Ivy in Bloom

 

In Ivy in Bloom, Vanita Oelschlager celebrates Spring with poetry from great poets and writers of the past. Oelschlager starts her book in poetic verse, lamenting winter's dreariness and spring's promise. By using shades of black, grey, brown, and white, illustrator Kristin Blackwood plays on this dreary time between seasons. Blackwood begins to paint the pages with brilliant colors as springtime approaches. In order to complete her book in verse, author Vanita Oelschlager ceases writing and instead uses the writings of famous poets and writers from the past.

Here's a look at how the first poet's words transition from the author's writing.

Vanita Oelschlager wrote:

When, oh when,
Will spring be here?
When will outside be
Yellow and blue,
Green and red
And bright orange too?

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote:

W(hen) winter winds are piercing chill,

This came from his poem Woods in Winter.

Ending the book are words from Robert Browning's poem, The Year's at the Spring.

God's in His heaven —
All's right with the world.

Kristin Blackwood illustrates a sunny day with birds flying through the air. In the background are trees. The green grass is dotted with colorful flowers. A rod iron and stone fence surrounds the area. At the forefront is a barefooted little girl in a pink dress swinging on a swing.

At the back of the book, there is a listing of all the poems and the writers' words. Words that appear in the text are highlighted in green. The poet's or writer's brief facts are given, as well as what poem or written text they are penned.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.