pagesofjulia

I was sold on this book by my Shelf Awareness colleague’s review. I purchased it for some young friends who I think will enjoy it, but that was partly a reason to enjoy it myself first, before I passed it on.

This is a beautiful book, in its simple storytelling, its lovely sentiments and the values it communicates, and in the charming illustrations, full of plants and animals and sweetly expressive human faces. Rated for ages 4-8, it took only a few minutes to page through once, but will reward multiple and slower readings. I liked looking for the critters tucked away in the illustrations’ crevices, and reading through the words that trip and twist across the pages (outside of the narrative). I love that this story, which can be appreciated for its own sake, also introduces young readers to the life of Mary Oliver, an artist for whom mainstream “success” was not guaranteed. The Author’s Note notes that Mary Oliver’s home life, as a child, was “difficult.” She was a woman, she was queer, and she wrote poems that were defiantly “plain,” diverging from a tradition that makes poems less accessible to us regular people. This is what we love her for; but it presented some barriers in her acceptance by critics.

So, a beautifully rendered illustrated children’s book bringing the life of a great American poet to young people. An utter joy to read and look at, much like Oliver’s poetry. Strongly recommend for the kids in your life, and you will enjoy sharing it with them. More of this, please.

Filed under: book reviews | Tagged: authors, children's/YA, illustrated, nature, nonfiction, poetry, young friends |