Oliver, Mary. Goldfinches. Melissa Sweet, Illus. Viking, 03/2026. 40pp. Poetry. Trade $18.99. 978-05-9369-241-7. GRADES Kindergarten–5. OUTSTANDING.
A visually stunning accompaniment to a poem by renowned poet Mary Oliver is filled with the ephemeral magic of nature at its best, with both the writing and the artwork infused with a keen eye for detail and a delight in beauty. The color palette is rich in vivid pinks and yellows, inspired by the bright plumage of male goldfinches and vibrant flowering thistles. Thoughtful design and composition gracefully integrate facts, textures and hand-lettered text throughout. An exuberant tribute to the late Mary Oliver, exemplifying her body of work in a beautiful union of the visual and poetic experiences of nature’s wonder.
Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library