Beloved poet Mary Oliver’s life is lovingly related in this picture book biography. A quiet and observant child who was most comfortable outside, exploring nature, young Mary yearned for a way to express the peace and comfort she experienced on her wanderings. As a young woman, she was inspired to write to the sister of her favorite poet, the deceased Edna St. Vincent Millay, who offered Mary a job sorting through the poet’s papers. The opportunity helped Mary blossom; a budding poet herself, she began to share her words with the world. Her keen and profound observations made it easy for her to relate to a photographer she met, Molly Malone Cook, who became her lifelong romantic partner. Publishing a new book of poetry every one to two years, Mary eventually received a Pulitzer Prize. Known for her beautiful and accessible way with words, her poetry was also criticized for being pedestrian. Yet it was her childlike sense of wonder that inspired so many of her poems and warranted her appeal. Dreamy digital watercolor illustrations accompany the clear narrative.