 31, 2025
In this picture book biography of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver, Frankel celebrates her love of nature and the reflection of that engagement in her work. We first see Mary as a young girl, full of “wonder” as she sits beneath a tree in the forest, notebook in hand. Hu’s delicate digital illustrations resemble watercolor and their organic look perfectly captures the woods, streams, and fields that engage Mary’s imagination. Frankel details highlights of the poet’s life, including her work as an archivist for the estate of Edna St. Vincent Millay, her relationship with her partner Molly Malone Cook, her move to Cape Cod, and her teaching career. The relationship between Oliver and Cook is covered in a casual and open fashion, a wonderful look at a committed same-sex couple. Oliver’s devotion to her many dogs is reflected in their frequent appearance in the delicate full-page bleeds; we see her dancing, walking, and sitting with them. The language of the book is quite lyrical and captures the feeling and rhythm of Oliver’s poetry: “she hid pencils behind trees so she would always be prepared. Foxes and moon snails; black bears and owls; snow crickets and goldfinches; sunflowers and ponds – Mary wrote on and on.” Back matter includes a lengthy author’s note, a detailed timeline, a select bibliography, and a resource list of Frankel’s favorite poems by Oliver. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
February 1, 2026
Copy provided by the Publisher
Born in Cleveland in 1935, Mary Oliver loved being outside, and enjoyed how natural elements made her feel happy. How could see capture that feeling? She loved reading poetry, and even wrote to the sister of recently deceased poet Edna St. Vincent Millay to ask if she could visit her home. She graduated from high school, and after several visits to Millay's home, accepted a job helping to organize her papers. She started publishing her peomes, and lived in Cape Cod with photographer Molly Malone Cook. Despite growing fame, Oliver remained devoted to capturing the joy in quiet, beautiful moments in her poetry, and taught at many places until her death from lung caner in 2019.
Oliver's work seems to be very popular, and is much quoted. This picture book biography captures the same dreamy feel of her nature poems in both the lyrical text and misty, ethereal illustrations. There is an author's note, timeline, and list of resources, making this well suited for research.
Have this book on rotation for April, National Poetry Month, along with Fountain and Turnham's The Poem Forest: Poet W. S. Merwin and the Palm Tree Forest He Grew from Scratch, Bober and Gibbon's Papa is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost, Clinton and Qualls' Phyllis' Big Test, and Rogers and Groenick's Sixteen Words: William Carlos Williams and the Red Wheelbarrow, and especially Starflower: The Making of a Poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay by Farkas, Vizzo, and Dwyer.
Born in Cleveland in 1935, Mary Oliver loved being outside, and enjoyed how natural elements made her feel happy. How could see capture that feeling? She loved reading poetry, and even wrote to the sister of recently deceased poet Edna St. Vincent Millay to ask if she could visit her home. She graduated from high school, and after several visits to Millay's home, accepted a job helping to organize her papers. She started publishing her peomes, and lived in Cape Cod with photographer Molly Malone Cook. Despite growing fame, Oliver remained devoted to capturing the joy in quiet, beautiful moments in her poetry, and taught at many places until her death from lung caner in 2019.
Oliver's work seems to be very popular, and is much quoted. This picture book biography captures the same dreamy feel of her nature poems in both the lyrical text and misty, ethereal illustrations. There is an author's note, timeline, and list of resources, making this well suited for research.
Have this book on rotation for April, National Poetry Month, along with Fountain and Turnham's The Poem Forest: Poet W. S. Merwin and the Palm Tree Forest He Grew from Scratch, Bober and Gibbon's Papa is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost, Clinton and Qualls' Phyllis' Big Test, and Rogers and Groenick's Sixteen Words: William Carlos Williams and the Red Wheelbarrow, and especially Starflower: The Making of a Poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay by Farkas, Vizzo, and Dwyer.
September 15, 2025
Mary Oliver is an American poet known for her continuing joy and feelings of awesome wonder at the incredible world of nature. She enjoyed poetry and learned to share with others the awesomeness of the natural world through poetry.
The illustrations by Jasu Hu are intricate, imaginative, and meaningful in brushed colors.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to EVERYone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Astra Publishing House | Calkins Creek via NetGalley. *****review #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph @librarythingofficial
#MaryOliverHoldingontoWonder by @erinfrankelwrites and illustrated by @jasuhuart #maryoliver
@astrakidsbooks #CalkinsCreek #NetGalley #Astrapublishing @childrensbookcouncil #nature
#storytelling #picturebook #illustration #imagination #sharing #caring #changinglives #kidlit#watercolors #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #indiebookstoresca #kindness #hope #poetry #illustration #picturebook #poetry #picturebookillustration #childrensbook #wonder #naturebooksforkids #naturebooksforkids #nonfictionbooksforkids #nonfictionpicturebooks
The illustrations by Jasu Hu are intricate, imaginative, and meaningful in brushed colors.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to EVERYone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Astra Publishing House | Calkins Creek via NetGalley. *****review #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph @librarythingofficial
#MaryOliverHoldingontoWonder by @erinfrankelwrites and illustrated by @jasuhuart #maryoliver
@astrakidsbooks #CalkinsCreek #NetGalley #Astrapublishing @childrensbookcouncil #nature
#storytelling #picturebook #illustration #imagination #sharing #caring #changinglives #kidlit#watercolors #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #indiebookstoresca #kindness #hope #poetry #illustration #picturebook #poetry #picturebookillustration #childrensbook #wonder #naturebooksforkids #naturebooksforkids #nonfictionbooksforkids #nonfictionpicturebooks
August 6, 2025
Thank you so much to Astra Publishing House/ Calkins Creek and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
This was a really stunning way to share Mary Oliver’s Biography. It captured the essence of who she was and how she lived. Shared the wonders she had about the world and about nature.
I really enjoyed the beautiful illustrations throughout, seeing the nature that Mary herself loved, adored and was inspired by, I loved seeing her in her happiest places, creating her beautiful poems.
I really enjoyed getting to learn so much more about her and have it be done in such a wonderful way. From the facts through the story, but also all the additional facts at the end too really added to it.
A very stunningly created book on a writer whose work still connects with people to this day. It’s wonderful to learn about who the person behind the work really was and this was done so perfectly.
This was a really stunning way to share Mary Oliver’s Biography. It captured the essence of who she was and how she lived. Shared the wonders she had about the world and about nature.
I really enjoyed the beautiful illustrations throughout, seeing the nature that Mary herself loved, adored and was inspired by, I loved seeing her in her happiest places, creating her beautiful poems.
I really enjoyed getting to learn so much more about her and have it be done in such a wonderful way. From the facts through the story, but also all the additional facts at the end too really added to it.
A very stunningly created book on a writer whose work still connects with people to this day. It’s wonderful to learn about who the person behind the work really was and this was done so perfectly.
July 25, 2025
A lovely short read, perfect for kids!
Mary Oliver’s poetry is a reminder to appreciate what’s around you (even the smallest of leafs, flowers, bugs, or birds on the horizon). This book does a great job at portraying the life of Mary Oliver, whilst maintaining the language simple and engaging for children. The illustrations are wonderful, I adore the color usage as well!
One can only hope to instill that sense of whimsy, gratefulness, and the very concept of looking with wonder at the world in those around us. I’d like to think that having been introduced to her poetry earlier on in life, would have served as a bright light through growing up, coming of age, and engaging with the world.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Mary Oliver’s poetry is a reminder to appreciate what’s around you (even the smallest of leafs, flowers, bugs, or birds on the horizon). This book does a great job at portraying the life of Mary Oliver, whilst maintaining the language simple and engaging for children. The illustrations are wonderful, I adore the color usage as well!
One can only hope to instill that sense of whimsy, gratefulness, and the very concept of looking with wonder at the world in those around us. I’d like to think that having been introduced to her poetry earlier on in life, would have served as a bright light through growing up, coming of age, and engaging with the world.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
October 30, 2025
Mary Oliver, Holding on the Wonder, is a lush, dreamy picture book by Erin Frankel that introduces readers to the life of beloved American poet Mary Oliver. The book takes readers through Oliver's life, showing how nature produced a sense of wonder, inspiration, and comfort for her. Oliver spent much of her time in nature and channeled her love for it into amazing poetry. Illustrator Jasu Hu gives us beautiful illustrations in a lovely color palette that complements the moods of the story. This book provides a nice introduction to the poet for children and adults. Thank you to Calkins Creek and Netgalley for providing the galley for me to review.
November 21, 2025
This gorgeously illustrated picture book biography celebrates Mary Oliver's life and legacy, highlighting her love of nature and her pursuit of wonder in everyday life. It also touches on her personal life, including her many years of romantic partnership with another woman.
The watercolor illustrations are breathtaking, and the text is both informative and lyrical. The backmatter at the end shares some additional details, including a timeline. This will appeal to fans of Oliver, and to people who are looking for books that teach children about poets and poetry.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The watercolor illustrations are breathtaking, and the text is both informative and lyrical. The backmatter at the end shares some additional details, including a timeline. This will appeal to fans of Oliver, and to people who are looking for books that teach children about poets and poetry.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 30, 2025
Such a loving, admiring, and appreciative biography of the poet. The author approaches the difficult task of depicting inspiration and the making of poetry through stories about Oliver's practice and her childhood. I did not know that her admiration for Edna St. Vincent Millay led her at 18 to write to the poet's sister for permission to visit the home that admired poet lived in - and that it led to her being invited to stay and help organize St. Vincent Millay's papers - but what a role model for a child. Oliver followed her loves and fascinations with an open mind and heart. What could be a better invitation to writing and reading poetry. Lovely soft illustrations by Jasu Hu.
April 29, 2026
Of the two picture books I've read about Mary Oliver, this is my favorite. It shines in conveying the wonder that Mary found in the natural world and in creating (and sharing) her poetry while highlighting key moments in her life. I wish I had more time for a more robust review, and including quotes, but it is due back at the library with (happily) another patron having requested it. I hope it receives wide readership and introduces many young people to Mary Oliver and her poetry. Highly recommend! Illustrations are also really lovely and wondrous and the back matter is extensive and shows extensive research and citations. Loved this!
July 25, 2025
Mary Oliver, holding on to wonder, is a beautifully illustrated biography written for children. Children will be captivated by the amazing illustrations, the movement, the colors! That biography details Mary's discovery of and lifelong Love for nature. Her discovery of writing and then her desire to share her poetry about nature. I'm not sure how much meaning the story will have to younger children but the narrative is simple enough and the illustrations will definitely capture their attention and may spark conversation that could foster a lifelong love of the natural world for them as well.
August 5, 2025
The beautifully illustrated children's book explores the early life of the award-winning American poet, Mary Oliver. From her early years soaking in the beauty of nature to her career as a poet, Mary used words to catch and keep the images and feelings she experienced through her surroundings. Children will delight in the colorful, whimsical illustrations, and adults will enjoy a look into the makings of a poet and wonder if they, too, can make poems as beautiful and haunting as the words Mary Oliver crafted. My thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
August 13, 2025
Lush, gorgeous illustrations accompany a beautiful tribute to the esteemed poet Mary Oliver. We follow her life from a young, creative girl in the woods she loved so much to her quiet, private life in Cape Cod. The author does a wonderful job of conveying Oliver's wonder and curiosity at the world, showing how she sought the gift of questioning more than the answers and translated both into award-winning, deeply resounding poetry.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2026
Oh goodness. Stunning, moving, enlightening, and, yes, 'beautiful.' It seems to really capture the poet's spirit. Of course my advice is to read some of Oliver's poems first, but even if you don't I believe you're likely to enjoy this picture-book... and then you'll certainly want to catch up on her works!
Much richer than 'Woods and Words' so I hope your library has this one. (If not, the other is worth reading.)
The text makes me want more by the author, the illustrations make me want more by the artist, and even the overall design is well done.
Much richer than 'Woods and Words' so I hope your library has this one. (If not, the other is worth reading.)
The text makes me want more by the author, the illustrations make me want more by the artist, and even the overall design is well done.
May 22, 2025
Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder is a beautiful picture book biography of Mary Oliver. The reader follows young Mary exploring nature on her own to her realizing that her poetry shows others the wonder of nature. The simple narrative manages to convey her life-long love of the natural world, her poetic gift and her desire to live the simple life she loved.
Thank you to Edeweiss for the digital arc.
The publish date is October 14, 2025
Thank you to Edeweiss for the digital arc.
The publish date is October 14, 2025
August 2, 2025
Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder (Kindle Edition)
by Erin Frankel
a look at a renown poet that used her skills to share nature with the world. Mary Oliver loved nature and used her ability to craft words to share that love. She dreamed all her life of questions that she did not always get and answer. This book uses watercolor art to show her life and ideals, and shares how she viewed the world and captured it to change the worlds view of these places.
by Erin Frankel
a look at a renown poet that used her skills to share nature with the world. Mary Oliver loved nature and used her ability to craft words to share that love. She dreamed all her life of questions that she did not always get and answer. This book uses watercolor art to show her life and ideals, and shares how she viewed the world and captured it to change the worlds view of these places.
August 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for this book to read and review.
I thought this was such a sweet tribute to Mary’s amazing life. I have always loved her poems, but I did not know much about her story. I loved learning about how she got started as a poet! The whimsical illustrations invoke the same wonder and excitement for nature that Mary’s best poems do. Overall, this account of her life made me want to revisit her poetry and enjoy her life’s work!
I thought this was such a sweet tribute to Mary’s amazing life. I have always loved her poems, but I did not know much about her story. I loved learning about how she got started as a poet! The whimsical illustrations invoke the same wonder and excitement for nature that Mary’s best poems do. Overall, this account of her life made me want to revisit her poetry and enjoy her life’s work!
September 5, 2025
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
I love Mary Oliver as a poet, she's one of the few that speaks to my heart and gets me to feel easily with just a few words. This picture book is a love letter of a story about her life and poems. It is beautifully written and illustrated. I'd say this book is a must read for any of Mary's fans and kids who love nature and words.
I love Mary Oliver as a poet, she's one of the few that speaks to my heart and gets me to feel easily with just a few words. This picture book is a love letter of a story about her life and poems. It is beautifully written and illustrated. I'd say this book is a must read for any of Mary's fans and kids who love nature and words.
September 28, 2025
Dreamy illustrations complement the tone of this picture book biography of Mary Oliver. Young readers can read how they might have the same love and curiosity about nature that Mary had as a child. As they learn about her journey into poetry, they may be inspired to write down their thoughts, play with words, and be a conscious observer of the world around them. A highly recommended title for nature lovers, young writers and curious kids.
January 26, 2026
Gorgeous illustrations by Jasu Hu add greatly to text that is quite vague in its early pages. The intended audience (age 7-10) might find too much left unsaid - too many pieces alluded to yet not quite within their grasp. The book’s text becomes more solid when discussing Oliver’s adult life. The author’s note and the timeline of Oliver’s life are valuable additions to a biography that is without much substance.
April 28, 2026
Beautifully researched and illustrated picture book about Mary Oliver, her life, her love, and her relationship with poetry from an early age. First, she was an observer of nature, then of words and the way they fit together in the poems of others, especially Edna St. Vincent Millay, then of how SHE could write poems of her own. This book was lively and encouraging. Reading and writing poetry is lovely, important, and HARD work-- but so worth it.
Read
October 9, 2025I really struggled to read this one aloud. The rhyme and rhythm didn't flow naturally for me, and I ended up going back to various Mary Oliver poems to see if it was mimicking something but I didn't find connection there.
The illustrations are lovely and it's a fine picture book biography, but I feel like I was maybe missing something for how the words were meant to scan.
The illustrations are lovely and it's a fine picture book biography, but I feel like I was maybe missing something for how the words were meant to scan.
November 7, 2025
This book was beautiful and the author clearly put a lot of thought into writing this biography of the beloved poet, focusing on the world and how she adored it more than the life she kept private for so long. The illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the book and it's a great introduction to Oliver for younger readers. Wonderful!
August 9, 2025
One of those books that is beautiful but I don't think it works for the intended audience. It would definitely need an adult poetry lover to introduce both the poet and the book to young readers.
Review based on a DRC received through NetGalley.
Review based on a DRC received through NetGalley.
October 23, 2025
Interestingly, Mary Oliver was told that she used the word "beautiful" too often in her poetry, but that is the first word that comes to mind with this lovely book. The art is digital in the form of a watercolor that is perfect for its subject.
Thank you to Astra books for this gifted copy!
Thank you to Astra books for this gifted copy!
December 7, 2025
A beautifully illustrated book for the young wanna-be poets in your life, about the "wonder lens" that Mary Oliver looked through all her life, beginning as a child in Northeast Ohio. ch inspired Ohio native poet Mary Oliver.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews