Review Detail

A striking and sweet visualization of an iconic poem, this book joins Oliver's joyful poetry with vibrant illustrations. In detailing the simple experience of observing birds and sunrise, the words evoke a sense of freedom found in nature, the push and pull between human order and wild beauty, and the hope and joy which is so easily forgotten but innate to life - as summed up in the final line, "Hatchling wake and love the world." Sometimes the description "illustrated poem" can seem pretentious, but this is precisely the opposite. It's a simple story made to be enjoyed by everyone.

Bold colors make the illustrations feel both classic and modern. The full-page scenes incorporate landscapes and extracts of smaller scenes or notebook pages, like a glimpse of a personal journal. End materials include the poem written again in full and a note from the illustrator.

An all around beautiful homage to Mary Oliver that is also an excellent introduction for new readers.