Earlier this week my social media feed introduced me to the picture book, Goldfinches by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, published this week. I was immediately drawn in, quick to look up this Mary Oliver poem. I absolutely love Melissa Sweet’s art–and have many books she has illustrated. I resisted purchasing the book for a few hours, then relented and pushed the “buy” button. It arrived on my front porch this evening.
The brilliant pink of the cover along with the word Goldfinches embossed in gold had me swooning. As I open the cover I am greeted with a quote from Mary Oliver (I did check, she died in 2019) that resonates. Writing poems as a way of offering praise to the world…yes. Of encouraging close observation in the natural world. Of paying attention and appreciating what is in front of you. I know I will be using this book with my students soon.
If you asked me about a favorite poet, I might not mention Mary Oliver. I would probably say Naomi Shihab Nye (I love Valentine for Ernest Mann). I might mention Pablo Neruda (Ode to my socks or Ode to an Onion come to mind). I do love many Mary Oliver poems…and I have been discovering so many more since one of the families in my class this year gave me a copy of her collected works. I was not familiar with Goldfinches until this week. If asked my about my favorite poet today, I might just answer, Mary Oliver.
In addition to the gorgeous illustrated poem, this book also includes back pages. It includes Mary Oliver’s poem written in its standard way along with a copy of a bird list written by her. There is also a note from Melissa Sweet that begins with the Mary Oliver quote:
No poem is about one of us, or some of us, but it is about all of us.
The note includes Melissa’s process of research and learning about goldfinches so she could effectively illustrate the poem along with descriptions of Mary’s forays into the woods as a child–even stashing pencils in trees so she would always have one to write things down when inspiration struck. I love that Melissa Sweet creates pages that are like a nature notebook, including notes about the birds along with illustrations of plants.
It was love at first sight for me with this book. I know I will continue to pore over it, studying both the art and words (and the birds I see outside my own place) so I can use it effectively with my students. I can only hope they will love it as much as I do…and connect to Mary Oliver’s beautiful poem and Melissa Sweet’s amazing artwork.
What a treat it was to open this book today!
Thinking Through My Lens 
This book sounds amazing! I love that the artist shared how she builds her understanding. It sounds like a treasure. Thanks for sharing!
Mary Oliver has long been on my favorite author list as well as Melissa Sweet’s amazing collage art. Swoon, indeed!
Kim, what a great mini book review. I’ve added Goldfinches to my wish list. It really does look beautiful. I’m glad you fell in love some more!
I love your review- from the description of the book jacket all the way to the end notes, it is an insightful exploration of the book, poet and illustrator. There are so many poets it is hard to choose a favorite, but is hard to resist Mary Oliver when she asks us to consider “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” I love the question in Goldfinches, too- “Have you ever been so happy?” I love Melissa Sweet as an illustrator. End notes in her books are epic! If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to get Some Writer, The Story of E. B. White. Stewart is author and illustrator. So good!
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll check it out.
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