Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder - by Erin Frankel (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

ABA 2025 Best Book for Young Readers
CCBC Choices 2026

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.

Review Quotes

"A young Mary Oliver (1935-2019) is entranced by the natural world and the many questions it evokes... Frankel's gently flowing, lyrical prose mimics some of Oliver's work in its pacing and rhythm... the writer's personality comes through strongly.... Lets young readers tiptoe through the wild, wonderful life of a celebrated poet."--Kirkus Reviews

"'I wish I had discovered Mary Oliver as a child, ' Frankel writes, and, in a beguiling bid to steer more young readers toward the sensitive nature poet, offers--within a general overview of Oliver's own wild and precious life--a lyrical appreciation of how closely she observed the everyday natural world. That world takes on a properly wondrous glow in Hu's atmospheric digital watercolors, as a quietly attentive child moves through woodsy and seaside settings into adulthood, discovering along the way the vital importance of both poetry and longtime companion Molly Malone Cook in her life and writing 'poems that longed to be told--/poems meant for everyone.'"--Booklist

"There is a delicate grace to this picture book biography, with quietly elegant prose calling up the vivid descriptiveness of Oliver's own poetry ('how the sun must feel when it folds itself slowly, gently back into the sky or how it feels to be wild and free and how pictures and words might capture such beautiful things'). While the primary text is light on biographical details, its delighted tone captures Oliver's deep sense of wonder, and informative backmatter fills in many of the main narrative's gaps. The digital art, evocative of watercolor and ink, emanates warmth and joy, with layered dappling creating an almost glowing effect..."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"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... A perfect activator for an author study on Oliver, especially for upper elementary or even middle school students."--Youth Services Book Review

"A beautiful introduction to the life and work of poet Mary Oliver! Each page is gentle and filled with wonder for life. The writing and illustrations are well-paired, and each page feels like its own self-contained concept, much like a poem! I liked how Mary's life events were described simply yet elegantly, and most of the text was devoted to explaining the feelings and perceptions Mary may have experienced. A great gift for kids just starting to read or write poetry!" --Brynn Artley, Content Book Store

"Stunning artwork and a beautiful, thoughtful tribute to my favorite poet Townie Books

About the Author

Erin Frankel is a children's book author who loves telling stories of empathy and wonder. Her picture books include Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder, A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen, the Weird! series, Remembering Barkley and the forthcoming Piece by Piece: How Stephen Sondheim Made Musical Puzzles Come Alive. She enjoys visiting schools to talk to students about stories and kindness. She lives with her family in Pittsburgh, where she writes, teaches, and hopes.

Jasu Hu is the illustrator of the picture books All You Need by Howard Schwartz and Wintergarden by Janet Fox. Her art has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post, and her poster "Moonlight Moment" was displayed on the New York City subway in 2018 and 2019.