Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Together with poets Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, Alexander has put together a book that celebrates poets and poetry. The book is divided into three parts, the first mimicking the style of specific poet as a tribute to that poet; the second celebrating poets with poems that honor the lives of those poets; and the third honoring the poets with a poem of gratitude written to those poets. The poems are paired with artwork from Holmes, who won a Caldecott Honor in 2016, and the juxtaposition of her vibrant collages with the joyous words of Alexander, Colderley, and Wentworth makes this book a phenomenal teaching tool or pleasure read for those kids, or adults, who enjoy reading poetry. The entire book is a love poem to the art of poetry and to the people who have touched the lives of millions from the thirteenth century (Rumi) to today (Naomi Shihab Nye, to name one). A short bio of each poet honored in the book is included at the end of the book. A wonderful book to add to any library collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent