The Poem Forest: Poet W. S. Merwin and the Palm Tree Forest He Grew from Scratch - by Carrie Fountain (Hardcover)

About the Book

All his life, William Stanley searched for a wild place of his own. Growing up in the straightened-out city blocks of his childhood and finding some respite in summer trips to a cabin in the woods, William Stanley yearned for space, fragrant soil, tall trees, and the silence that surrounds them. In Hawaii, he learned of acres of land depleted from toxic agricultural practices, and he became determined to restore that land and create one of the most comprehensive palm gardens in the world.

Book Synopsis

Vibrant art and a poetic narration tell the tale of a US Poet Laureate who spent forty years planting the world's most comprehensive palm tree forest--and then gave it all away.

All his life, William Stanley searched for a wild place of his own. Growing up in the straightened-out city blocks of his childhood and finding some respite in summer trips to a cabin in the woods, William Stanley yearned for space, fragrant soil, tall trees, and the silence that surrounds them. In Hawaii, he learned of acres of land depleted from toxic agricultural practices, and he became determined to restore that land and create one of the most comprehensive palm gardens in the world. With hope and lyricism, award-winning poet Carrie Fountain and artist Chris Turnham tell the enchanting story of famed US Poet Laureate and ecologist W. S. Merwin, who planted nearly three thousand palm trees on his property in Hawaii, leaving as his legacy a wild space for everyone. Budding ecologists--and budding poets--will discover more about W. S. Merwin's life in an author's note in the back matter.

Review Quotes

A sensitive exploration of an untidy, meaningful existence.
--Kirkus Reviews

Author Carrie Fountain evokes the sights and sounds of nature just right. . . This nonfiction picture book biography is ideal to read aloud on Earth Day to celebrate the wonder of our surroundings while encouraging K-8 students to devise an ecologically diverse vision for their future.
--School Library Connection

Earth-toned digital illustrations by Turnham use simple applications of color to depict the poet's life and the changing landscape, eventually visited by guests of varied ages and skin tones. Fountain's prose poetry gently narrates Merwin's steady, determined action--both in poetics and in planting.
--Publishers Weekly

Fountain relates Merwin's poems' effect on readers to his work healing the forest. Her precise, well-worded text is both dignified and accessible. Primarily using forms and colors found in nature, Turnham's digital art creates a quiet tone while showcasing Merwin's forest.
--Booklist

About the Author

Carrie Fountain is an award-winning poet whose book Burn Lake was a National Poetry Series winner. Her work has been published in Poetry Magazine, American Poetry Review, and the New Yorker. Carrie Fountain lives in Texas with her family.

Chris Turnham is an artist and illustrator whose books include The Wish Tree and Hello, Rain!, both by Kyo Maclear, and National Parks of the U.S.A. by Kate Siber. Chris Turnham has also worked as a visual development artist in the animation industry. He lives in Los Angeles.