I love picture book biographies! I feel like they're such an accessible way to introduce interesting people to my children and students. Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder is *gorgeous*. The illustrations are stunning, and I look forward to seeing this one in person once it's published. I can imagine this being a great read for a wide range of ages, though I personally would suggest it for 2nd/3rd grade classrooms and curriculum. I was hopeful that the writing in the book itself might incorporate more poetic devices, but the content was still informative and compelling.

Thank you to NetGalley and Calkins Creek for my advanced digital copy.

This book is just gorgeous. I love biographies of famous artists that use illustrations in the artist's style. And Mary Oliver's story is so simple and inspiring! She saw so much beauty in the world and spent a lifetime sharing that love through her art.
At one point she found a life partner, a photographer who shared that same love with her perception of the world. Oliver taught art, won awards, and talked about her vision until her death.

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.

This beautifully illustrated short biography of Mary Oliver will be a great way to introduce young readers to who a poet is and that they can be one too. It will also be great for encouraging children to go outside, look and listen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for this DRC.
#MaryOliverHoldingontoWonder #NetGalley

Mary Oliver was the most wonderful poet. I read her works almost daily. Oliver's love of the natural world, dogs and people as translated through her works is wondrous.

Given how much I love her poetry, I was so excited to see that a book has been written to introduce Mary Oliver to younger readers. Hopefully, they will grow up to read her oeuvre when older.

I loved this book! Adults who find that Oliver speaks to them will want to give this a look too and not let it just be for kids.

The illustrations are gorgeous and show Mary as she goes from a young girl to a woman with white hair. Her biography is simply delineated including her relationship with Molly, the love of her life. Oliver's love of nature also comes across clearly.

I recommend this one most highly!!!! It is so pretty to look at.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for this title. All opinions are my own.

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, 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.

A beautiful book with the most breathtaking illustrations. I have loved Mary Oliver's poems and I love this book about her life and personal philosophy. I think the words, images, and tone perfectly reflect what I love about Mary Oliver's works. It was interesting without feeling prying or infantilizing. I see many adults who love Oliver happy to use this book to introduce their a favorite author to the next generation. The illustrations are more beautiful than I could have guessed and I only wish we could have had one of them with one of her poems.