Any book that so cleverly introduces great poets to little ones is a winner. Vanita Oelschlager is a creative author who always provides a creative book. This lovely book starts with original poetry to introduce a young girl who is quite bored in the winter months. The book then uses phrases from famous poets and authors as spring arrives. Kristin Blackwood's illustrations change from the monochromatic brown and black winter illustrations to brightly colored springtime pictures. . The afterward includes brief bios and complete poems or passages from the original sources of the poetry used. Older children will get a better taste of those works and might be prompted to read more. This delightful book will serve as great introduction to classic poets for little ones and I recommend it to poetry lovers of all ages.

A cutely illustrated book that was a quick read. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't really great either. 2.75/5

Thank you Netgalley and Vanita Books LLC for access to the digital ARC. My interest in this title comes from a love of poetry personally, matched with the desire to begin building a collection of titles to use in homeschooling. I think this title is a great example of how imagery can be perceived in poetry through visual representation. I can see this title working in a homeschooling unit, I appreciate the added resource at the end of the story that highlights the specific lines referenced to create the story. Although a well done short tale with great images, I was not expecting there to be a reference to "God" in this title. While this figure is appropriately introduced, the inclusion of said figure could raise questions for children in families that are not familiar with the figure. It was an unexpected line for a title that I was fully expecting to be about spring time. As an adult with a understanding of God, I can see how spring time would evoke thoughts of God in many as it relates to many aspects of the general belief; Easter etc. While I feel that there's no wrong in it, I'm just not able to give it a full 5 stars because I personally would omit reading this to a 4-7 year old whose background I am unsure of. That being said I do think others will find the reference warming and intentional with the imagery that was depicted. Overall a wonderful book, great pictures, love the collection of reference poems at the back! Note from reviewer: I feel strongly that poetry as should all writing should serve the author in the highest form of seeking their truth and desire to share it as such in their word and eye. Which leads me to say: topics / themes / beliefs are allowed to be presented in the manor the author best sees fit, we can enjoy others writing and skill without necessarily conforming to their beliefs.

What a cute book!! I loved the illustrations, and I think my nieces will love this. They are ready for pool weather, so this book is the perfect one to read while we enjoy the sun and wait for pools to open. I loved that the majority of the book is easy to read for a child, and that there is poetry in the back for adults.

This cute children's book is all about springtime vibes! The author nails it with colorful visuals and poetic writing that captures the magic of March and April. From the blossoming flowers to the gentle breeze, it's like peeking out the window and feeling the excitement for the season change. The illustrations are amazing and match the story perfectly. Plus, the poems flow so nicely, making it an easy and enjoyable read for both kids and adults.

The first thing that drew me to this book was its stunning artwork. Each illustration is a masterpiece in itself, capturing the serene yet melancholic essence of winter with breathtaking detail. From the frost-covered trees to the soft glow of candlelight in the girl's cozy home, the artwork beautifully complements the story, evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia.

One aspect of the book that particularly resonated with me was the attention to detail in depicting the girl's home. The cozy interiors, filled with warm hues and inviting textures, serve as a comforting contrast to the starkness of the winter landscape outside. It's these small details that add depth to the story and make it feel all the more relatable and immersive.

"Ivy in Bloom" is a touching and beautifully crafted children's book that I would highly recommend to readers of all ages.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

I think this book is a must read for modern day children. It is important that the poets that are featured in this book are not lost to time. They must live on. This book has some wonderful and beautiful poems. I can see slightly more mature readers enjoying this book!
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The lovely springtime is the subject of the novel. The author's use of vibrant visuals to complement her writing about the beauty of nature and the springtime improved the piece. It looked out the window, expressing the child's hopes and dreams for March and April. I offer this book a five star rating because it does a fantastic job of describing the elements, which include flowers, wind, winter, light, water, clouds, land trees, etc. The author gave us a straightforward yet adorable children's book and strengthened it with the work of many additional writers.

This was a very cute book. I really loved the illustrative style and the richness of the colors used. I would buy this book for my kids.

Ivy In Bloom is a quick cute children’s book about the change in weather, from a dark cold March to the beauty of spring and all it brings. The illustrations are fun and are the perfect match for the story. The book is in a poetic style and flows beautifully.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook ARC of Ivy in Bloom: The Poetry of Spring. I really like the concept of this book, but I didn’t realize it was aimed at children until I started reading it. Realizing I’m not the target audience though, I still recommend this book to fans of poetry to see how the lines of different poems about spring are used thematically. In the end, I felt the book came together really well. If you’re looking for a children’s book, this would be great. If you’re looking for poetry about spring in general, you also get that with this work.

On dreary winter days, it is easy for all of us to hope for spring. The young girl in this title is eager for the brightness of a new season. She is impatiently waiting until her world becomes more colorful.

The book opens with rhyming text and a wintry view of the world. As the book continues, young children will watch for signs of spring and will find excerpts from some well known authors on the subject.

The illustrations in this book are distinctive and filled with detail. They go nicely with the text.

Recommended for young listeners and their adults. There are ideas here for poems to explore further.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Vanita Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Cute little story about a young girl waiting for spring. It's told through short, simple to understand poems that were originally actually a part of longer poems written by a few different authors.

This little book of poems is very cute.
They feel so cozy. Just so comfortable. Ivy in bloom is same too. What was a pleasant surprise that it was the poetry of spring by all the great poets and writers of the past.
It is a beautiful collection of poetry set alongside some stunning illustrations of the perfect representation of Spring!
Glad to have read it. Will definitely recommend it.

The original poem was cute, if not great, and went well with the pictures. There were excerpts from some real masters, and I think this is a great introduction to important poems.
Parents and teachers can read this and let kids learn some of the simple words, and us it as a jumping off place where they explore some of the other poetry cited.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my gifted copy.

I had my niece and nephew over and we picked this book to read. We all loved it! Such a cute and charming read. It's cold and grey outside right now, and this book lifted our spirits!

Ivy in Bloom is a heartwarming poetry book about the celebration of different seasons especially Spring. The beautiful illustrations make this read unique and unforgettable.

Ivy in Bloom introduces the poetry of Dickinson, Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Frost and others. Excerpts from their writings, as seen through Ivy's eyes, will open up poetry as a way for children to express their own feelings about the changing of seasons. This book includes longer excerpts and brief bios of each author.

The writing style was flawless and easy to understand to all ages. I highly recommend this book to everyone! It was a quick and cozy read.

had so much fun reading this book, the story is so adorable and the illustrations were so well done and charming, there’s so many little details in every page that I couldn’t stop but be mesmerized by it all. I will definitely be recommending it! Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this early copy

Sometimes all you need is a quick, refreshing read, and this is definitely it! This is a beautiful collection of poetry set alongside some stunning illustrations of the perfect representation of Spring!

🧚🏻Thank you to NetGalley and VanitaBooks for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

How pleasant every book of Vanita Oelschlager feels. I actually searched the whole Netgalley and got every book of hers to read.

They feel so cozy, like a blanket around you on a chilly rainy day. Just so comfortable. Ivy in bloom is same too. What was a pleasant surprise that it was the poetry of spring by all the great poets and writers of the past.

Vanita started her own poems and then continued with the lines/ verses from each poem and created beautiful art that is ivy in bloom. It included writers like Charles Dickens, Emily Dickinson, Robert Browning and so on.

Glad to have read it. Will definitely recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Vanitabooks for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.